Compost Tea
How to Make Compost Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide
Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer that provides your plants with beneficial microbes, improving soil health and boosting plant growth. Here’s how you can make it at home:
What You’ll Need
Compost: High-quality, mature compost free of contaminants. Use well-rotted plant-based compost or worm castings for best results.
Water: Non-chlorinated water (rainwater or dechlorinated tap water). Chlorine can kill beneficial microbes.
Container: A large bucket (9 litres or more) or another suitable container with a lid.
Aeration Equipment (optional): An aquarium pump and air stones for aerated compost tea, which boosts beneficial microbial activity. Otherwise, a long stick to stir regularly.
Straining Material: An old pillowcase to hold the compost. Please use a cotton one. Polyester can leach microplastics into the soil.
Optional Additives:
Unsulfured molasses (1–2 tablespoons) to feed microbes.
Liquid kelp or fish emulsion for added nutrients.
Steps to Make Compost Tea 1. Prepare Your Compost
Add 2-3 cups (more if using a larger bucket) of mature compost or worm castings to your straining material (e.g., mesh bag). Tie the pillowcase securely so the compost stays contained during brewing.
2. Fill the Container with Water
Fill a 9 litre bucket with non-chlorinated water. If using tap water, let it sit uncovered for 24–48 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.
3. Add the Compost
Submerge the bag of compost in the water. If not using a bag, add the compost directly to the water, but you’ll need to strain the tea before use.
4. Aerate the Tea (Optional but Recommended)
Attach your aquarium pump to air stones and place them in the water. Aerating helps promote beneficial aerobic microbes, which are great for your plants.
Without aeration, the tea can become anaerobic, which may smell unpleasant and harm plants if applied.
Otherwise, stir regularly (once a day) to help aerate the tea.
5. Add Optional Nutrients
Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of unsulfured molasses to feed beneficial microbes. You can also add liquid kelp or fish emulsion for a nutrient boost.
6. Brew the Tea
Allow the tea to brew for 24–48 hours minimum. Stir the mixture occasionally if you don’t have an aeration system. The tea should have an earthy smell when ready.
7. Strain the Tea (if needed)
If you didn’t use a mesh bag, strain the compost tea through cheesecloth or a fine mesh to remove solid particles.
How to Use Compost Tea 1. As a Soil Drench
Apply compost tea directly to the base of plants to improve soil health and provide nutrients.
2. As a Foliar Spray
Pour the tea into a sprayer and apply it to plant leaves. This delivers nutrients directly to the foliage and helps protect against diseases.
Use the tea within 4–6 hours of brewing to ensure the microbes are still active.
Tips for Success
Use compost tea immediately after brewing for maximum benefits.
Avoid brewing for longer than 48 hours to prevent harmful microbes from developing.
Clean all equipment thoroughly before and after use to avoid contamination.
By using compost tea regularly, you’ll enrich your garden with beneficial microbes and nutrients, helping your plants grow healthier and stronger—all while making the most of your compost! 🌿
Banana Fertiliser
Banana peels are excellent for your garden. Packed with phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and various other minerals that plants thrive, banana peels help promote stronger stems and root growth while enhancing nutrient distribution throughout the plant.
While you can add the peels to our compost bin, you could also incorporate them directly into your garden soil. Simply chop them up to kickstart the composting process and bury them at least 10 cm deep. This way, when you plant, the nutrients will support your plants' growth as the peels decompose.
If you want to benefit from bananas in an already established garden, try making a banana fertilizer or "banana tea." Similar to compost teas, this fertilizer provides a mineral boost from fermented banana peels.
To make it, take a large mason jar and fill it with about three chopped banana peels (excluding the ends, which can go in the compost bin). Add warm water to the jar and let it sit for a few days. I recommend placing the jar outside and covering it, as it can become somewhat smelly.
To use, as with most garden "teas" a 1:10 ratio to water when feeding it to your plants. Use for flowering or fruiting plants.
I keep adding bananas and topping up with water to use regularly.
