EM-1 mother solution of effective microorganisms

Far more than the volume of the bottle: with the recipe on our product page (5% EM-1, 5% molasses, 90% non-chlorinated water), 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) of EM-1 makes about 0.53 gallon (2 liters) of activated EM. As a rough guide:

• 250 ml bottle: about 1.3 gallons (5 liters);
• 1 L bottle: about 5.3 gallons (20 liters);
• 10 L container: about 53 gallons (200 liters).

That's what makes EM-1 such a good value for large gardens and farms. Plan on as much molasses as stock solution, and allow 8 to 10 days for fermentation.

First and foremost, molasses: it feeds the microorganisms in EM-1 during activation (5% EM-1, 5% molasses, 90% non-chlorinated water). Our beet molasses, available in sizes from 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) to 2.6 gallons (10 liters), is made for exactly this purpose.

Want to make your own bokashi activator too? Our kit for making your own Bokashi & Compost activator includes 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) of EM-1, 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) of beet molasses, wheat bran from the Gers region of France, a 0.7 fl oz (20 ml) measuring spoon, and the recipe.

To activate EM-1, our product page gives the standard 5% recipe: 5% EM-1, 5% molasses, and 90% non-chlorinated water. For example, use 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) of EM-1 and 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) of molasses for about 2.1 quarts (2 liters) of lukewarm water.

• Mix in an airtight container, filled as full as possible (fermentation without air).
• Let it ferment for 8 to 10 days at room temperature.
• It's ready if the solution has a sweet-and-sour smell and a pH between 3.3 and 3.6.

For watering, dilute EM-1 to 1%, or about 1.3 fl oz per gallon (10 ml per liter) of water, then water the soil and plants. For compost, allow about 1 quart of EM-1 per 1.3 cubic yards (1 liter per m³) of material, diluted in 0.5 gallon (2 liters) of water, and water the pile.

If you've activated it (EM-A), use a 5% activated solution for soil, crops, or compost. Use rainwater, filtered water, or tap water left to stand for 24 to 48 hours, because chlorine weakens the microorganisms. Also, don't mix it with chemical treatment products in the same sprayer.

Store EM-1 in a cool, dry place away from light, in a tightly closed container with as little air inside as possible. Keep it from freezing and out of direct sunlight. A slightly swollen bottle or a whitish film on the surface is normal: it's a living culture. EM-1 keeps for up to 2 years from the date of manufacture.