This tonic consists of Horn Manure (500) and dried Equisetum, mixed together and made into a spray which is used as a foliar spray to reduce fungus development, especially during a wet season.

The Horn Manure (500) stimulates growth and renewal of the cambium as well as doing this for the roots when sprayed on the soil. Equisetum arvense contains a protective factor against fungus infection. The application of the tonic as a wash is recommended in all cases where there is loose, split or peeling bark, sap bleeding, lesions from pruning or broken-off branches, and especially if the tree is covered with mould, mildew, lichen or moss. It is a preparatory step to the application of the Vine, Tree & Shrub Paste.

Step One:
Put the 85g of Horn Manure (500) into 16 litres of high quality water.

Water considerations: If using town water, aerate for 24 hours, to allow chlorine to gas off before use.

Step Two:
Make up the 75g of dried Equisetum into a tea, per instructions below.

Equisetum Tea Recipe:
Put the chopped, dried equisetum in a pot with 10 litres of water to just cover. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes, which makes a tea concentrate.

Add the Equisetum tea concentrate to the Horn Manure (500) plus water and stir vortically for ten minutes. See vortical stirring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oX1XWmqYB5Y

Strain and leave to cool.

Filter into sprayer and apply to the tree or vine so that the solution covers the entire trunk, leaves and branches. This recipe can be scaled up using the same proportion of ingredients for a larger number of trees or vines.

Use and Storage:
This tonic is not recommended for storage, as the Equisetum ferments and has different effect on trees. Use as soon as possible and within two days.

Vine and Tree Tonic