In this step-by-step tutorial, we'll demystify the process, using simple ingredients like a potato and sea salt to harness the power of beneficial microbes. Jadam Microbial Solution is a game-changer for sustainable gardening, offering an easy DIY solution that enriches your soil, promotes plant growth, and aligns with the principles of eco-friendly cultivation.
JADAM Microbial Solution (JMS) is a technique that draws inspiration from traditional Korean farming practices. The method was developed by Youngsang Cho, a South Korean natural farmer and the founder of the Jadam Institute. Cho, motivated by the desire to create a sustainable and low-cost alternative to conventional farming inputs, introduced JMS as a way to harness the power of indigenous microorganisms in the soil. This approach builds upon the concept of cultivating a thriving microbial community that can enhance soil fertility and support plant health. Originating in the early 2000s, the Jadam Microbial Solution technique has gained traction worldwide for its simplicity, accessibility, and the remarkable results it delivers to gardens and farms alike.
Applying JMS every other week serves as a preventative measure, creating an environment that fosters beneficial microorganisms while crowding out potential threats. Now, let's dive into the simple yet powerful process of creating JMS with ingredients readily available to you.
Ingredients:
20 grams of leaf mold (harvested from the oldest tree in your yard or a nearby forest)
1-2 ORGANIC Red or Yukon potatoes (choose organic to avoid fungicides and antibiotic chemicals)
5 Gallon Bucket
Wood Dowel or Wood Stick
Paint Strainer Bag or any mesh bag to serve as our "tea" bag.
4 gallons/15 liters of Rainwater or Non-chlorinated water
15 grams or 1TBS of sea salt (pre-dissolved into a cup of hot water)
Handful of worm castings (Optional)
How to Collect Your Leaf Mold
Leaf mold is essentially decomposed leaves that have broken down into a rich, dark, and crumbly substance. Here's how you can collect leaf mold from the forest for making Jadam Microbial Tea:
Choose the Right Location: Select a forested area that is free from pollution and chemical contamination. Avoid areas close to roadsides or industrial zones.
Harvest The Leaf Mold: Go to the base of the biggest oldest tree in your yard or forest and scrape away the top layer of leaves and grab a handful of soil underneath. If you see some leaves with white strands on them, collect some of that as well! This soil will be full of the starter microbes we need to make our solution.
Instructions:
1. Boil a few medium-sized red potatoes for about 20 minutes until they are soft. In the photo below, I boiled enough potatoes for a few batches. Two medium potatoes is all you need.
2. Place the potatoes into a mesh strainer bag along with leaf mold and the optional worm castings. Tie the bag to a wood stick and submerge it about an inch above the bottom of the 5-gallon bucket. If it floats, add a few stones. Massage the bag to turn the potatoes into mush, causing the water to become cloudy.
3. Pour in your sea salt solution. Quick Tip: After you boil your potatoes, take some of the hot water and add it to a small jar with the 1 tablespoon of sea salt and stir until it is mostly dissolved. Having the salt pre-dissolved will improve the fermentation process.
4. Cover the bucket with a loose lid or cloth for ventilation. Here, I topped it with a piece of burlap cloth.
5. Brew the mixture for 24-36 hours. Look for a ring of small bubble formation, indicating microbial activity. Use it after 24 hours if bubbles cover the surface or wait another day for full coverage. We want to apply during peak activity of fermentation which means when the bubbles are still actively covering the water surface.
A Look Under the Microscope!
As you can see, this microbial brew is teaming with nutrient releasing microbes ready for your garden.
Application:
Soil Drench: Mix 1 part JMS with 10 parts water (0.5 gallons JMS to 4.5 gallons water). One 5 Gallon bucket of 4 gallons of JMS can make 40 gallons of JMS solution. This involves using a watering can to water the soil or using a water transfer pump and hose and spraying the whole garden.
Leaf Spray: Mix 1 part JMS with 20 parts water (0.25 gallons JMS to 4.75 gallons water). For foliar spray, one 5 gallon bucket can make up to 80 gallons of JMS solution. This should be enough for most suburban gardens. Notice that we use a more dilute solution for foliar applications.
Tips for Application:
Apply to soil or foliar spray in the early morning on an overcast day or after the sun has set.
For foliar spray, add a few drops of a wetting agent like castile soap to help it adhere to leaves.
Use JMS as a substitute for regular watering for the day, pouring it into your watering can.
For large applications, consider using a transfer pump to spray the solution across the entire garden.
By following these straightforward steps, you'll not only create a potent microbial solution for your garden but also contribute to the long-standing tradition of natural farming practices that prioritize sustainability and environmental harmony. Embrace the simplicity of JMS and watch your garden flourish with renewed vitality.
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