How to Make Compost Tea

How to Make Compost Tea thumbnail
Make Compost Tea

Compost in any form is a plant's idea of gourmet health food. Made into tea, it's the ideal liquid fertilizer, especially for young plants. Compost tea helps plants grow stronger and more productive and, evidence suggests, can protect against disease. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Mild Dish Soap
  • Spray Bottles
  • 2 Metal Buckets
  • Cheesecloth
  • Garden Trowels
  • Watering Cans
  • Vegetable Oils
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a metal bucket one-third full of finished compost.

    • 2

      Add water to the top of the bucket.

    • 3

      Let the mixture steep for three to four days.

    • 4

      Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or other porous fabric into another container. Add any remaining solids to the garden or return them to the compost bin.

    • 5

      Dilute the remaining liquid with water so it's the color of weak tea.

    • 6

      Apply compost tea according to each plant's requirements (check seed packets and gardening books for details). For best results, work early in the morning or on cloudy days.

Tips & Warnings

  • Some plants respond well to foliar feeding (having their foliage sprayed). Before you spray compost tea, add 1/8 tsp. vegetable oil or mild dish-washing liquid per gallon to help it adhere to leaves.

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Comments

View all 13 Comments
  • tepetongo Aug 19, 2009
    I really enoy this Idea. How frequent can I do this type of fertilizer? Can I do it on a weekly basis? bi weekly? Thanks
  • tadhussey Jul 27, 2009
    A plastic bucket is fine, I manufacture commercial compost tea brewing systems and we use plastic containers that we've tested the microbiology with, not a problem at all. I would disagree with the other comment though, all current research is pointing towards adding aeration to select for aerobic microbes. Letting the mixture above steep for a few days would select for anaerobes, such as e. coli or salmonella.
  • starlet67 Mar 25, 2009
    Never knew of compost tea...until now...great info!5*
  • Julie McMurchie Mar 12, 2009
    Great instructions for making compost tea. 5*
  • lovingmylife Mar 09, 2009
    Thanks for the tips! Will try soon, it's warm here.

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