
Compost Tea: Brewing Fertility
Want to supercharge your soil without chemicals? Learn how to brew compost tea—an all-natural elixir that feeds plants, boosts microbes, and brings your garden to life.
What Is Compost Tea? (Hint: Don’t Drink It)
Compost tea is not your next herbal blend. It’s a liquid extract made by steeping finished compost in water—basically a probiotic smoothie for your soil. Rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients, it delivers fertility straight to the root zone.
Why It’s a Garden Game-Changer
Feeds soil biology: Adds life, not just nutrients
Boosts plant immunity: Helps fend off disease naturally
Improves nutrient uptake: Especially useful for tired or compacted soils
Saves money: Homemade and scalable from a bucket to a barrel
How to Brew Basic Compost Tea
You’ll need:
1 part mature compost (dark, crumbly, no stink)
5–10 parts dechlorinated water (rainwater is perfect)
A 5-gallon bucket
Optional: molasses (1–2 tablespoons) to feed microbes
Optional: aquarium pump and air stone (for aerated tea)
Steps:
Fill bucket with water and let it sit 24 hours if using tap (to off-gas chlorine).
Add compost and stir. Add molasses if desired.
Let steep for 24–48 hours, stirring occasionally (or aerate constantly).
Strain through cheesecloth or a paint strainer before using.
How to Use It
Water it in at the root zone for vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs
Foliar spray (strain well!) to deliver nutrients and microbes to leaves
Use fresh—ideally within 6 hours of brewing for best microbial action
A Word of Caution
Don’t use compost tea on leafy greens close to harvest unless it’s made with fully finished, safe compost. And always clean your tools—brewed life can spoil quickly if mishandled.
Final Pour
Compost tea is humble, homemade, and wildly effective. With just a bucket, a bit of compost, and a little time, you can brew fertility that speaks your soil’s language.
Want to take it a step further? Grab our free printable Compost Tea Brewing Guide and pin it up in your greenhouse or kitchen! And if you’re part of the Clemson Tea Farm family, share your compost tea results with us using #ClemsonTeaFarm.

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