Vegetable Garden Teas

Question from Maureen:
I attended your talk at Roger’s Garden last week–loved it.

I am a somewhat new organic gardener. Just put in a 4×20 raised bed for veggies (squash, cantelope, tomatoes, potatoes, radishes, herbs). I have purchased compost and will be layering top soil over.

Based on your lecture, I sent away for Humic and worm castings. I have notes too about the benefits of sea bird guana. Do you have a brand that you prefer? When I search on line, there are many different compositions.

I am also reading on line about different ‘teas’ and recommendations of mixing the guana with the worm castings…again do you have a recommendation of a tea that I can use throughout the growing season for both fruits and vegetables?

Also it appears that sea bird guana is preferred to bat for vegetables?

Thank you in advance, I so appreciate your advice,

Answer from Pat:
Fossilized Seabird Guano is one type I’ve used with success. Here is the address of a man who knows more about this product than I do: Daniel Mendez, 4570 Campus Drive, Newport Beach Ca.92660. (949 252 2155)  www.pacofocguano.com

If you purchased a copy of my organic book you will find basic recipe’s in it for various nutritious “tea’s” and if you wish you can mix in guano. The following recipes for gardening “teas” are in boxes and sidebars in the current edition of my book. Please refer to the following pages for these specific recipes: Page 119—Recipe for Alfalfa Tea, Page 163—Recipe for Earthworm Casting Tea, and Page 317—Recipe for Compost Tea or Manure Tea.

Bat guano is also very good. Consult the packages in order to compare formulas. Sometimes trial and error is the best way to discover what works best for you and your specific soil and climate. Keep a garden notebook and jot down what you fed your crops, when, and how much, and later record your results. This can be a great way to learn what works.