Are you ready to take your gardening game to a whole new level? Let’s talk about an amazing gardening secret from the heart of Korea – Fermented Plant Juice, or FPJ as it’s widely known. This incredible addition to your gardening routine can supercharge your plants and make them more resistant to temperature extremes, truly a boon in today’s changing climates- a simple yet potent way to unlock the full potential of your garden.
Growing up as a kid in Italy where I can see my grandparents’ love for gardening, I’ve witnessed the way they care about the plants, and growing up, I’ve been thinking about how to find a more natural method of growing and this is where we found FPJ on our gardening journey. So if you want an organic and sustainable way to keep your plants healthy, you have to try this method.
Materials Needed
- Fresh plant material (e.g., alfalfa, comfrey, nettles, herbs)
- Brown sugar or molasses
- Water
- A large container with a lid
- Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
- A smaller container for storing the finished FPJ
Here’s How You Can Do It:
- Choose Your Fresh Plant Material
I’ve personally been harnessing the power of alfalfa for its high nitrogen content and triacontanol, a potent natural growth stimulant. But don’t limit yourself! Countless plants are out there, waiting to lend their strength to your garden.
2. Harvest At The Perfect Time
Try to harvest your plants before sunrise. During these early hours, they have the perfect moisture content, ready to be transformed into your FPJ mix.
3. Prepare Your FPJ Mix
After harvesting, weigh your plants and procure an equal weight of brown sugar. Go as naturally as possible with your sugar choice – we don’t want to harm those beneficial bacteria. Mix your plant material and sugar well, then cover with porous paper. Let this mix sit for 1-2 hours – patience, my friends!
4. Bottle Up Your Brew
Transfer the mixture to a glass or clay jar and cover with a kitchen towel (secured with an elastic band). And now, for the hardest part – let it sit for 7 days without shaking or stirring (I know, the temptation is real!).
5. Strain and Store
After the week is up, strain the mixture using a mesh screen. Avoid the temptation to squeeze – let gravity do its job. Store your FPJ in a dark, cool place. Remember, no stirring or shaking!
6. The Magic Ratio
When it comes to using your FPJ, remember the magic dilution ratio of 1:1000 (for example, 1ml on 1L of water) to water or spray your plants.
Quick Reminder:
Be advised not to use your FPJ on crops that are the same as the plant material used to produce it. Your FPJ is best used during the early stages of the plant’s vegetative growth.
So there you have it! Let’s embrace the Korean Natural Farming way and bring the magic of FPJ to our gardens, so you can transform your garden into a thriving oasis of greenery and beauty. Remember, the best garden is a loved garden. Happy gardening!
