How to make EM-FPE (Fermented Plant Extract)

For centuries extracts have been used as elixirs for all sorts of ailments. Individuals would seek out certain plant materials that were known for their beneficial properties and ferment them to extract the desired benefits. This same technology can be used to extract properties from plants such as geranium to make a citronella extra for keeping away mosquitoes. Hot peppers and garlic are also known for their pest-deterring properties. If you incorporate companion planting (basil with tomato), you may find a winning combination to give the effect you want.

Weeds and other green material can be recycled into an organic foliar spray and insect repellent. During fermentation EM-1 is able to ferment weeds and extract organic acids, bio-active substances, minerals, and other useful organic compounds from these materials which are able to promote plant growth and repel diseases or insects.

What you will need:

• A clean airtight plastic container, bucket or large tank with lid*
• EM-1
• Sugar Cane Molasses
• Water (use good water, preferably activated with EM-X ceramics)
• Chopped, fresh weeds & herbs
• Gauze or cloth for filtering
• A measuring cup and large spoon for stirring
• pH paper to check pH

Fermentation aids include a non-metallic heating rod and a airlock.

*Please wash container thoroughly and do not use a glass container to avoid rupturing the container caused by gas production during the fermentation process.

Recipe:

5 % EM-1
5 % Sugar cane molasses
45 % Fresh, chopped plant material like weeds & herbs
45 % Water

Example to make a 20 litre bucket of EM-FPE:

1 l EM-1 (you must use EM-1, don't use EM-A!)
1 l Sugar cane molasses
9 l Water (use good water, preferably activated with EM-X ceramics)
9 l (1-2kg) Fresh, chopped plant material like weeds & herbs**

If you need different amounts of EM-FPE, use our EM-FPE Calculator (coming soon)

Instructions:

1. Cut fresh weeds and chop up well (2-5 cm pieces)
2. Put chopped weeds into bucket
3. Fill the molasses with some hot water (approx. 60-80°C) and the remaining water (total approx. 40°C) into the plastic bucket
4. Add the EM-1 to the mix
5. Cover the top of bucket with black plastic bag and press down the lid on it
6. Put weight on the lid. Take care to push out extra air from the bucket
7. Store bucket in a warm place (20-35 °C), away from direct Sunlight
8. Fermentation begins, gas is generated within 2-5 days, depending on temp
9. Stir the weeds in the bucket regularly to release the gas
10. The EM-FPE is ready for use when pH of solution is below 3.5 (this should take between 7-10 days). Put EM-FPE into plastic bottles after removing weeds by filtration with gauze or cloth
11. EM-FPE should be stored in a dark, cool place at uniform temperature, but not in a refrigerator or in bright sunlight
12. Use EM-FPE within 3 months

• Spray on plants at 1:500 to 1:1000
• Spray on soil (to suppress disease) at 1:100 to 1:500

** use plants and herbs like: mugwort, artemisia, clover, nettle, camomile, borage, dandelion, vervain, sage, thyme, rose-leafs - you could also add a few garlic cloves and chili pods.