Vermicompost Tea - Natural Fertilizer and Foliar Spray

Making compost tea using worm castings is a simple and effective way to create a liquid fertilizer rich in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients. Compost tea can be used to boost plant growth, improve soil health, and provide a natural source of nutrients to your garden. Here's a step-by-step guide to making compost tea using worm castings:

Materials and Equipment:

- Worm castings (vermicompost)

- A large bucket or container (non-metallic)

- Water (non-chlorinated if possible)

- Aeration device (aquarium pump and air stone)

- Cheesecloth or fine mesh bag

- Optional: Unsulfured molasses or sugar (to feed microorganisms)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Container: Choose a large bucket or container to brew the compost tea. Make sure it's non-metallic, as metals can react with the tea and harm beneficial microorganisms.

2. Gather Worm Castings: Collect a suitable amount of mature worm castings from your vermicompost bin. The exact quantity will depend on the size of the container and the desired strength of the compost tea.

3. Fill the Container: Fill the bucket or container with non-chlorinated water. Chlorinated water can harm beneficial microorganisms, so if you have tap water, let it sit uncovered for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

4. Add Worm Castings: Add the worm castings to the water or your mesh bag. You can make a makeshift bag from cheesecloth and a rubber band as well. You can use a ratio of about 1 cup of worm castings to 3 gallons of water. If you want a stronger tea, you can increase the amount of worm castings slightly.

5. Aeration: Attach an aquarium pump and insert air stone into the container or into the mesh bag with the compost. The aeration process ensures that the water remains oxygenated, which supports the growth of beneficial aerobic microorganisms while discouraging harmful anaerobic ones.

6. Optional: Add Molasses or Sugar:* If desired, add a small amount of unsulfured molasses or sugar to the mixture. This acts as a food source for the microorganisms, promoting their growth and activity. A few tablespoons should do well.

7. Cover and Brew: Cover the container with a lid, cloth, or another breathable material to keep debris and pests out while allowing air circulation. Let the compost tea brew for 12 to 36 hours. The brewing time can vary depending on the desired strength of the tea and environmental conditions.

8. Strain the Tea: After the brewing period, use a cheesecloth or fine mesh bag to strain the compost tea. This will remove any solid particles, leaving you with a liquid fertilizer.

9. Application: Dilute the compost tea before using it on your plants. Mix 1 part compost tea with 3 to 5 parts water (1:3 to 1:5 ratio) to create the desired strength. Apply the compost tea to the soil around the base of your plants or use it as a foliar spray. When using as a foliar spray you will add micro organisms to the surface of the plant that will help to protect it from disease and fungal parasites. 

Compost tea made with worm castings provides a wealth of beneficial microorganisms and nutrients to support plant growth and soil health. Regular application of compost tea can help enhance the overall health and productivity of your garden. I shoot for about once every 10 days, time permitting.