Compost tea innoculates soil with beneficial microorganism. Plants LOVE this magical brew.
You Will Need:
- A 5-gallon bucket
- A mesh bag
- 1-2 cup of active compost as an inoculant
- Non-chlorinated water (use well water, rainwater, or let your tap water sit for at least 24 hours)
- 1 T. Mineral Rock Dust for trace minerals
- A simple sugar food source for beneficial bacteria
- 1 T. organic, unsulfured molasses or other natural sugar source
- A complex sugar food source for beneficial fungi
- 1 T. each of Kelp/seaweed meal and humic acid OR 1 T. liquid fish fertilizer
The goal is to create a good balance of food for both beneficial bacteria and fungi, and it is okay to use what you have available. The mixture will need to be aerated–so that the good organisms multiply. You can accomplish this by regularly stirring during the 24 hour period or by using a compost tea aerator. If you continually aerate, you can keep the brew going for a couple of days before you use it.
Spray compost tea liberally on and around plants to create a living, healthy soil for plant growth. Or, add it to soil along with organic matter and mulch. Compost tea can be used to inoculate and rehabilitate compromised soil.
Links to Ingredients & Supplies:
Liquid Fish Fertilizer: https://www.groworganic.com/products/peaceful-valley-organic-liquid-fish-2-3-0-5-1-qt
For serious brewers:
5 gallon bucket brewer system: https://www.amazon.com/Compost-Tea-Brewer-Kit-Bubbles/dp/B00JZD720E
Pre-mixed compost tea catalyst ($$): https://www.groworganic.com/products/compost-tea-catalyst-4-5-lb-tub