Using spent grains as mulch or compost?

[BoomTown]

Am considering using my spent grains as mulching in my outside potted plants. Is this a good idea, or something to avoid?

[jonnys_spirit]

I dump mine into a compost pile and cover it with fresh cut grass and it turns back into dirt once the black soldier flies get their share too. I do feed the pile with other green and brown material to keep it composting though.

Cheers!
-j

[still_stirrin]

Am considering using my spent grains as mulching in my outside potted plants. Is this a good idea, or something to avoid?

A few years ago I took the spent grains from our local brewery where I brewed. Each brew (7 barrel mash) would net me roughly three 55 gallon barrels of spent grains. I would bring them home and spread them on the yard. After a few weeks and several batches, I roto-tilled them into the yard.

The grains added a lot of organic material as well as acidify the soil. It made a sweet preparation for grass seed. The grass came in thick and quick.

So, yes, the spent grains work great as mulch/soil prep for plants.
ss

[stillanoob]

Around here critters seem to munch on it, even after fermenting on the grain. Excellent for compost too.

[NZChris]

Am considering using my spent grains as mulching in my outside potted plants. Is this a good idea, or something to avoid?

If I tried that, birds and rats would come from miles away and scoff the lot. I bury it, compost it, or feed it to visiting mallards. Drunk ducks are fun to watch.

[HDNB]

mine hits the back field the grass has never been taller or greener!

i have been drawing a giant dick with the stillage, in hopes of making an aerial political statement one day, with the addition of a mowed-in name

[still_stirrin]

… i have been drawing a giant dick with the stillage, in hopes of making an aerial political statement one day…

Wow HDNB. How creative is that!!!

[Deplorable]

mine hits the back field the grass has never been taller or greener!

i have been drawing a giant dick with the stillage, in hopes of making an aerial political statement one day, with the addition of a mowed-in name

Another reason I need more property...

[8Ball]

I made a big batch of dog biscuits with some of my single malt spent grains. Neighborhood dogs loved them.

Peanut Butter-Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

8 cups spent grains
6 cups flour
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 eggs
1 banana, cut into small pieces

Makes 3 lbs of treats.

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl (I usually mix in my stock kettle because the quantity is so large). The dough will be thick and sticky.

Lightly spray one or two cookie sheets with baking spray and press the mixture into them. Score treats however you like; I usually create three rows length-wise. If your dog likes their treats fancy, you can use cookie cutters to create shapes. Make sure you score it now so they can be broken when baking is complete.

Bake in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 30 minutes or until they begin to harden. Remove the trays and finish cutting the treats where you scored them. Put the trays back in the oven, turn down to 200°F (93°C) and bake for 5 to 10 hours.

The treats will be done when they are complete dry in the center. If you are unsure whether the treats are ready, break one in half. It should not be gooey inside because this will cause it to mold quickly.

Store treats in a sealed bag in the refrigerator and reward your canine friends for all their hard work during brew day.

[Stonecutter]

I made a big batch of dog biscuits with some of my single malt spent grains. Neighborhood dogs loved them.

Peanut Butter-Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

8 cups spent grains
6 cups flour
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 eggs
1 banana, cut into small pieces

Makes 3 lbs of treats.

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl (I usually mix in my stock kettle because the quantity is so large). The dough will be thick and sticky.

Lightly spray one or two cookie sheets with baking spray and press the mixture into them. Score treats however you like; I usually create three rows length-wise. If your dog likes their treats fancy, you can use cookie cutters to create shapes. Make sure you score it now so they can be broken when baking is complete.

Bake in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 30 minutes or until they begin to harden. Remove the trays and finish cutting the treats where you scored them. Put the trays back in the oven, turn down to 200°F (93°C) and bake for 5 to 10 hours.

The treats will be done when they are complete dry in the center. If you are unsure whether the treats are ready, break one in half. It should not be gooey inside because this will cause it to mold quickly.

Store treats in a sealed bag in the refrigerator and reward your canine friends for all their hard work during brew day.

I’ve been wanting to try this just been too lazy to look up a recipe! Thanks Brother!

[Hambone]

8Ball that’s a good recipe, but is gave me gas…

[8Ball]

I made a big batch of dog biscuits with some of my single malt spent grains. Neighborhood dogs loved them.

Peanut Butter-Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

8 cups spent grains
6 cups flour
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 eggs
1 banana, cut into small pieces

Makes 3 lbs of treats.

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl (I usually mix in my stock kettle because the quantity is so large). The dough will be thick and sticky.

Lightly spray one or two cookie sheets with baking spray and press the mixture into them. Score treats however you like; I usually create three rows length-wise. If your dog likes their treats fancy, you can use cookie cutters to create shapes. Make sure you score it now so they can be broken when baking is complete.

Bake in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 30 minutes or until they begin to harden. Remove the trays and finish cutting the treats where you scored them. Put the trays back in the oven, turn down to 200°F (93°C) and bake for 5 to 10 hours.

The treats will be done when they are complete dry in the center. If you are unsure whether the treats are ready, break one in half. It should not be gooey inside because this will cause it to mold quickly.

Store treats in a sealed bag in the refrigerator and reward your canine friends for all their hard work during brew day.

I’ve been wanting to try this just been too lazy to look up a recipe! Thanks Brother!

It works. I found it online. Don’t know who to credit.

[jonnys_spirit]

He’s gonna luv it - Thank you! 99% Bad Dog, 1% wire-haired terrier and i’ve gotta mash, ferment, and squeeze to make his treats not to mention mix/blend/bake/and sample. Fancy!

[BlueSasquatch]

I compost the spent grains, seems to work well, smells decent IMO.
The Dunder, oof did 20 gallons this weekend of a rye whiskey, just tossed the dunder on the other side of the alley when I was done, wife won't stop bitching about the smell, it does make me think of a feed-lot, but I'm sure it'll dry out and be gone before to long. She has a hell of a nose.

[Demy]

Exhausted grains are excellent for compost. Even the hens seem to appreciate some parts.

[Bushman]

I also compost it but it takes a while to breakdown. I also make sure it is buried under the rest of the compost.

[Ben]

I have composted spent grains for years, the best thing to do is spread them thin. They produce a lot of nitrogen (great fertilizer) so if you leave them piled up they smell like death. Spread them thin with a stiff tined rake over your compost pile, once the squirrels and dogs have their share it breaks down quick.