How To Make Worm Tea

[@pancakepancake3789]

Questions for​ @ZipGrowInc : 1) How long do worm castings remain "alive" in storage (do the microorganisms die when left in the bag of worm castings on the store shelf, or my garage, too long)? 2) Why is making a tea important (why not just put the castings directly on the plant)? 3) Why would you need to strain the tea if some of the castings got out of the cheese cloth? 4) Is diluting 5-1 necessary? Or is it just to stretch the tea further? 5) What should we do with the castings after making the tea? Are they 'spent' or do they still have value as a soil amendment? Thanks for the video!!

[@tmoneyg4811]

I have these same questions wished they would've answered them

[@poetapex]

I would take a class from this man in a heartbeat. Succinct, authoritative and knowledgeable.

[@GrowRoots23]

Thank you for explaining the difference and benefit of using your pump and aeration equipment vs. just letting the worm castings soak in the water without! This is exactly what I was trying to figure out. Great video and very informative. Thank you!

[@ZipGrowInc]

We are glad that it helped!

[@pancakepancake3789]

​@@ZipGrowInc : 1) How long do worm castings remain "alive" in storage (do the microorganisms die when left in the bag of worm castings on the store shelf, or my garage, too long)? 2) Why is making a tea important (why not just put the castings directly on the plant)? 3) Why would you need to strain the tea if some of the castings got out of the cheese cloth? 4) Is diluting 5-1 necessary? Or is it just to stretch the tea further? Thank you! :)

[@vermiciousknid5840]

Great video! I've been using worm castings for the past two years on our peppers & tomatoes in containers & have had amazing results. I just picked up a small aquarium pump & will make some "tea" for the first time this week. Thanks for the information.

[@sandygess6115]

Another technique to get rid of chlorine quickly is, if you have aquariums, use de-clorinating conditioner like NovAqua Water Conditioner. Detoxifies chlorine immediately

[@paulnovak833]

1) super variable 2) large scale/foliar application ease 3)not to clog emitters / irrigation 4) hard to meter out full concentration 5) apply like normal castings

[@whatablissfullife]

Aquarist here. Surface agitation is the way to dissolve atmospheric gases (O2). So, any surface splashing works. I've kept many tanks without air pumps.

[@brgovender8879]

A great video. Simple and easy to understand. I know its benefits as a soil drench but applying it as a foliar spray, I'm not convinced. The benefits of bacteria and microbes in the soil makes perfect sense, but on the plant itself makes no sense after all worms live in the soil. Can you please explain. Thank you for sharing.

[@darrenlegree9860]

Hey there do you have to dilute the tea or is it to strong to give to the plants as is?

[@Jimmyhickey90]

Pro-tip: keep your air pump higher than the water. if you dont and the pump fails you could get a siphon and have a big mess on your floor.

[@jordanvaea7405]

you can also get a check valve for a dollar or two at a aquarium store or online and put it in on the tube between the pump and air stone, it prevents it from siphoning.

[@secondaccount6716]

enjoyed the video. any microscopic slides of finished product?

[@Pigearvet]

Interesting system. So far I just have a fish aquarium bublar and a tub to put the water in. Used this system last year and grew giant cantaloupe and butternut squash. You have a better setup than mine. Thanks for the useful instruction and demo Rob and Nat P.S Worm casting are wonderful for the garden

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@jordanyates769]

Question I have is: Is your soil drench ratio (the 1:5 as you pre mentioned) the same ratio that you would use for a folier feed? And also do you believe a heavier worm cast ratio would benefit vegetable bearing plants pertaining to a folier feed or would the results be too subtle in your experience. Thanks again

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for the question Jordan. Foliar applications can be done at a slightly stronger concentration if you wish, it shouldn't harm the plants any. We're not aware of any research that would suggest a heavier ratio of worm castings to be preferable when doing a foliar application. Hope this helps. Happy Growing!

[@joeymeraz]

this is exactly what I've been looking for. simple way to.make the tea. looking forward to apply this to.my peppers. thanks .

