FERTILIZING A GARDEN THE NATURAL WAY: MAKING HOMEMADE LACTOBACILLUS

Written by Cherie Pearson
www.mymakegreengogreen.com

Overview
Lactobacillus is a Gram-positive bacterium, belonging to the to lactic acid group. On the basis of its natural habitat, Lactobacillus is an anaerobic bacterium, meaning that it doesn’t require oxygen from the air to survive. The organism plays a crucial role in the conversion of lactose, and other forms of sugars, into lactic acid through anaerobic processes. These bacteria are benign in nature, and in humans, exhibit a symbiotic relationship in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina where they occur naturally. Lactobacillus is also found in small amounts in the gut and alimentary canal of humans, where again, they exhibit a natural symbiotic association.
There are many types of Lactobacillus bacterium species that play prominent roles in decaying plant material, and converting them into manure and effective fertilizer.  This is especially true for garden plants.  The presence of Lactobacillus bacteria in the environment causes it to become acidic, thus thwarting the proliferation of harmful bacteria.   Use the instructions below to make Lactobacillus fertilizer for garden use.

Supplies
Bowl
Cheesecloth
Mason jar (or similar container)
Milk
Molasses (or other raw sugar)
Rubber band
Strainer
White rice

Create Rice Wash
Add cheap white rice to a bowl, and then add water until it covers the rice completely.  Allow the mixture to sit for 20 to an hour.  Use a strainer to separate the rice from the liquid portion of the milky solution, and discard the rice.  The liquid left behind will serve as the growing medium for the Lactobacillus.  Pour the milky solution into the jar  (or similar container) until it is about half full.  Cover the jar with cheesecloth, and use a rubber band to secure it in place.

Grow Lactobacillus
Store the jar in a semi-dark, cool environment (such as a basement or pantry) for five days during warm weather, or up to 15 days in cold weather.   During this process, the bacteria will colonize in the rice wash, creating a sweet alcoholic aroma.  A layer of film will also be visible as a “skin” atop the solution.
After the initial incubation period of up to 15 days has passed, add 10 parts milk to one part rice wash mixture into a new container.  Cover the container with cheesecloth and let it sit for an additional five days.

Harvest Lactobacillus
After an additional five days passes, the solution will appear separated, with the milk fats on top.  Strain the liquid to remove the fat, and what is left behind is the Lactobacillus fertilizer.  Finally, add molasses (or other raw sugar) equal to one-third of the total volume of the solution.   The solution can last months stored in the refrigerator or simply left standing.  A rotten smell is an indication that the solution no longer contains Lactobacillus.

Apply Lactobacillus as a Foliar Spray
Add a 1:20 dilution of Lactobacillus liquid to non-chlorinated water to a spray bottle.  If non-chlorinated water is unavailable, allow the water to stand overnight so that the chlorine will evaporate.  As a final step, spray the mixture onto the leaves and stems of garden plants as a protectant against harmful bacteria and to promote plant growth.
While creating homemade Lactobacillus for plant fertilizer is a slow process, it can save money on home gardening supplies.  In addition, Lactobacillus is a naturally occurring fertilizer that doesn’t contain toxic chemicals, and as such is perfect for organic gardening.