I Googled EM-1 after I read this and I found a bottle for sale. I was confused about why they already have molasses in there? Is this something new? Can I buy plain EM and mix my own? Will this kind multiply like yours?


http://www.teraganix.com/EM-1-...

EM and EM-1 are basically the same thing but some companies use different combinations of ingredients. They all just "Effective Microorganisms" In the article:

EM (Effective Microorganisms) and EM-1 contain yeast, photosynthetic bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria

So whatever company you buy from just watch the ingredient list and make sure it has what you want (you don't "need" the extra bacteria but its up to you). I've seen some "EM" mixtures that have lots of other good stuff and I think EM-1 is an actual trademarkd combination. In Asia they have different types depending on what you wan the microorganisms to do; 4 types of EM (EM1, EM2, EM3 and EM4). So if you are buying "EM-1" you are buying that specific combination of three bacteria (yeast, photosynthetic bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria). EM is generic microorganisms and could be who knows what (probably way more types of microorganisms/bacteria) so just read labels. The molasses is good to have for all mixtures as it is food for the microorganisms.

http://www.finegardening.com/h...

You can also grow your own. Here is one method. You still need molasses to feed the microorganisms.

Back in the 1950s, we used to have a cow feed that looked like puffed oats drenched with molasses. (I often munched on a handful myself when I went down to milk the cows) Recently I read that cows are fermenters--thats why they chew their cuds. Now I wonder if that was the reason for the molasses in the cow's feed? To feed the microorganisms in the cow?

I've been using EM1 for years and I love it! It is very easy to 'stretch' the liquid in the bottle you bought by mixing 1 part EM, 1 part molassas and 10 parts water. Release the cap on the bottle everyday as gasses build up. 10 days later you will have the equivalent of what you bought....

As long as there are specks on the top of the EM you have active culture. I use it to water in a granular fert. made with fish meal...stinks to high heaven and the dog loves to tip up pots to eat the fishmeal. Watering it in with EM removes the odor.

Yes, molassas feeds the organisms in EM ... good properties for the soil as well.

I see on one website they were using it in septic tanks and on another website they are using it in themselves. LOL. A probiotic supplement! Yummy!

I just want the kind for gardening compost. I knew to add molasses but was confused when it said it already had molasses as an ingredient. But I suppose you just keep cutting it with more molasses and ten parts water every time you make some?

Wow, this is great. I am very interested in Kitchen Composting and using this as a foliage spray this spring. I am hopeful it will help with the daylily rust by making them more resistant to disease and pest. I will report the results back to you.

https://www.teraganix.com/Sear...

See this Idea from a while ago written by SongofJoy - all about the Bokaski method of composting.
This is on my 'to do' list.

http://garden.org/ideas/view/S...

Yes, it's the same thing!! (on my to do list also!!)

The categories on the left are for composting. You can get a starter kit for $25.99 without a spigot, I like that better because you can just dump it into a trench like @SongofJoy. If you drain off the liquid you have to mix one teaspoon per gallon? I picture myself with 42 gallons by summer, LOL. But you have to use this stuff within a certain amount of time...right??

http://www.teraganix.com/Bokas...

Thanks for the article! Love your sense of humor!
I am on a learning curve for doing a bokashi bucket. The first one didn't decompose the material very well. You are right about draining the liquid...there is alot and it is a challenge to dilute it. I think Song of Joy's method may be better.
Using the EM 1 is very helpful. It is not fertilizer. When you make an activated batch it is good for about 8 weeks.

What a wonderful and easy to read article. Your style of writing kept me reading through the entire article with a smile on my face.
See, learning is fun.

I used to make Bokashi with the EM - but now I simply spray EM on the compost.

I thought you would be pleased to know that a woman living in Papua New Guinea (collecting and doing research on Hoyas) saw this article and is really stoked!!!! She and her husband want to plant a large orchard with fruit trees to help the community and EM and composting weeds fits right into their plans.

Have you looked into the Korean method (actually making your own effective micro organisms. Quite brilliant, actually.

*** EM does have molasses in it (gotta feed those little critters), but to use it effectively, you mix equal parts EM/molasses with water and the new addition of molasses feeds the micro organisms while it works.

That is what I was thinking. Just spray it on the compost. How did you make Bokashi ??
Do you know anything about the probiotic, is it a different formula that people drink for detoxing or what ever.... Has anyone ever drank it??

Susan...it is the same stuff - for plants or for people, even tho EM does put a different label on the people stuff for people who are squeamish. I have taken it...not bad tasting. EM is used a lot by Dairy farmers to spray down their barns to kill the smell and to clean the place up.

It's also good to water into your plants from time to time....and to spray your plants with...gives a dose of beneficial bacteria against anything that may be lurking. It's great to spray on a stinky compost, a rotting X (animal,garbage, whatever)...I even saw where a bar tender used to spray his bar at the end of the evening to kill the cigarette smoke (used it like an air freshener)...

Thanks Carol, good to know!

Got my EM-1in the mail!! I am so excited, I don't know what to do first. Maybe make more? How soon does it have to be used?

EM-1

Unopened , kept in a cool dark place (not the refrigerator) it should keep for up to 12 months - check your bottle for an expiration date for a better answer.

Once opened, it should be used with-in 3 months.