Ecothrive Bio-Blend

Ecothrive Bio-Blend

A Professional Source of Diverse Microbiology for Organic Compost Tea

Bio-Blend is an organic and complete compost blend designed for creating liquid compost extracts or “compost tea”. As every professional organic grower understands, the efficacy of compost tea is dependent on the quality of the compost and inputs. Through a partnership with the Soil Smiths, we have developed a bespoke biological inoculum, combining inoculation-grade thermophilic compost with our superior vermicompost (also known as worm castings). This mixture introduces an extensive range of naturally occurring beneficial microbes and soil organisms, providing a substantial dose of plant-available nutrients in balanced ratios.

How is Bio-Blend Premium Compost Produced?

The Soil Smiths create their premium grade compost from meticulously selected sources using the Johnson-Su bioreactor method. This careful process, verified at every stage under a microscope, ensures the vitality of specific microbial communities crucial for our gardens' health. After maturing for six to twelve months, we produce a highly fungal, biologically complete compost that meets all microbial requirements set forth by renowned soil expert, Dr. Elaine Ingham. We then enhance this premium compost by blending it with lab-verified vermicompost to form our distinctive 'Bio-Blend'.

Bio-Blend: Essential for Living Soil

For those cultivating living soil, building a dynamic ecosystem is essential but it can be challenging without the right tools. Bio-Blend’s biologically complete compost extract introduces a comprehensive assortment of soil food web organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, worms, and small soil insects, ideal for enriching both indoor and outdoor living soil systems. An uptick in soil surface activity, like emerging small mushrooms and increased soil insect activity, indicates a thriving soil environment.

Superior Compost for Superior Results

Indoor growers sometimes mistakenly view beneficial soil-dwelling insects as pests rather than as integral components of a healthy living soil system. In a genuine living soil system, these organisms are crucial for maintaining ecosystem health. Bio-Blend attracts a wide array of arthropods, including soil mites, springtails, and millipedes, all of which play vital roles in developing and sustaining your soil ecosystem.

How Beneficial Soil Biology Functions

Using a compost extract stimulates a diverse soil food web. The increased activity of bacteria and fungi, consumed by protozoa and nematodes, boosts mineralisation rates, thus providing more nutrients available for plant uptake—a cycle affectionately known among some soil food web enthusiasts as the "poop loop".

Use

Add 50-100ml of Bio-Blend per litre of de-chlorinated water.
Mix vigorously for 30 to 60 seconds.
You can use a large spoon, paddle mixer or paint mixer drill attachment.
You now have ready to use liquid extract

Application

Apply 5-10L of the extract per 1-2m2 of growing area.
It is best to keep the liquid mixed while applying.
You can top-dress the used compost onto your pots or beds.

Benefits

Inoculation Grade Biologically Complete Compost
Laboratory Tested for Optimal Nutrition and Biology
Simple to Use: Just Mix with Dechlorinated Water
Abundant in Fungi, Bacteria, Protozoa, and Nematodes
Enhances Plant and Soil Health
Ready to Use in Just 60 Seconds
A Single Weekly Application is All That is Required

Professional Organic Grower Cultivation Tips for Using Bio-Blend

Preparing Your Water: Always dechlorinate your water before mixing in any compost or biological additives. Using neutralise is a quick and effective method.
Water Temperature: Aim to use water that is a similar temperature to your soil to prevent thermal shock. Avoid using water that is too cold or too hot, as maintaining temperature equilibrium will help you extract the maximum benefits from your compost.
Filtering the Extract: If you're applying Bio-Blend with a watering can equipped with a fine rose, it's advisable to filter the extract through a 400-micron pond filter bag, or a paint strainer. This step removes the bulk of the material, allowing for smoother application. The removed compost can be top-dressed or added to your compost heap.
Shelf Life and Usage: Once purchased, plan to use all the Bio-Blend compost within 8-12 weeks. The vitality of the compost might decline once it's separated from its bulk storage due to changes in storage conditions.
Care Instructions: Store your Bio-Blend in a cool, dark place. Avoid sealing the container too tightly; keep the lid loosely closed and use the compost as soon as possible. Protect it from heat sources like radiators since higher temperatures can increase microbial activity, which you want to keep to a minimum to preserve the compost's efficacy. Like a living pet, the Bio-Blend compost requires a bit of moisture to stay in prime condition. Consider opening the container occasionally to mist it lightly if it appears to be drying out.