Step 1: Begin filling container with clean un-chlorinated water. If only chlorinated water is available, follow directions for off-gassing after filling in step 4. Be sure the container is either in or able to be moved to a shady or sheltered place once filled - see step 8.

Step 2: Place Aerator Assembly in container and hook the two bungee cords from the container sides to the central loop at the top of the aerator pole. This will hold the

aerator steady and firm to the container bottom once air is applied.

Step 3: Next, connect the oil-less air compressor to the male air fitting at the top of the aerator pole. A pressure of 10-20 psi is recommended. The aerator is extremely tough and will not be harmed if the pressure is higher, but greater than 20 psi is not beneficial.Step 4: If the water is chlorinated, run aerator to off-gas the chlorine for approximately 30 minutes after filling; use the 20 psi pressure setting. Otherwise go to step 5.Step 5: Mix the molasses (10-12 oz of unsulphured) in a separate bucket with un-chlorinated water until fully dissolved; un-chlorinated water can be pulled from the container once off-gassed.

Step 6: Pour the dissolved molasses into the brewer.

Teamaking-55galcontainer-R3.Docx Making Worm Tea – 55 Gallon Container 1

Materials Required…..o Standard container: 55 gallon drum is an excellent size. Capable of making sufficient tea to

cover up to 9 acres. o Aerator assembly (shown in drum with air hose connected.) See details below

o Air hose with standard female industrial connector.o Bungee cord(s). Best to use two 16” lengths.o 35 lb bag of high quality Casting4Growth worm castings.o 1 jar, 10-12 oz of unsulphured Molasses.o Oil-less air compressor, capable of 3 or more SCFM output with standard psi regulator.o 5 gallon bucket with a 400 micron screen for filtering brewed tea when filling sprayers.o Not Shown is an oil-less air compressor – 1.5hp or higher – 3 SCFM or better.

Step 7: Pour the casting around the top of the container in a slow smooth movement. It is best to break up clumps if found, but it is not required. If the air psi is set higher during this time (20 psi), the castings will stay in suspension longer and the reproduction of the microbial life in the casting can start immediately. However, the tea will come out fine if the psi not set higher.

Step 8: Move the brew to a shady covering like the inside of a barn or garage. This prevents exposure to direct sunlight during the brewing process.

Step 9: Take a nap in the shade!

Keep in mind that a surfactant (wetting agent like an Ivory Soap) applied to the brew just before application will aid in the quality and success of the application. Be sure the surfactant is organic and is non-toxic. What you have just created in the tea are millions of microbes that will be very welcomed by your plants. The variety of microbes in worm tea exceeds that of any compost; for that reason worm tea actually helps complete a normal compost pile.

Total Brewing time is approximately 24 hours. 8-12 hours into the brew cycle you should see a foam head form on the surface that will look something like picture 2. This foam head indicates that the microbes are active and eating. If you fail to see a foam head then consider the following.1. Is the water temperature in the 60F - 90F range2. Was the water off gassed before applying molasses and castings?3. Did you use at least 10-12 oz of unsulphured Molasses?4. Are you using as oil-less air compressor?5. Do you have ample air supply? You need a 3 SCFM compressor set at 10-20 lb psi setting. A low psi setting will not supply the correct requirements. 6.Was brewer in direct sunlight? When the brew is ready, 1. Turn off the air supply just before moving the liquid brew to your applicator but leave aerator on bottom of container.2. Apply the entire brew within 8-10 hours. 3. Application rate is 5 gallons of tea per acre. Fill the applicator with the required amount of un-chlorinated water your applicator applies per acre. (Example for one acre: Applicator applies 30 gallons/acre. After adding 5 gallons of tea, simply add 25 gallons (which is 30-5) of fresh un-chlorinated water.) If only chlorinated water is available you can pre off-gas by allowing it to stand for 24 hours in an open container. Start this process when you start the tea.

This ratio can be more concentrated (example: add 10 or 15 gallons of brew per acre and then add only the balance of water required to cover the desired acres); you cannot hurt by over applying worm tea, but you can help trouble spots. (Keep in mind that significant trouble spots should have dry castings applied to the area at a rate of 10% castings: meaning - apply 10 lbs to the 100 sq ft. once every 3/4 months – until the troubled area recovers.)

4. Apply tea during early morning or late afternoon. Do not apply in mid day direct sunlight as the UV rays ( clouds do not stop UV ) will kill the diverse microbial life you just created before plants can take advantage of them. 5. Be sure to clean all items used in the brewing, including the container, with water and a rub down. Let dry in the sun before re-use. This avoids transferring any undesirables to the next brew.

Teamaking-55galcontainer-R3.Docx Making Worm Tea – 55 Gallon Container 2

2. A proper looking Foam Head on top of a brew ready for applyingPicture 2 A proper looking head of foam on worm tea - starts appearing in as few as 8-12 hours.

Picture 1 Pouring Castings into container.