DIY Compost Tea: How to Make and Use It
Composting is an incredible way to reduce your food waste and get nutrient-packed soil amendment for your garden. However, sometimes our plants need a little extra boost to help them thrive. This is where compost tea comes in handy. In this article, we will explore what compost tea is, how to make it, and how to use it in your garden.
What is compost tea?
Compost tea is simply a liquid extract made from compost. It can be used as an organic fertilizer to boost the growth and vitality of your plants. The tea is created by steeping compost in water and allowing the beneficial microorganisms to multiply and thrive, creating a nutrient-rich liquid that can be applied directly to your garden.
How to make compost tea
Making compost tea is a relatively simple process that can be done with minimal tools and equipment. Here is everything you need to know to make your compost tea at home:
Equipment needed:
- A 5-gallon bucket
- A stirring tool (such as a stick or shovel)
- An old pillowcase or other cloth for straining
- A watering can or spray bottle for application
Ingredients:
- Compost (use about 1 cup per gallon of water)
- Water (preferably chlorine-free)
Instructions:
1. Fill your 5-gallon bucket with water and add your compost, using about 1 cup per gallon of water.
2. Stir the mixture thoroughly and let it sit for at least 24 hours, but no more than 72 hours. Stirring every 12 hours will help ensure that you're getting the most nutrient-packed tea possible.
3. After 24-72 hours, strain the liquid through an old pillowcase or other cloth to remove any solids. Your compost tea is now ready to use!
How to use compost tea
Compost tea can be used in a variety of ways in your garden. Here are some creative ways to use it:
- As a soil drench: Dilute your compost tea with water at a ratio of 1:10 (one part tea to ten parts water) and pour directly into the soil around your plants. This will help deliver all the nutrients and beneficial microorganisms directly to the roots where they are needed most.
- As a foliar spray: To give your plant's leaves a nutrient boost, dilute your compost tea at a ratio of 1:20 (one part tea to twenty parts water) and spray directly onto the leaves. Be sure to spray in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid sunburning the leaves.
- As a seed starter: Seedlings can benefit from a boost of beneficial microorganisms early in their growth. Use a 1:2 ratio (one part tea to two parts water) to water your seedlings with compost tea when they are first transplanted into the garden.
Benefits of Compost tea
Using compost tea in your garden can provide a multitude of benefits for your plants. Here are some of the benefits that come with making and using compost tea:
- Nutrient-rich: Compost tea delivers a concentrated dose of nutrients directly to your plants' roots, promoting healthy and vigorous growth.
- Boosts beneficial microorganisms: Compost tea is full of microorganisms that can help improve soil health by breaking down organic matter and promoting nutrient cycling.
- Increases water retention: The microorganisms present in compost tea can help improve soil structure and increase the soil's ability to retain water, thereby reducing water stress and increasing drought tolerance in your plants.
- Provides natural pest control: Beneficial microorganisms in compost tea can help suppress disease-causing organisms and pests in your garden.
In conclusion, compost tea is an excellent addition to any gardener's toolkit. Not only is it an excellent source of nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, but it is also an eco-friendly solution that can reduce food waste and improve soil health. By using compost tea in your garden, you can enjoy healthier plants and fruitful harvests throughout the growing season.