Most of our customers have heard about the incredible benefits of fresh, high quality, home-brewed compost tea, but not everyone knows how easy and inexpensive a process it can actually be. We have all the quality ingredients you need for brewing included in this great kit. Now, for pennies a gallon, produce your own exactly how you want it, when you want it. Includes:

• 5-gallon pail and lid
• Aeration pump
• 2 Air Stones
• Vinyl Tubing
• Compost Tea Strainer Bag
• 15 oz Peaceful Valley Compost Tea Catalyst

For each batch of tea you will also need 3-4 cups of high quality compost.

Brewing compost tea at home is an eco-friendly and rewarding practice that offers numerous benefits for both gardeners and the environment. Compost tea is a liquid fertilizer created by steeping compost in water, and it is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. Let's explore the value and joy of brewing compost tea at home and how it can contribute to healthier plants and a more sustainable garden.

The Value of Compost Tea

1. Nutrient-Rich Soil Amendment: Compost tea is an excellent source of essential nutrients for plants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting.

2. Beneficial Microorganisms: One of the primary benefits of compost tea is the presence of beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These microorganisms promote soil health, suppress harmful pathogens, and enhance nutrient availability for plants.

3. Enhanced Soil Structure: Compost tea can improve soil structure by increasing its water-holding capacity, aeration, and overall fertility. This leads to healthier root systems and better plant growth.

4. Disease Suppression: The beneficial microorganisms in compost tea help suppress soil-borne diseases by outcompeting harmful pathogens and strengthening the plant's natural defense mechanisms.

5. Reduced Environmental Impact: Brewing compost tea at home reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional gardening practices.

How to Brew Compost Tea at Home

Brewing compost tea at home is a straightforward process that requires minimal equipment and ingredients. Here's a basic overview:

1. Ingredients:

   • Compost: High-quality compost rich in organic matter is the primary ingredient.
   • Water: Use non-chlorinated water, as chlorine can harm beneficial microorganisms.
   • Molasses (optional): A small amount of unsulphured molasses can act as a food source for microorganisms.

2. Equipment:

   • A large container or bucket
   • An aquarium pump with an airstone or a stirring mechanism
   • A fine mesh bag or cheesecloth for holding the compost

3. Brewing Process:

   • Fill the container with water, leaving some space at the top.
   • Place the compost in the mesh bag or cheesecloth.
   • Submerge the compost bag in the water.
   • Add molasses if desired (1-2 tablespoons per 5 gallons of water).
   • Use the aquarium pump with the airstone or stir the mixture daily to oxygenate it.
   • Brew for 24-48 hours, ensuring the temperature stays between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
   • After brewing, strain the liquid through a fine mesh to remove any solid particles.
   • Dilute the compost tea with water (1:10 ratio) before applying it to your plants.

Application of Compost Tea

Compost tea can be applied in various ways:

• Foliar Spray: Spray the diluted compost tea directly onto the leaves and stems of plants. This enhances nutrient absorption and provides a protective barrier against foliar diseases.

• Soil Drench: Pour the diluted compost tea around the base of plants, allowing it to soak into the soil. This delivers nutrients and beneficial microorganisms directly to the root zone.

• Seedling Soak: Soak seedlings or transplants in a diluted compost tea solution before planting to encourage healthy root development.

• Compost Activation: Use compost tea to accelerate the decomposition of compost materials in your compost bin or pile, creating nutrient-rich compost more quickly.

Brewing compost tea at home is a valuable and enjoyable practice that promotes sustainable gardening and enhances plant health. By harnessing the power of nutrient-rich liquid compost and beneficial microorganisms, gardeners can cultivate thriving gardens while reducing their environmental footprint. Whether you have a small container garden or a sprawling landscape, the value and joy of brewing compost tea at home can be appreciated by gardeners of all levels of experience.

Summary of Key Items

• 5-gallon pail and lid: The primary container for compost tea brewing, where water, compost, and ingredients are mixed. The lid keeps the environment controlled and contaminants out.

• Aeration pump: Essential for oxygenating the compost tea mixture, connecting to the pail, and providing a continuous flow of air for beneficial microorganisms.

• 2 Air Stones: Disperse oxygen evenly throughout the compost tea by creating fine bubbles. Placed at the bottom of the pail, they agitate and oxygenate the water for optimal microbial activity.

• Vinyl Tubing: Connects the aeration pump to the air stones, facilitating the efficient transfer of oxygen, ensuring consistent aeration during the brewing process.

• Compost Tea Strainer Bag: Contains compost or compost materials during brewing, preventing them from floating or clogging the air stones, simplifying the straining process before application.

• 15 oz Peaceful Valley Compost Tea Catalyst: An organic additive that enhances brewing by providing a food source for beneficial microorganisms, boosting their growth and effectiveness in the compost tea.

⚠ Warning: This product or its packaging has a CA Prop 65 Warning

Cannot ship to the following states: HI, AK, PR, GU, VI

Shipping Weight: 14.0 lb

Dimensions: 15.0"L x 12.0"W x 12.0"H