Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is actually a good sign that you compost pile has the right temperature and moisture content. Black Soldier Flies will help break down the organic matter in your compost pile.

You will find Black Soldier Flies when it is hot and humid outside. BSF's generally live in the same conditions as mosquitos.

Bokashi Composting is a unique indoor product used to recycle food scraps into an organic soil conditioner and create your own homemade plant food. Bokashis means fermented organic matter. Bokashi composting uses anaerobic(without oxygen) fermentation to break down food scraps very quickly while avioding rotting oders.

Fist make sure that you are draining your Bokashi bin regularly. It is best to drain your bin every 1-3 days. Check to see if there is white mold growing inside your bin. If you see white mold it is a good sign. If you don't see any growth on top of your food scraps you can add a small amount of sugar to your bin or a 1/4 of a can of beer. Also make sure that every time you add food scraps they are lightly coated with bran. If you have any further problems or questions feel free to call our office at 512-870-8062.

Drain the tea every one to three days.

Yes, however it is best to keep your bin out of direct sunlight.

Nutrient tea from the Bokashi bin has all the nutrients from the food scraps you put in your Bokashi bin and around 30 different species of microbes that are particular to breaking down organic matter. It is primarily the nutrients from your Bokashi bin that is helpful to your plants. Compost tea has thousands of different species of microbes and few nutrients. In compost tea it is the broad spectrum of microorganisms that are beneficial to your plants.

Large bones, coconut shell

The rate of dilution varies depending on what you put into your bin. As a general rule if you drain your bin every 1-3 days you should dilute the nutrient tea in a 1 or 2 gallon jug of water before watering your plants. If you want a more technical answer a ratio of around 1 part nutrient tea to 40 parts water works for most plants.

We have African Nighcrawlers cocoons and Red Wiggler worms, both available by special order.

Prilled Azomite refers to Azomite in the form of small pellets. Micronized Azomite is Azomite ground into fine powder.

Nutrient tea from the Bokashi bin has all the nutrients from the food scraps you put in your Bokashi bin and around 30 different species of microbes that are particular to breaking down organic matter. It is primarily the nutrients from your Bokashi bin that is helpful to your plants. Compost tea has thousands of different species of microbes and few nutrients. In compost tea it is the broad spectrum of microorganisms that are beneficial to your plants.

During drought periods, plants and the soil can become quite brittle, especially when temperatures are regularly above 90 F, so we should not act too agressively.

We prefer to use soaker hoses around the drip line of the plants to moisten the soil. We like adding 1/4 gallon of compost extract to the soil around small to medium size plants, shrubs, forbs etc., with a watering can, or pour directly on to the soil where the hose is. Microbes travel deeper into the soil via the moisture. If available, use rainwater before choosing for city water as the buildup of chloramines can negatively effect the reproduction of the microbes.

During periods where the daily high is below 90F, foliar spraying of compost tea can deliver excellent results to plants that have been damaged by the drought. Compost Extract is best viewed as a therapy that needs to be repeated on a regular basis (during the growing season, we like monthly best except for when it is really cold, and not as a silver bullet like aspirin.  See our Residential Services page for more information.

Compost tea is generally aerated for 24-48 hours. Microbial Earth makes compost tea extract, which is made from high quality humified compost. We make an extraction from our humified compost and only aerate for 15 minutes. This process allows for a high quality tea that has a much longer shelf life and no issues with biofilm.

We carry Endo Mycorrhizae, however we can special order Ecto Mycorrhizae if you need it.

Microbial Earth products can be found at the following locations:

Austin Independent Retailers:
Wheatsville Co-op
Geo-growers
The Great Outdoors
Brite Ideas
Red Barn Nursery

Austin Farmer's Markets
Austin Downtown Farmer's Market (Sat 9-11)
Barton Creek Farmer's Market (Sat 9-11)
Cedar Park Farmer's Market (Sat 9-11)

San Antonio
Antique Rose Emporium
Shades of Green