Compost Tea Recipe
- Jana Yockey
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
# Get Ready for Spring: Make Your Own Compost Tea for an Improved Garden
## The Benefits of Compost Tea for Your Plants
Are you looking for a way to prepare for spring and improve your garden? Compost tea is a fantastic solution. It enhances the population of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. These microbes promote healthy soil and support plant growth. You can either buy compost tea or easily make it at home.
How To Make Compost Tea at Home
If you have a compost pile or bin, you already possess the key ingredient: finished compost. With just a few materials, you can brew compost tea right at home.
Two Methods for Brewing Compost Tea
There are two primary methods to brew compost tea: the aerated method and the non-aerated method.
Brewing Compost Tea – Simple Method
You don’t need special machinery for the non-aerated tea method. Your DIY compost tea brewer consists only of materials you already have at home.
Materials Needed:
Finished compost
A container (usually a five-gallon bucket)
Non-chlorinated water
Strainer
Step 1: Gather all your materials for easy access.
Step 2: Place your desired amount of compost into the empty bucket.
Step 3: Add untreated water. Use dechlorinated water from rain barrels or well water. Alternatively, let municipal tap water sit for 24-48 hours to let chlorine dissipate. Use a ratio of 1:4 for compost to water. For each cup of compost, add 4 cups of water.
Step 4: Mix the solution vigorously until the compost and water are well combined.
Step 5: Set the mixture aside in a place without direct sunlight.
Step 6: Wait for the compost to brew. If the temperature is above 60°F, brew for 12-36 hours. If it's below 60°F, wait at least 72 hours.
Step 7: Stir the mixture once daily to prevent the compost from settling at the bottom.
Step 8: After the required brewing time, use a strainer to pour the mixture into another container. Your compost tea is ready!
Aerated Method for Brewing Tea
This approach requires a few additional materials. Some gardeners prefer this method because it infuses more oxygen into the tea, promoting the growth of beneficial microbes.
Materials Needed:
Finished compost (preferably well-aged)
A container (usually a five-gallon bucket)
A burlap-type bag (for tea separation)
Non-chlorinated water
Strainer
Aquarium air pump
Step 1: Gather all materials for easy access.
Step 2: Fill the bucket with untreated water and use the air pump to aerate it.
Step 3: Following the same 1:4 ratio, place finished compost in the burlap bag. Dunk it into the bucket like a tea bag in a mug.
Step 4: While the air pump operates, gently massage the bag to break clumps apart.
Step 5: Set the mixture aside out of direct sunlight.
Step 6: Let it steep and aerate for two days. There's no need to stir since the air pump ensures movement. This method is not temperature-dependent, as the air pump creates a suitable environment for microbes.
Step 7: Turn off the air pump and strain the liquid to prevent large compost pieces from escaping the burlap bag.
You now have organic compost tea using either method. This fertilizer ensures your plants are healthy, improving soil quality.
How Compost Tea Benefits Your Plants
Compost tea significantly concentrates beneficial bacteria, leading to quicker results. It offers numerous advantages:
Suppresses diseases and aids in rapid root growth.
Enhances soil water retention.
Speeds up toxin breakdown from garden chemicals.
Promotes seed germination, leading to robust fruit and flower production.
Supports sustainable agriculture as an all-organic fertilizer.
Fertilizing Your Garden with Compost Tea
You can efficiently apply compost tea in two primary ways: through soil application or foliar application.
Soil Application
Applying compost tea directly to the soil targets plant roots. For household gardening, a standard watering can is popular. To ensure the compost tea reaches the root zone effectively, dilute it with a bit of untreated water.
Foliar Application
The second method involves using a spray bottle or foliar spray, delivering fertilizer directly to plant leaves. This method allows plants to absorb more water and nutrients while providing UV protection.
If you have leftover compost tea in your watering can or spray bottle, rest assured it does not have to go to waste. Freshly brewed compost tea can be stored for up to six days in a sealed, lightproof container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Compost Tea
Where Can I Buy Compost Tea?
You can purchase compost tea in powdered form from various online retailers and local garden centers. Some worm farms may also sell excess that they produce.
How Long Does It Take to Brew?
Both brewing methods can produce compost tea in 24–36 hours. If left longer, harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella may develop. The oxygen will be consumed by microbes, leading to anaerobic conditions that favor bad bacteria growth.
How Long Can You Store Compost Tea?
Compost tea can be stored for 4 to 6 days in an airtight, lightproof container. For longer storage, regularly aerate it using an aquarium pump or bubbler stone.
Why Can't I Use Unfinished Compost?
Unfinished or immature compost may contain pathogens harmful to plants. It also competes with plants for nutrients, as it requires additional nutrients to fully decompose.
Precautions to Minimize Risk
Use only high-quality, properly composted material.
Follow brewing instructions carefully.
Test compost tea for pathogens before applying to plants.
Apply to healthy plants only.
Dispose of any unused or spoiled compost tea properly.
Information on compost tea recipes and directions can be found on websites such as Uncle Jim's Worm Farm, Anne of All Trades, and Google.
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