Compost is a well-known soil amendment, but the concept of compost tea might be unfamiliar. Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping organic compost in water. It’s akin to a “quick-release” compost, rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. These elements support plant health, improve soil structure, and can enhance plant growth, resistance to pests and diseases, and overall yield. By using compost tea, gardeners can potentially reduce the need for pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, promoting a more natural gardening approach.
What is Compost Tea?
Compost tea is a concentrated liquid created by steeping compost in water. It harnesses the nutrients and microorganisms present in compost to benefit plants.
How to Make Compost Tea
Compost tea can be brewed with or without aeration, depending on your preference. Aerated compost tea, though faster to brew, needs immediate use due to its lower stability. Non-aerated compost tea, while more stable, should still be used promptly after brewing. Here’s how to make both types:
Aerated Compost Tea
Materials Needed:
– 5-gallon bucket
– Non-chlorinated water
– 2 to 4 cups of compost
– ½ to 1 cup of compost food (mixture of unsulphured molasses, fish and kelp hydrolysate, and humic acid)
– Nylon stocking
– Aquarium air pump
– Stirring utensil
– Cheesecloth
Instructions:
1. Prepare Water: Fill the bucket with non-chlorinated water the day before brewing to let it sit overnight and dechlorinate.
- Prepare Compost: Place compost in a nylon stocking and tie it securely.
- Set Up Brewing: Submerge the stocking of compost in the bucket of water. Attach the aquarium air pump to aerate the water and add the compost food mixture.
- Brewing: Let the compost tea brew for 24 to 36 hours, ensuring it remains aerated. It should develop an earthy smell; discard any batch that smells foul.
Non-aerated Compost Tea
Materials Needed:
– 5-gallon bucket
– Non-chlorinated water
– 2 to 4 cups of compost
– Stirring utensil
– Cheesecloth (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Water: Fill the bucket with non-chlorinated water the day before brewing to dechlorinate it.
- Mix Compost: Add compost directly to the water and stir thoroughly for about 2 minutes.
-
Brewing: Allow the mixture to sit for 7 to 10 days, stirring once or twice daily to enhance extraction of nutrients and microorganisms.
-
Strain (Optional): For use with a garden sprayer, strain out large compost particles using cheesecloth.
Tips for Making Compost Tea
- Use high-quality compost tailored to the nutrients your plants need.
- Avoid using fresh animal manure due to potential harmful bacteria.
- Always dechlorinate water before brewing to preserve microorganism activity.
- Maintain brewing temperatures between 55°F and 85°F for optimal microorganism activity.
By following these steps and tips, you can create effective compost tea at home, enriching your garden with a natural and nutrient-rich fertilizer.
