Fancy A Spot Of (Compost) Tea?
Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer brewed from compost. You can trace its roots back to ancient agricultural practices! The history of compost tea is intertwined with the age-old wisdom of harnessing the power of decomposition to enhance soil fertility, also known as Composting! Read more below, and check out our Easy Compost Tea recipe below!
How Old Is "Age Old"?
As early as 3000 BC, civilizations in the Indus Valley, the Middle East, and more recognized the benefits of composting! They used organic matter to create a potent elixir for plant growth. Over the centuries, various peoples refined and adapted compost tea-making techniques, understanding its role in promoting soil health and plant vitality.
As modern sustainable gardening gained momentum, the resurgence of interest in organic farming and eco-friendly practices brought compost tea to the forefront, highlighting its pivotal role in fostering a harmonious relationship between microorganisms, plants, and the environment.
Today, the history of compost tea serves as a testament to the enduring wisdom of harnessing nature's processes to cultivate healthier, more resilient ecosystems!
But What IS Compost Tea?
Compost tea acts as a supercharged liquid fertilizer for plants. It's made by brewing compost in water to create a nutrient-rich liquid. This special tea is full of helpful tiny organisms that do great things for plants and soil.
When we make compost tea, we create the perfect environment for good microorganisms to grow. These microorganisms are like tiny superheroes for plants because they help recycle nutrients, fight off plant diseases, and keep the soil healthy.
Once we apply this compost tea to the soil, it brings in these helpful microorganisms, which then work to break down organic matter, fight off diseases, and make the soil better for plants. Using compost tea regularly makes the soil stronger, increases the amount of good stuff in it, and keeps plants happy and healthy. It's like giving the soil and plants a special treat to help them thrive!
Still Here? Great!
Heres an easy Compost Tea recipe to get you started!
Ingredients:- 5 gallons of water (non-chlorinated if possible)
- 1 to 2 cups each of Kelp Bliss, Neem Bliss Meal, and Worm Bliss
- 1/4 cup of molasses (unsulfured)
- Aeration source (air pump with airstone or stirring device)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh bag
Instructions:
- Prepare the Water: Fill a 5-gallon bucket with non-chlorinated water. If your tap water contains chlorine, let it sit for 24 hours or use a chlorine neutralizer.
- Add Compost: Place your Kelp, Worm, and Neem Bliss into a cheesecloth or fine mesh bag. Tie it securely.
- Submerge Compost Bag: Submerge the compost bag in the water, allowing it to steep like a tea bag.
- Add Molasses: Pour 1/4 cup of unsulfured molasses into the water. Molasses serves as a food source for beneficial microorganisms in the compost.
- Aerate the Tea: Use an air pump with an airstone or any method to create aeration. This helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi. Allow it to bubble for 24 to 48 hours.
- Strain and Use: After brewing, remove the compost bag and strain the liquid through a fine mesh to remove any remaining solids.
- Application: Dilute the compost tea with water before using it on your plants. A common ratio is 1 part compost tea to 4 parts water.
- Apply to Plants: Use the diluted compost tea to water your plants. You can use a watering can or a sprayer to apply it to both the soil and the foliage.
Remember to use the compost tea within a day or two of brewing for the best results. Happy gardening!
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