AERATED TEAS

What are Aerated Teas?

A brewed water extract of microbes, which allows the proliferation of beneficial organisms in a short period of time through an aerated process (usually pumping Oxygen with a small air bubbles system).

There are several ways or recipes for make this process getting same result: encourage aerobic microbe’s activity and/or their biomass; so this gives us a high range of use, such as reproduction and activation of microbiology present in the compost, native microorganism present in the forest or farm or just reproduction focused in specific aerobic microorganisms whose we desire to deal with.

As aerobic systems have more energy efficiency, this product will obtain an average of 36 molecules of ATP from each molecule of sugar as an energy source through the process; getting the energy from an external source (adding Oxygen by bubbling it through the solution).

This product has to be use in a short period of time as it losses its stability and properties in a few days. 

What are they for?

To bring back soil-plant fertility through adding beneficial microbiology to the system (farm, plot or backyard) reducing pest and diseases, encouraging microbiologic and mineral balance by the presence of both elements in symbiosis.

 

How do they work?

Adding a wide (or specific) range of beneficial microbes on the plant tissues and/or soil, making a positive effect on both immunologic systems.

Depending recipes and process a huge microbiological diversity could be found on this brews, such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes making an important and positive effect in biological and minerals available issues to the plant.

March 23rd 2015 POSTED BY: Ragmans Farm

A Wonderful Time at Ragmans by Yanthe Oosthoek - Student Summer 2014


Being back in Holland made me realise how amazing my time at Ragmans had been. While cycling through the Dutch landscape (which is not very impressive compared to the beautiful Wye Valley Ragmans is surrounded by) I notice myself pointing out different weeds growing in the fields. This is something I did not even look at before I started working on the farm. Not only the weeds are keeping me busy; realising the importance and purity of nature was something I just took for granted before. 



As a second year student of International Development Management I had to learn more about farming. So I spent weeks and weeks trying to find the right placement place or WWOOF farm. There were two things I knew before I started searching: I wanted to learn more about permaculture and I wanted to go to the UK. I Googled ‘permaculture farm in UK’ and found Ragmans. I knew immediately that this was the place where I wanted to go.

In the first week on the farm it became clear this was exactly what I needed. 

In the time between my first working day on the farm, which was the 14th of July, and the last one, 10 weeks later, each and every day was different. The weather, jobs, and people all made my days interesting and worthwhile. Freya, Pete, Matt, and Juan Fran supported me along the way and gave me many opportunities. They gave me space to learn as much as possible about each and every aspect of the farm. From scything the orchard to compost-tea’ing the apple trees, stacking wood, preparing the Yurt, to organising a Gathering of Centres on the farm. Their trust in me made me feel so much more confident. Whenever I had a difficult permaculture question they were always willing to give me an answer and tell me even more about it. It felt like I had been there for ages already. They all create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere within the farm! 



As part of an individual placement assignment I was involved in organising a Gathering of Centres. A two day meet up to exchange experiences between 9 other educational farms in the UK. It was amazing to see how people with the same interests and concerns had the opportunity to share knowledge.



I had never thought an event like this could be so supportive and helpful. This gathering was a great opportunity for me to meet other inspiring people and become more involved in ‘interesting sustainable things’ going on in the UK. Something Holland can learn a lot from! 




It is hard for me to draw up a list of all the things I learnt during my time at the farm because it is endless. Working with the Growers proved a very valuable experience as well. The alternation of working on Ragmans for 4 days a week and one day in the Growers garden was perfect. Nat, Danny, Ben, and Jon taught me so many things about veggies, soil, equipment, seeds during the days I worked with them. I never knew I would develop a serious interest and see the importance and value of growing local food and flowers. 





Even though Ragmans is quite isolated, having warm, helpful, and lovely people around me made me feel at home. Thank you Freya, Matt, Pete, Angie, Ann, Steve, Carine, Juan Fran, Nat, Jon, Danny, and Ben. The work you all do is amazing and you are all amazing! You know what they say about people visiting Ragmans once, don’t you? They all return in due time. Well, don’t worry, I will be back for sure! 



October 2014


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