DIY Liquid Fertilizer

Compost tea is an easy-to-make liquid fertilizer.

Liquid fertilizers feed the soil, which in turn nourishes growing flowers and vegetables. Commercial fertilizer powders that can be mixed with water are available in garden supply stores, but an organic fertilizer recipe that contains the same nutrients can be made at home, leaving synthetic chemicals on the store shelf and away from your garden. Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer made from water and compost. This environmentally friendly supplement can be made in a weekend using common materials.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• 5-gallon plastic bucket, 2
• Water
• Wooden stir stick
• Aquarium air pump
• 1-foot lengths of aquarium air hose, 3
• Aquarium gang valve
• Cheesecloth
• Watering can
• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Attach the aquarium hoses to the gang valve and hang the valve on the side of the bucket so the hoses reach the bucket's bottom. Connect the valve to the pump and plug it in to an electric outlet.

2. Fill a bucket about halfway with compost. Do not pack the compost; the mixture needs air to brew.

3. Pour water to fill the bucket to within a few inches of the top. If using chlorinated tap water, allow the water to sit overnight for chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate before adding to the compost.

4. Stir the mixture with a long wooden stick to move the compost around.

5. Turn on the pump to begin aerating the compost mixture. Allow the mixture to steep for 2 to 3 days, stirring once or twice daily with the stick.

6. Strain the compost tea through a sheet of cheesecloth to remove the compost from the liquid. It may be helpful to use a second bucket for this step.

7. Pour the tea into a watering can and fertilize the soil around the plants' root areas. You can also dilute the mixture with additional water to achieve a liquid about the same color as iced tea and apply this to plant foliage and soil with a spray bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the brewed compost tea mixture within two days.

• If any tea is remaining after you fertilize your plants, it can be poured back into your compost bin.

• A manure tea fertilizer can be made following the same instructions, but substitute pulverized manure for the compost.

• Add a couple tablespoons of molasses to the mixture to create additional food for the bacteria.

• If you do not have an aquarium pump, make the tea as directed but stir frequently to keep the mixture aerated.

• The compost tea should smell earthy and sweet. Do not use it on plants if it smells bad.

• Do not cover the bucket. The tea needs oxygen to brew.

• Take care using water near the electric pump.

References

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection: Compost Tea - As Easy as 123
• Small Farm Permaculture and Sustainable Living: Compost Tea Organic Farming and Liquid Organic Farming Fertilizers for Organic Gardening