Molasses???

[hunter63]

So O.K. Whats up w/ the molasses?
Never heard of it before as a soil builder?
Trouble w/ ants?

[squashnut]

The idea is that you feed the microbs. That is a good question about the ants. I had the same concern about slugs.

[hunter63]

I did have a problem w/ slugs, tried all kinds of stuff, even the "beer in a bowl". ( Waste of good beer)

Nothing worked too good until I added salt to the beer.

What I mean is, strap on the head lamp, pop the beer,grab a salt shaker.
Now walk around in the garden at nite sipping the beer, salting every slug you see.
Salt makes them melt!

[Pharmer Phil]

Not unless you are using un-sulfured molasses!
Molasses is applied to help microbes have the energy to work quickly.Breaking down organic matter, and increasing yor soils Nutrient level . When people ask me about applying molasses , I always get asked if this will attract ants. The answer is... No!
Molasses contains trace amouts of sulpher, which repels the ants, I use it once a week, two ounces to a gallon, and have no sign of ants.Several fertilizers and store bought concoctions contain molasses. I use molasses on new beds to encourage microbial activity and worm population and in my compost pile to help heat up the pile.
The amount of sulpher in the molasses, is not enough to lower your soils Ph (acidification), significantly, as would some types of sulpher.

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[squashnut]

i am finally over my slug problem. I hit it with every thing I had and I think I fanally won. MY best weapon was some sand I had. I pu a deep line of on the fence line coming from the next door yard. I also put some around each plant.
i mix some mollasses with my compost tea. I am having to soak all my compost before I put it in my garden as my compost is infected with slugs.I hope to drown them this way. When my compost bins are empty I plant to wash them down with amonia.
Sluggo is expensive but worth it.