How to Make Your Own Liquid Compost Tea for Your Garden

If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to give your plants a nutrient boost, look no further than compost tea—a liquid fertilizer made from compost that’s packed with beneficial microbes, nutrients, and organic matter.

Compost tea works faster than solid compost, delivering nutrients directly to plant roots and leaves. It’s like a supercharged energy drink for your garden, helping plants grow stronger, resist pests, and improve soil health.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what compost tea is, how to make it, and the best ways to use it for maximum results.

What is Compost Tea and Why Should You Use It?

Compost tea is made by soaking compost in water, allowing beneficial bacteria, fungi, and nutrients to dissolve into the liquid. It acts as a natural fertilizer and soil booster, offering several benefits:

🌱 Faster nutrient absorption – Plants take in nutrients more quickly than with solid compost.🌱 Improves soil microbiology – Adds beneficial microbes that enhance plant growth.

🌱 Boosts plant immunity – Helps plants resist diseases and pests naturally.

🌱 Increases plant resilience – Strengthens roots and improves drought tolerance.

Think of it as a liquid multivitamin for your garden!

How to Make Your Own Compost Tea (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making compost tea is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.

What You’ll Need:

✔ Mature compost (from your own bin or high-quality store-bought compost)

✔ A 20-litre bucket (or any large container)

✔ Water (rainwater or dechlorinated tap water is best)

✔ A strainer or old cloth (to filter out solids)

✔ A stirring stick

✔ Optional: Molasses or kelp powder (to boost microbial activity)

Step 1: Choose Your Compost

The better your compost, the better your tea. Use mature, well-broken-down compost that’s rich in organic material. If you don’t have your own compost yet, use vermicompost (worm castings) for an extra nutrient boost.

💡 Tip: Avoid using compost with meat, dairy, or diseased plants, as this can introduce harmful bacteria.

Step 2: Fill Your Bucket with Water

Fill your bucket with dechlorinated water. If using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate—chlorine can kill the beneficial microbes you want to grow!

Step 3: Add Compost & Stir

Add about 2 cups of compost per 10 litres of water. Stir well to help nutrients dissolve into the water.

💡 Boost Microbial Growth: Add 1 tablespoon of molasses or kelp powder—this feeds beneficial microbes, making your compost tea even more powerful.

Step 4: Let It Brew

Let the compost tea sit for 12-24 hours, stirring occasionally to introduce oxygen. If you want to speed up the process, use an aquarium air pump to aerate the mixture—this promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi.

💡 Tip: Don’t brew for more than 24 hours, as the tea can start to turn anaerobic (lacking oxygen), which may cause bad smells.

Step 5: Strain & Use Immediately

Once brewed, strain the compost tea using a cloth, mesh strainer, or old T-shirt to remove solid particles. Now it’s ready to use!

How to Use Compost Tea in Your Garden

Once your compost tea is ready, apply it immediately for the best results. Here’s how:

1. As a Soil Drench (Best for Roots & Soil Health)

🚿 Pour compost tea directly onto the soil around plants using a watering can.

🌱 This method feeds soil microbes and improves root health.

💡 Best for: Vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees.

2. As a Foliar Spray (Best for Plant Immunity & Growth)

💦 Use a spray bottle or garden sprayer to mist compost tea onto plant leaves.

🌿 The nutrients absorb directly into leaves, boosting plant immunity.

🚫 Avoid spraying in full sun to prevent leaf burn—apply in the early morning or evening.

3. For Seedlings & Transplants (Boost Growth & Reduce Shock)

🌱 Soak seedlings or young plants in compost tea for a few minutes before planting.

🔄 Helps reduce transplant shock and promote strong root development.

How Often Should You Use Compost Tea?

📅 Every 1-2 weeks – for general plant health.

🌿 Once a week – if plants look weak, stressed, or nutrient-deficient.

🏡 Every 2-3 days – for high-yield crops (tomatoes, peppers, herbs).

💡 Tip: Compost tea is mild and won’t burn plants, so you can use it as often as needed!

Troubleshooting Common Compost Tea Problems

🚫 “My compost tea smells bad!”

❌ Cause: Brewed too long or became anaerobic (no oxygen).

✅ Fix: Always brew for 12-24 hours and stir regularly.

🚫 “My tea looks slimy or foamy.”

❌ Cause: Too much molasses or not enough aeration.

✅ Fix: Use less molasses and ensure good airflow.

🚫 “I see mold on my tea.”

❌ Cause: Tea was left too long or stored improperly.

✅ Fix: Always use fresh compost tea within 24 hours—don’t store it!

Compost Tea: A Simple, Natural Way to Boost Your Garden

Compost tea is one of the easiest ways to improve soil health, strengthen plants, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or houseplants, this natural liquid fertilizer gives your plants everything they need to thrive.

🌱 Want to take your composting to the next level? Join The Compost Kitchen and turn your food waste into nutrient-rich compost!