Compost Tea

One of the most useful demonstrations at the Organic Farming / Gardening seminar in Baton Rouge last week was the making of Compost Tea during the Equiterra Farm tour.

Compost Tea Basics

Compost Tea is a nutritionally rich, well-balanced, organic plant food made by steeping aged compost in water. The water is then diluted and used as a root and/or foliar feed. It is also noted for its ability to control various plant diseases (blights, molds, wilts, etc. when used as a foliar spray), to repel and control insect pests and their damage when used on a regular basis, and to encourage the growth of benefical soil bacteria which results in healthier, more stress-tolerant plants.

There are several different recipes for compost tea but the basic one most often recommended here calls for the following:

1 large container with lid (plastic trash can works well)

Enough aged, completed compost to fill an old pillow case 1/2-3/4 full

Sufficient water to fill the container (Equiterra Farm {EQ} recommended a ratio of 2 parts finished compost to 3 parts fresh water)

Fill the container with the water. Place the compost into an old pillowcase (cheese cloth bag or pantyhose also work well), tie off the top and submerge in the container of water. Cover (to prevent odor and insect problems) and let steep for a MINIMUM of 2 weeks.

(EQ simply dumped the compost into the water - but stirred it every now and then - or placed an aeration device into it - to infuse oxygen into it - a necessary component for breakdown of the compost)

This steeping time is crucial to the formation of benefical bacteria and the required fermentation process.

When finished, dip out the "tea" and dilute it to the color of weak iced tea (3 parts water to 1 part tea) and use as root food for any and all plants on a weekly or as-needed basis.

(EQ used it as a foliar spray as well - and theirs was ready after only 7 days)

To use as a foliar spray or on young seedlings, most recommend additional dilution. The remaining tea can continue to steep until needed.

The following factors will determine the quality of the finished tea:

Use well-aged, finished compost - Fresh compost can burn the plants or contain harmful pathogens and that which is too old is nutritionally deficient.

EQ noted that finished Tea should smell neutral or sweet - not putrid or "stinky."

The contents of the compost - It should be balanced and of good quality if using purchased compost. That which contains some portion of aged animal manure apparently remains active longer than that composed only of plant matter but it isn't required.

(It is important to note that COMPOST TEA AND MANURE TEA ARE NOT THE SAME THING. Manure teas can be made in the same way but are not generally recommended as foliar sprays and are not as nutritionally well-balanced.)

Method of application and weather - A pump sprayer or misting bottle works better than hose-end sprayers for large areas or for foliar feeding as they don't plug up as easily. Re-application after rain is necessary and one should avoid applying to the leaves during the heat of the day. Root feeding is not affected by the weather.

Thanks to all who contributed to this piece.