Compost tea is a water-based liquid preparation.

It is made by infusing aerated water with compost and nutrients...

...to extract and grow beneficial microbes.

Compost tea inoculates soils with a diverse array of beneficial microbes, increasing plant

vitality.

Water must be thoroughly aerated beforehand to remove chlorine, and throughout the brewing process, to prevent the growth of pathogenic

anaerobic organisms.

For small batches, five-gallon buckets with aquarium aerators work fine.

Commercial brewers are also available in many

sizes.

A mesh or cheesecloth screen allows water to mix with the compost without introducing large particles to the tea.

One example “recipe” is

one pound of compost

(plus nutrients, such as molasses

and humates) in five gallons of

water, brewed for 24

hours.

Compost tea should be used immediately after brewing. It can be applied as a plant or

soil spray, or as a soil drench.

If used as a spray, it should be well strained to avoid clogging the sprayer.

Compost extracts are made by passing water through compost. They have a longer shelf

life than compost teas, but a lower concentration of beneficial microorganisms.