Molasses-Lots of it

gardeneratlaw · Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 11:15 am Post subject: Molasses-Lots of it

Now I've gone and done it! I was offered 1500 gallons of molasses that has been stored underground for 40 years, still smells fresh...delivered to my farm...so I said "yes, I'd love to have it" since I am in the process of improving my caliche soil for a future "come and cut" flower farm and I couldn't bear to see such a great resource wasted.
Now I need to decide what to do with it. It is being delivered this Saturday.
I've seen recommendations of 2 gallons per acre, but I will have enough molasses to apply 75 gallons per acre on my 20 acres. I assume that too much of a good thing could unbalance the soil system as well as attract pests? I would like to store most of it for future use. HERE IS MY QUESTION: Can anyone brainstorm about how I can store 1500 gallons of goo with only 2 days to prepare? I have a small (50x50) pond that I could have it pumped into, and I assume it would sink to the bottom until I could pump it out, as needed, but I am concerned about killing the trees around the pond. I don't have any large storage tanks and can't think how to build one on short notice. Any ideas? :idea:

TRedden · Joined: 25 May 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Dallas,TEXAS

I would buy 30 or so plastic barrels. I used to by them for $4.00 a piece when I lived in Central Texas. Make sure you get food grade barrels. Good luck. I wish I had 55 gallons of it.

Regards,
T

Don G · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Posts: 29 Location: Willow Park,TEXAS

If you decide to go with the barrels, you can buy them for just a few dollars (plastic ones) from a guy on Hwy 180 just E. of Weatherford. He has an honor system, you pick out your barrels and put the money in his drop box.

gardeneratlaw · Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2005 8:00 am Post subject:

I like the idea of selling things on the honor system. My plan is to develop my soil with this molasses for a "pick your own" flower farm with an honesty box for payment when I am not there.

I bit the bullet and got some big tanks from Gebo's. Turned out to be 2200 gallons of molasses, and if you really want some, TR, I have plenty to share if you bring your own container to help cover my cost, about $2/gal.

BTW, a friend sent me a grin about the The Great Molasses Flood of 1919, where a wave of molasses swept through Boston, killing 21 and injuring 150!

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/molasses.htm