Beginner’s Guide To Compost Tea (Recipe And Instructions)

What if I told you that there was a simple and cheap elixir that could nourish your soil and improve the quality of your plants? Would you believe me? Well, it turns out that there is such a thing, and it’s called compost tea.

I first learned about compost tea from my father, who has been an avid gardener for more than 30 years.

He’s grown everything from microgreens to massive blackberry trees. What he also attempted was gardening on a budget. He always looked for ways to improve the garden with organic waste material from our own property.

I don’t know where he learned about compost tea, but it’s something that actually works.

Related article: Potting soil and compost explained for beginner’s

What Is Compost Tea?

Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer made from compost and other natural materials that are brewed in water over time. It provides a wealth of benefits to soil health and plant growth with it’s abundance of good bacteria and nutrients.

Not dissimilar to kombucha, the fermentation process promotes the growth of healthy microorganisms like good bacteria, yeast, and certain fungi that nourish the soil and help ward off plant diseases

Benefits of Compost Tea

1. Nutrient-Rich

It is a nutrient powerhouse due to the decomposition of organic matter, which releases essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and more. In liquid form, these nutrients can be absorbed easily by plants to promote robust growth of leaves, vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

2. Microbial-Rich

Beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and protozoa thrive in well-made compost tea. These microbes not only enhance the structure of the soil but also suppress the growth of harmful pathogens.

3. Disease Suppression

Plant disease is an issue that can affect any garden, but it can be inhibited with the use of compost tea due to it’s microbially rich composition. These microbes, like probiotics, act as a natural defense against plant diseases and outcompete harmful pathogens, reducing the risk of plant infections and damage.

4. Improved Soil Structure

The consistent use of compost tea is said to improve the composition or structure of soil by enhancing aeration, water retention, and draining. This is an ideal environment for seeds to germinate and plants to grow large and luscious.

How To Make Compost Tea

You’ll be happy to learn that making compost tea is a simple and straightforward process. My approach to gardening is a simple one. I want to grow as many plants and trees as possible without overwhelming myself with information or expenses.

This approach has led to a compost tea recipe that is easy and affordable to make. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a large bucket with compost or plant material, up to half full.

Step 2: Add non-chlorinated water to the container, ensuring that all the compost and plant material are submerged.

Step 3: Add molasses as a microbial food source if available.

Step 4: Use a cheese cloth to cover the bucket to allow aeration. This will ensure the growth and multiplication of beneficial microorganisms. The use of an air pump and an air stone is recommended if you are in possession of them.

Step 5: Allow the compost tea to brew for 24 to 48 hours, if not longer.

Step 6: Stir the compost tea at least once per day; top up the water if the contents begin to break the surface.

Step 7: Strain the compost tea to remove solid particles. The cheesecloth can be used to separate the compost tea into another bucket.

Step 8: Dilute the compost tea with more non-chlorinated water before applying it to plants at least once per month.

By following these instructions, you will be able to make compost tea at home without any issues. This elixir is truly a game changer for anyone who wants to grow nutrient-rich herbs, fruits, and vegetables at home. Give this a try and let me know how it turns out.

Related articles:

When to harvest microgreens

7 Mistakes to avoid when growing microgreens