But first…a word about compost teas. Backyard Organics is a firm believer in the benefits in using compost and compost teas and would enjoy having a detailed conversation with you regarding all of its benefits, however, in the meantime, here is what the experts in the industry have to say about compost teas.
“Good tea is worth the trouble to brew because it can transform your lawn and garden” – Paul Tukey, author of the Organic Lawn Care Manual”
“Compost tea is one of the inputs on the horizon that will change the way we deal with several of the management aspects of growing high quality turfgrass, either in your backyard, on your town’s parks and athletic fields, or on commercial and institutional properties” – Chip Osborne, Osborne Organics.
“The use of actively aerated tea, when applied under a proper management regime, returns beneficial biology to the soil. This in turn rebuilds a soil food weed which, reduced dependency on fertilizers and pesticides, improves plant growth and reduces disease, significantly reduces water use, reduces toxicity, and encourages the healthy establishment of healthy biology” – Dr. Elaine Ingham, President and Director of Research at Soil Foodweb Inc.
“Aerated compost teas are the latest in scientific organic research today. In many ways, aerated teas offer greater immediate benefits than classic compost, manure, or other homemade foliar teas” – The Garden Web
Need more? Click the Google logo to search the ”benefits of compost tea”
Soil Testing
Comprehensive soil testing forms the basis of any successful organic maintenance program. To fully understand your soil conditions three tests (Biological, Chemical and Textural) would be recommended, however, completing all three tests is typically not economically feasible for the typical home owner.
Site Evaluation
A Backyard Organics™ representative will visit your site make notes regarding, square feet of treatable area (turf, gardens, trees & shrubs), soil compaction, turf density, thatch, disease/pest indicators, weed presence, and general lawn condition. If the homeowner is available, we would also like to know if you have an irrigation system, invisible dog fence, if you have treated your lawn in the past with chemicals and any other concerns you may have as a home owner.
Applications – General Process
In 2012 Backyard Organics™ started formulating and brewing their own compost tea applications. The formulas used are based on trial and error studies and experiences taken in part from Universities/education facilities, organic farmers and organic land care professionals throughout the world and have been adjusted to accommodate our soil types found in this part of the state.
Spring Application – Dry
When to Apply: Prior to the ground turning 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 2 – 3 weeks prior to germination of targeted weed (typically April early May or when the forsythia and daffodils begin to bloom).
Mid Spring Application – BYOtea™ w/additives
When to Apply: When grass “greens” up (typically April – May).
Product Description: Early spring is the time to focus on feeding beneficial bacteria and promoting high concentrations of naturally occurring Nitrogen which will “jump start” the growing season.
Summer Application #1 – BYOtea™ w/additives
When to Apply: May-June
Product Description: Primary goal of summer applications is to feed and maintain the soil and improve plant structure.
Summer Application #2 – BYOtea™ w/additives
When to Apply: May-June
Product Description: Primary goal of summer applications is to feed and maintain the soil and improve plant structure
Early Fall Application – BYOtea™ w/additives
When to Apply: September – October
Product Description: Early Fall is the time to focus on root structure, breaking down dead plant material and adding organic matter in preparation for the winter months.
Late Fall Application – Dry
When to Apply: October – November
Product Description: Elixir for heavy clay soils also provides 22% calcium which improves soil structure and drainage and also acts as a fertilizer.
Weed Control
“Weeds” are not an indication of a healthy soil. There are beneficial “weeds” such as clover, which naturally add nitrogen to the soil, however most are a symptom to an issue. Backyard Organic’s goal is to root cause the issue rather than continuously deal with symptoms.
This service may include total eradication, spot weeding, pre-emergent control, soil modification, over-seeding, and proper mowing techniques. No lawn care plan (chemical or organic) can permanently eliminate weeds. We will, however, provide you with a safe, earth-friendly means of controlling them. Backyard Organics™ does not provide chemical treatments however, if necessary, we will coordinate the efforts needed with a lawn care professional that uses synthetic products for weed control.
Top Dressing with Organic Matter/Compost
Ideal soils have a minimum of 5% organic matter, a small percentage but a critical component to a sustainable soil. Top dressing with compost is the quickest way to add organic matter to a deficient soil. We recommend a top dressing application of 1/4″ of compost with grass cut to 2 inches.
Aeration
Over-seeding
All grasses have a life cycle and replenishing the “old” with the “new” is a great way to choke out weed growth. Backyard Organics uses a proprietary blend of grasses that can handle soils and conditions of all type. We recommend over-seeding with aeration however its not absolutely necessary.
Over-seeding with Mycorrhizae Fungi
Mycorrhizae fungi encourage disease resistance, water retention, and overall plant vigor which would help expedite the growing process. We combine the benefits of Mycorrhizae with our proprietary seed blend for outstanding for fast and effective results.
Garden (Flower & Vegetable) Service
Aerated compost teas are the latest in scientific organic research today. In many ways, aerated teas offer greater immediate benefits than classic compost, manure, or other homemade foliar teas. The bottom line here for gardeners is that if you do not have enough compost to apply to your yard and garden to increase the beneficial microorganisms, use compost tea. This will quickly get their numbers up to levels that will provide all the help you need in getting rich, vigorous plant growth. Our Teas provide a balance between fungal and bacterial microbes, the nutrients to feed the biology and the necessary predators to jump start your garden. Then your job is to plant and harvest healthy, vigorous flowers and vegetables. We recommend at least 2 garden applications per year (early spring and fall).
Tree & Shrub Service
Deep Root Fertilization
In nature, trees and shrubs are fed through the decomposition of forest litter. This benefit is not provided by the home landscape. Our deep root fertilization provides a needed feeding with nutrients and organic soil conditioners, keeping plants healthy and helping them to resist disease.
Soil Soak Fertilization
As a soil drench, BYOtea™ develops a biological barrier around roots to prevent root disease-causing organisms from being able to find the roots. The tea also provides nutrients for the roots to improve plant growth and improves nutrient and moisture retention.
Foliar Fertilization
The availability of essential nutrients from the soil may be limited by root uptake. Factors affecting nutrient uptake are soil temperature, soil moisture, nutrient imbalances and general energy deficiencies. Foliar feeding can help maintain the nutrient balance within the plant, while this imbalance may continue to occur with soil nutrient uptake.
A site evaluation will be necessary to determine the appropriate fertilization method.
Pest & Disease Control
How Does Compost Provide an Alternative to Pesticides and Fertilizers?
Good quality compost tea and compost is the cornerstone of organic gardening and landscaping. The simple
truth is that healthy, vigorous plants resist pests and diseases. The best way to raise healthy plants
is to have healthy soil, and the best way to have healthy soil is to use compost teas and compost.
Non-toxic methods. Our program uses only non-toxic methods for treating and preventing pests and disease by relying on the following processes and do-it-yourself techniques:
• Aerating to reduce plant stress
• Monitoring moisture because inadequate moisture levels can weaken plants and make them susceptible to pest problems.
• Compost teas have been shown to suppress powdery mildew.
• Manually removing infected tree and shrub branches.
Deer Protection
Natural and Organic treatments that protect food crops as well as ornamental trees and shrubs. Deer protection is available as a service and/or do-it-yourself products. Apply as needed.
Mosquito Protection
Natural and organic treatments. Preventive and repellent for turf, woods and natural borders and shrub beds. Available as a service and/or do-it-yourself products. Apply as needed.
Tick Protection
Natural and organic treatments. Preventive and repellent for turf, woods and natural borders and shrub beds. Available as a service and/or do-it-yourself products. Apply as needed.
