Compost is one of the most important gardening supplies. It comes packed with several plant nutrients that will help improve your soil and enhance your harvest. There are many ways to make compost but it may be time to take it to a whole new level and try out compost tea.
Here’s what it is:
Compost tea refers to a type of compost that is mixed up with water and left to brew for a number of days before it’s used. It offers more benefits compared to traditional compost:
- The mixture can fend off a number of plant diseases and pests.
- It’s a very potent organic fertilizer that offers great nutrients to plants.
Below, you will find out how to make compost tea like a pro!
What You Need
The materials needed to make compost tea will vary depending on the type of compost you intend to make. There are two common types to choose from:
Non-aerated compost tea
Aerated compost tea
Both options are very similar, so it’s just a question of preference, although it’s worth mentioning that non-aerated compost tea is easier to make. You will only need non-chlorinated water and a large bucket. As for the aerated option, you will need the same supplies as well as an aquarium pump. Some people may also add unsulphured molasses into the mix.
How to Make Compost Tea
Once all the materials have been gathered, it’s time to get started.
For the non-aerated version:
- The first thing you should do is to dechlorinate tap water.
- Pour the compost into a bucket.
- You can add the molasses at this stage if you so wish.
- Mix the compost with the water and leave it for up to 72 hours.
In case you are planning to use the aerated version, follow the same steps. But you will need to dip in the aquarium water pump into the bucket and make sure it’s pumping for three days. Once the compost is fully brewed, you can use directly from the bucket.
How to use the compost:
Just pour the mixture directly on the plant’s roots, or spray the liquid compost tea on plant leaves.
How Long Does It Take to Make Compost Tea?
It may take a few days to make compost tea. Dechlorinating tap water, in particular, could take the best part of a day. Once the water is mixed up with the compost, it will need at least two to three days to brew. You can plan for at least four days. Compost tea is also not meant to last for a long time. In fact, only make amounts that can be used within 24 hours after the brewing is done.
Does Compost Tea Stink?
If brewed correctly, compost tea should have an earthy and sweet odor that’s often comfortable for most farmers. If for some reason your compost stinks, it may indicate that you didn’t make it correctly. Compost tea with a foul smell should never be applied to your plants. Stinky compost may be contaminated and it could have adverse effects on your garden.
Benefits of Compost Tea
Compost tea is relatively more effective compared to regular compost. In essence, a brewed version of compost will deliver the same benefits as regular compost but in a bigger way.
In addition to this,
Compost tea may also help preventing and treating a number of plant-related diseases. It can also keep away certain types of plant pests. What makes it a great idea is the fact that it’s easy to make. You don’t need to buy additional supplies too. A bucket and some non-chlorinated water will do.
Compost can have great benefits to plant life but you can actually maximize these benefits with easy-to-make compost tea. Try it today and see the results!
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