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Tasmania Australia

Hi, I have just been looking back through the SNGPG Newsletters and came across some mention of using molasses.
Has anyone here tried putting this stuff through a drip line without any clogging issues?
I am thinking about giving it a go next season possibly and was just hoping to get a bit of feed back about it.
Like how much do you need to dilute it to allow it to be used in a drip system, how much molasses per gallon of water.
Any feed back would be appreciated.

3/30/2022 10:22:46 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

I wouldn't try it unless you can make sure it is 100% dissolved

3/31/2022 7:56:06 PM

Tasmania Australia

Yes, i was thinking it wouldn't be the easiest thing to try to put through a drip system.
I am interested to hear how these growers that are using Molasses are applying it though.
I thought that if it was done even as a foliar or over head sprinkler setup, you would want to make sure you finished of with straight water to wash the leaves.
Any advice is appreciated.

3/31/2022 10:09:16 PM

Syracuse, NY

I got about 11 buckets of the stuff about 6 years ago and have only used about 3 - gave away one, maybe;
Relying on pure luck that it doesn't go bad over the years, lol, I use one quart (32 ounces) English measure per 55 gallons of H2O, swirling the water vigorously with a long broom handle and then pouring/plopping the Molasses in...I then use the barrel water to fill the jar, empty, fill, empty, etc. into the barrel water's surface and for the 15 minutes to dispense the mixture through Whizzer sprinklers, no clogging nor sedimentation occurs - still stirring for fun... However, I'm sure there HAS been sedimentation at the very bottom the next day, unless I refilled the H2O, so, a much weaker concentration would work for your application (literally, there IS what's called a 'jar test' for fertilizer/amendments testing). Once others chime in, I'll know the correct dosage, too, lol!
Ummm, like one tablespoon per gallon shaken well and allowed to sit for a day,
to see where you're at?
Hope this helped - eric g

4/1/2022 3:46:03 AM

Syracuse, NY

PS---No, I do not rinse the leaves.
I have had no (known) problems from it.
Smells nice, plants seem to like it and the worms,
I hope, like it, too;
I got it for free and that is the BEST part, lol. eg

4/1/2022 3:50:44 AM

Tasmania Australia

Thanks for the reply, appreciated,
Will take a look at this jar testing method to see what it is about.
Looks like the best option for Molasses is to put it through a sprinkler system rather than trying go through a drip system

4/1/2022 6:31:53 PM

Syracuse, NY

Ummm, I just blabber on and hope that there is a shred of useful 'knowledge' in there somewhere, lol---I'll not talk anyone's ear off in order that others may contribute, but, ANY clear container with a gallon of H2O in it and a predetermined amount of Molasses put in and daily monitoring of at WHAT concentration precipitation starts occurring after adding more and stirring and leaving it sit for a manageable amount of time will have the same results - May need a spotlight to investigate/view, since Molasses is a dark material; Just like starting seeds and determining the exact way or time that works best for you!
Ummm, trying to not influence anyone to change their major watering regimen based on MY opinion -
HOWEVER: What rocked my world in '21 was that I got me some Mildew Cure from Holland's Land O' Giants and having to use a hose-end, Dollar Store trigger handle sprayer (the most basic, but awesome!) to apply it to the ENTIRE plant (over and under the leaves) from my 60 PSI pump from a barrel made it FUN to water my plants! 30 feet and adjustable, on the fly fan-spraying also? YeeAAAAAHHH!!!
So, good luck, have fun and Grow a Monster Tasmanian Devil!!! later---eric g

4/2/2022 3:20:39 PM