Superboost your garden with FERMENTED RICE WATER
An ancient technique adopted from Korean farming methods which has been used for generations. Fermented rice wash water acts as a natural probiotic soil amendment that feeds beneficial microorganisms, providing starches, B vitamins, and trace minerals. When naturally fermented, it attracts lactobacillus bacteria (which are everywhere in the environment) which move in and rapidly multiply. They are drawn to the slightly sweet, starchy environment and will soon dominate the liquid creating lactic acid which gives your soil the superboost it needs.
THE BENEFITS OF FERMENTED RICE WATER
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Accelerates compost breakdown by breaking down organic matter
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Suppresses harmful bacteria and fungi
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Improves soil structure
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Increases nutrient availability for plants
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Supports healthy root development
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Helps plants resist disease
HOW TO MAKE FERMENTED RICE WATER
Collect: Save the cloudy water from the first or second rinse of uncooked rice in a clean glass jar. Any type of rice will do - we like to use organic rice and rain water for best results. Avoid heavily chlorinated water.
Ferment: Cover the jar loosely with a lid, paper towel or cloth to let gases escape. Leave the jar at room temperature (25°C to 30°C) for 3 to 5 days until it develops a slightly sour, yogurt-like scent. After 3-5 days the liquid should separate into two layers. A clear or slightly yellow liquid on the top (this is the lactobacillus-rich serum) and a white sediment on the bottom (mostly starch and dead bacteria). Pour off and keep the cloudy liquid from the top - this is the finished lactobacillus serum. We like to add 1 Tablespoon molasses at the start of fermentation to speed up the fermentation process and also give added nutrients to the mix.
Use or Store: Keep undiluted in the fridge for up to 3 months, or mix 1:1 with molasses to preserve it at room temperature indefinitely.
Discard: Throw the batch away if it grows black, brown, or orange mold, or develops a foul, rotten smell.
HOW TO USE
Dilute: Mix 1 part fermented rice water with 10 to 20 parts clean water before use.
Compost - spray over the compost pile when being layered or turned. This speeds up decomposition dramatically and helps to suppress odours.
Soil - Water into garden beds once a month to improve soil structure and feed beneficial microbes.
Foliar Spray - spray directly on plant leaves early morning or late afternoon. This can help prevent fungal diseases and give plants a probiotic boost.