Fermented plant extract formulas and uses vary greatly. These are liquid products. They are similar to tinctures but without the alcohol. Much like bokashi, they, too, are fermented organic matter. A microbial starter, some type of sugar, some type of plant material, and water are mixed into an anaerobic container and allowed to ferment. These fermented materials have bioactive compounds in them and are non-alcoholic. The materials used could include any part of a plant, branches, fruit, or leaves. The idea is to use a plant material with some known beneficial properties, such as pest-deterrent properties (some herbs) or plant growth-stimulating properties (alfalfa). After the fermentation, the liquid is strained and bottled, and the plant material is either composted or added to a batch of bokashi.
The following (Table 7.4) shows the amount of each ingredient needed to make 1 gallon, 5 gallons, and 55 gallons of Alfalfa EM FPE.
Table. Alfalfa EM FPE
C = cup(s)
*The green plant material could include plants that have properties to help plants or to mitigate pests. For instance, basil is a companion plant to tomatoes; therefore, a basil FPE could be made, or hot peppers and garlic could be fermented to mitigate pests. Alfalfa is used in this recipe for the plant growth hormone triacontanol.
Lukewarm Water (Warm to the touch, ~98°F–105°F [~37°C–41°C])
Put all ingredients into a gallon container.
Fill the container about ½ full with the warm water and stir to dissolve the molasses.
Top off the container with warm water.
Put it on top and let it ferment for 15 to 30 days.
Put the liquid into an airtight container using a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
Using the EM FPE
Dilute the FPE 6oz per gallon of water and drench soil around plants once weekly throughout the growing season.
This is just one example of an EM FPE recipe. You can adjust the plant material to something else that benefits the plants. For instance, it is well known that basil complements tomatoes when grown near each other. Why not make a basil EM FPE? Look up companion planting to get other ideas. Alternatively, make something with marigolds for protection. Or citrus. Certain types of berries can be used. Likewise, some native plants seem to survive anything; try using some of their leaves or trimming in a batch. The ideas are limitless with this type of process.
Remember, an FPE is an extract of the properties of the plant material into the liquid, which will then be applied to your plants, bringing with it the properties of the plant material. Experiment and have fun.