How to Use Molasses As a Fertilizer

Blackstrap molasses -- the same kind used to sweeten food -- stimulate microorganisms and contain minerals such as carbon, sulfur, potash and iron. For these reasons, some gardeners mix the sweetener with liquid fertilizer to boost soil. According to Native Plant Society of Texas News, liquid molasses fertilizer, when mixed with compost tea and used in conjunction with orange oil, is effective in eliminating fire ants from lawns and gardens.

Things You'll Need

• Unsulfured blackstrap molasses
• Liquid fertilizer
• Bucket
• Sprayer

Instructions

1. Combine 1 to 3 tbsp. molasses with 1 gallon liquid fertilizer in a bucket. Use commercial liquid fertilizer or a homemade fertilizer such as compost tea or alfalfa meal tea.

2. Transfer the solution to a garden sprayer.

3. Spray the fertilizer evenly at a rate of 2 to 4 qt. per acre to fertilize soil. Spray at a rate of 1 pint per acre to fertilize foliage on broadleaf plants, grasses or grains.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a solution of 30 percent orange oil and 70 percent mix of molasses and compost tea fertilizer to control fire ants in your garden or lawn.

• Adding molasses when fermenting compost tea can encourage harmful fungi and bacteria growth.

References

• University of Vermont Extension; Compost Tea to Suppress Plant Disease; Vern Grubinger; June 2005
• Weekend Gardener; Use Molasses to Boost Fertilizer; March 2011
• The Dirt Doctor; Dry Molasses; Howard Garrett
• Urban Harvest; Molasses Makes Fire Ants Move Out; Pat Ploegsma; Summer 1999