Compost tea is a liquid made by steeping compost in aerated water to extract and grow beneficial microbes. It inoculates soils and increases plant vitality. The water must be aerated to remove chlorine and prevent pathogens, while a mesh screen allows water to mix with compost without large particles. For example, one pound of compost in five gallons of water brewed for 24 hours makes compost tea, which should be used immediately and can be applied as a spray or soil drench.

1. Compost tea is a water-based liquid preparation.

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

3. ...to extract and grow beneficial microbes.

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

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

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

7. Commercial
brewers are also
available in many
sizes.

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

9. One example
“recipe” is
one pound of
compost
(plus nutrients,
such as molasses
and humates)
in five gallons of
water,
brewed for 24
hours.

10. Compost tea should be used immediately
after brewing. It can be applied as a plant or
soil spray, or as a soil drench.

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

12. 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.