ACTIVATED EM
Terms: Activated EM, Activated EM-1, AEM, Activated, EM Activated (EMA)
Activated EM is a fermented liquid solution that any user can make (recipe below). Activated EM can be used for many purposes including improving soil, watering plants, cleaning and deodorizing (how-to-use list below).
Download the Activated EM recipe (version 2014.9.5) 2-page PDF 99KB
Activated EM Recipe
Preparations
- Water - preferably warm tap water (to help dissolve the molasses).
- Implements - bowl or bucket to mix in, measuring cup, PETE plastic bottle(s) or glass fermentation bottles/jars (carboys, demijohns, mason jars) with appropriate airlocks, and funnel [optional].
- Ingredients - (see Buying Suggestions)
- 1 part EM-1
- 1 part blackstrap molasses (unsulfured sugarcane blackstrap molasses, or other such sugar material rich in minerals)
- 20 parts water (optional: heated to 100°F-120°F to make it easier to dissolve the molasses; otherwise, simply dissolve the molasses with a clean hand)
Example amounts of each ingredient (1 part EM-1, 1 part molasses) per fermentation container size (volume); the rest is water:
| Volume | each 1 part | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 liters | 2000 mL [67.6 fl oz] |
÷ 20 = | 100 mL [3.4 fl oz] |
| 3 gallons | 384 fl oz [11.4 liters] |
÷ 20 = | 19 fl oz [0.6 liter] |
| 5 gallons | 640 fl oz [18.9 liters] |
÷ 20 = | 32 fl oz [0.9 liter] |
For Making Enough To Fill Any Volume Size Bottle or Container
- Determine the volume size of your bottle (either from it's label or use a measuring cup). [Example: 320 fl oz]
- Divide the volume size by 20. Dividing the total volume by 20 will give you the amount of each part.
[Example: 320 fl oz ÷ 20 parts = 16 fl oz for each part] - Fill the bottle only about 1/4 full with water; add first 1 part molasses [14.5 fl oz] and swirl the bottle to get the molasses to fully dissolve; add 1 part EM-1 [16 fl oz]; fill the rest of the bottle with water; go to number 3 of How To Mix below.
How To Mix
- Using a bowl or bucket that holds at least 1.5 quarts or more, mix in the EM-1 and molasses; make sure to dissolve all of the molasses (if by hand, rub inside the bowl or bucket until it's all gone, i.e., you don't feel the thick molasses on the bottom anymore).
- Pour the mixture into a quart (or liter) size PET bottle, such as, a soda bottle which can handle any gas pressure buildup. A funnel would be helpful to pour into the bottle.
- Let ferment for about 2 weeks. Store out of direct sunlight.
Optionally, you can use a pH meter or pH paper; when the pH is 3.7 or below, it is ready.
Daily check for gas build-up; release by very slightly opening cap; do so over a sink. When ready, apply as suggested below, and use within 45 days. Store out of sunlight. Keep airtight and at room temperature.
How To Use (Applications of Activated EM)
The oz/gallon refers to the amount of Activated EM in fluid ounces per 1 gallon of water.
- Use 1 oz/gallon for watering your garden and houseplants. You can apply with every watering or at least once a week.
- Use 0.5 oz/gallon for foliar feeding (spraying to the plant leaves), or about 1 teaspoon/quart of water. Spray every other week or once a month.
- For your regular laundry, use half the amount of your laundry detergent and the other half with Activated EM.
- Use 10 oz/gallon for tough stains, especially on grime, greasy or oily stains or buildup, including ovens, oven hoods, drains, etc. For best results, let soak for several minutes.
- Use 2 oz/gallon (2-3 teaspoons/quart) for odor problems, including urine, as well as for general cleaning (floors, windows, etc.). Use a spray bottle where useful.
When the Activated EM has been fermented at room temperature (two weeks to ferment), the peak period within which Activated EM is most active is 15 to 30 days. Most of the microbes may still be viable within 45 days and most likely not beyond 60 days.