Compost tea is one of the most powerful tools in an organic gardener's arsenal. This liquid extract concentrates the beneficial microorganisms and soluble nutrients from finished compost into a form that plants can absorb immediately.
## What Is Compost Tea?
Compost tea is a liquid produced by steeping finished compost in water, often with added microbial food sources like molasses. The result is a biologically active solution teeming with bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes.
## Two Methods: Aerobic vs. Passive
### Aerated Compost Tea (ACT)
- Uses an air pump to oxygenate the brew for 24-48 hours
- Produces higher microbial diversity and population
- Requires: 5-gallon bucket, air pump, air stone, mesh bag
### Passive Compost Tea
- Simply steep compost in water for 3-7 days, stirring occasionally
- Simpler setup, no equipment needed
- Best for soil drenching only
## Basic ACT Recipe
**Ingredients:**
- 4 cups finished compost
- 5 gallons dechlorinated water
- 1 tablespoon unsulfured molasses
- Optional: kelp meal, fish hydrolysate
**Steps:**
1. Place compost in a mesh bag
2. Suspend in bucket of dechlorinated water
3. Add molasses and amendments
4. Run air pump for 24-36 hours
5. Temperature 65-80F
6. Should smell earthy and sweet
## Application Guide
### Foliar Spray
- Dilute 1:1 with water
- Apply early morning or evening
- Every 2 weeks during growing season
### Soil Drench
- Use undiluted or 1:1
- 1-2 cups per plant at root zone
- Monthly throughout the season
## Common Mistakes
1. Using unfinished compost
2. Chlorinated water
3. Brewing too long (over 48 hours)
4. Storing finished tea (use within 4-6 hours)
5. Applying in direct hot sunlight
