Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - February 10, 2012
From: Leander, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Soils
Title: What is the application rate for dried molasses in Leander, TX??
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I bought dry molasses to add to my soil but the bag doesn't say anything about how much to add. Should I just sprinkle it around and it doesn't matter if it is more or less? I have 2.25 acres so I bought a 50lb bag to start.ANSWER:
Dry or dried molasses is a soil building product, and is used to quickly stimulate microbes in the soil and give an indirect benefit of fertility. It also in many cases will run fire ants off the property. It should be used at 10 - 20 lbs. per 1000 sq ft. It can also be beneficial on acreage at rates as low as 100 - 200 lbs. per acre. You may need to recall your algebra skills to see how much you need.
Here’s some help: 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft.
If you use the 10 - 20 lb/ 1,000 sq ft rate; 10 - 20 lbs/ 1,000 sq ft x 43,560 sq ft / acre x 2.25 acres = 980 - 1,960 lbs.
if you use the lower application rate; 100 - 200 lbs/acre x 2.25 acres = 225 - 500 lbs of molasses. Either way, you are going to need to go back to the store.
This link to dirtdoctor.com has more information about using dry molasses.
More Soils Questions
Agarita suggestion for Houston area
March 05, 2013 - Another possible plant for the following question is agarita. The question: "Looking for a very, very, thorny three or four foot tall shrub for in front of windows to deter break-ins. Considering Ro...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for clay soil in Lathrop MO
March 21, 2011 - My family just moved to the north Kansas City, MO area and would like to know what native species, both perennial and tree, will do best in the clay soil. It has already proven problematic as we have ...
view the full question and answer
Care of Ixora by lowering soil pH
March 24, 2007 - I have a bunch of Ixoras that the leaves are turning brown, before I pull them out, is there any kind of treatment to save them? I have used insecticidal soap several times but there has been no impro...
view the full question and answer
Desert Willow tree for Plano, TX
March 03, 2013 - I live near Dallas, Texas. I have a small Desert Willow tree that I would like to plant. What is the root system of this tree like? Would I be able to plant it near our patio? How far from the house'...
view the full question and answer
Restoring a prairie from Austin
January 11, 2013 - Restoring a mixed grass Blackland Prairie?
Prairie Plant Succession? We are trying to establish climax species when an area is in a pioneering phase. Does the soil chemistry or biota change during ...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
