Fermented Plant Extracts

Fermented plant extracts (FPE) with lactobacillus are powerful tools in the arsenal of any organic gardener. These natural concoctions harness the benefits of local vegetation and the potent effects of lactobacillus, a beneficial bacteria known for its role in fermentation. When combined, these ingredients create nutrient-rich, microbe-friendly solutions that can be used as compost teas, enriching the soil and promoting vigorous plant growth. Whether you're aiming to boost soil health, enhance plant vitality, or achieve bountiful harvests, FPEs offer a sustainable and effective method to elevate your gardening practices.

Fermented Plant Extracts (FPE) have deep roots in traditional agriculture, particularly in Korean Natural Farming (KNF) and JADAM methods. KNF, pioneered by Master Cho Han Kyu, integrated ancient Korean agricultural techniques with modern scientific understanding to enhance soil fertility and plant health through natural ferments. Similarly, JADAM, founded by Youngsang Cho, expanded on these principles, emphasizing low-cost, effective methods using local resources. Both systems embrace the fermentation of plant materials as a way to harness beneficial microorganisms and nutrients. Historically, these practices draw from indigenous knowledge, where fermentation was used to create natural fertilizers and improve crop yields. Today, the use of FPE continues to evolve, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary organic farming techniques.

Essentially, you're harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria to break down plant materials and release their nutrients. When plant material, or any organic material for that matter (even worm shit) are submerged in water and combined with lactobacillus, the bacteria begin to ferment the plant matter. This process not only preserves the nutrients but also transforms them into forms that are more readily available to plants. The lactobacillus bacteria thrive on the sugars present in the plant material, creating an environment rich in enzymes, amino acids, and essential minerals. Even in its simplest form, this fermentation process significantly enhances the nutrient profile of the resulting extract. The end product is a nutrient-dense, microbe-rich liquid that can work wonders in your garden.

Selecting the right plants to make a ferment involves understanding the specific needs of the plants that will receive the finished product. For instance, during the vegetative stage, plants require high levels of nitrogen, so using nitrogen-rich plants like alfalfa or comfrey for your ferment is ideal. In contrast, for fruiting or flowering stages, you'll want plants high in phosphorus and potassium, such as banana peels or yarrow. To assess the phytochemical content of different plants, online databases and scientific articles can be valuable resources. By researching these phytochemical profiles, you can tailor your FPE batches to provide the precise nutrients needed for each stage of your plant’s life cycle

Storing fermented plant extracts (FPE) properly is crucial for maintaining their potency and longevity. After fermentation, strain the liquid to remove solid plant material and transfer it to airtight containers, preferably glass jars. You can store these jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, cellar, or even a mini fridge or your kitchen refrigerator. For best results, let the jar warm up to room temperature before use to awaken the beneficial microbes and ensure maximum effectiveness when applying the FPE to your garden..