[@planecrazyish]

Great video and great info 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ZipGrowInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@graphene1487]

Awesome lesson here. Thank you and I hope your program is growing along with all of the gardens treated with your worm tea 🙂

[@priayief]

I really don't understand anything about compost teas. I understand the theories about the microbiological processes but I haven't yet been convinced that its worth my efforts (in terms of significant, noticeable production). You folks seem to be quite scientific, so I'm wondering if you've conducted controlled studies to show improved results? I enjoy your videos and many thanks for posting.

[@thomassteele1728]

I've been gardening heavily my entire young life. Now that I'm grown and I've started my own worm stuff I can tell you the castings alone being added to your soul mix will give you lovely results. From what I've seen and read about. Worm tea if made properly, is like miracle grow but minus the chemicals.

[@priayief]

@@thomassteele1728 Thanks for the reply but I'm only interested in evidence, not testimonials. Cheers.

[@OpaqueWindow]

I grow weed yields on tea are 15% better on average also saved a lot of throwing dirt out cause it lacks nutrients so that saves money on long run

[@priayief]

@@OpaqueWindow To clarify ... your findings are based on growing identical plants in the same growing medium at the same time, then measuring your results?

[@OpaqueWindow]

@@priayief yes same spot same weight fill even the same plant "clones" the growing stage they do get slightly bigger but when it matters is during budding. When you'll actually see the gains

[@dbyrd7827]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful information.

[@glennjohnston6787]

Would it be beneficial to add tea to my compost pile

[@johncamilleri8100]

very well explained.

[@ZipGrowInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pilkyish]

Great video. When you say to use it within 24 hrs as it’s alive, can it be added to biochar, and will it stay alive in biochar for a long time before being added to soil?

[@ZipGrowInc]

Glad you enjoyed it! Charging and inoculating biochar with worm tea is a common practice. It's often prepared for immediate application but biochar will hold onto those beneficial microbes and allow them to survive much longer assuming it's stored in favourable conditions.

[@pilkyish]

@@ZipGrowInc Thank you for your reply. Could you please elaborate on what those favourable conditions may be? Temp and in non sealed containers?

[@AnthonyGossner]

The video mentions another video regarding harvesting the worm castings but I can't seem to find it. I'd be interested in seeing it as I find it the trickiest part of the vermicomposting process.

[@greenjeanz4680]

Well instead of adding Ascorbic Acid and then PH UP all you need to do is fill your water up either the day before to gas off the chlorine or throw the bubbler in the water bucket for about 4 hrs and chlorine gone.

[@spankey0069]

Or harvest rain water, if you can in your area, it doesn't have chlorine and all the other crap in it...

[@highdesertbiker]

thanks for saying this

[@Tainowoman]

I used to do that for my fish tanks...

[@pearlaudelo1366]

I was thinking it. I didnt say it because i wasnt sure thank you Where can i buy a "bubbler"?

[@Tainowoman]

@@pearlaudelo1366 the pet dept in wally world.... Even cheaper online. :) the tube and stone are sold separately.

[@charlesbale8376]

Fantastic information.

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@perfum999]

Fish keepers like myself, use dechlorinator liquid available at any fish/aquarium store or on Ebay which gets rid of chlorine instantly in tap water when doing water changes in tanks and ponds. You only need a few ml for several gals/litres [liters] of water. I think this is also used on water drinking filters. Doesn't affect the PH.

[@BastardSwordsman82]

if the wormtea needs to consume fast, how the factory sell it in the cans? How that works if the will die ??? THX

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for your question. The tea you buy in stores has additives to preserve for longer. Homemade will avoid that but has a shorter shelf life.

[@JustinMentionedIt]

I know molasses and syrup are different but will syrup at least act like food for them or does it 100% have to be molasses

[@tjancijr]

Best worm tea vid on KZbin

[@camsteinback]

Great informational video! Question: what is done with the worm castings after brewing?

[@skymagruder5270]

I throw them back into my worm casting farm and redo the process. Same as soil that I’m temporarily done growing with 👍🏻

[@francoisnel5253]

Or just put it in soil

[@lourencochafiro8594]

Is that for soil base plants? Or would it also work for hydroponic?

[@BelajarBarengtentangKoi]

How about using it as foliar spray. Is it diluted to the same degree, one to five? Or other dilution? Help, please?

[@temperedOath]

Great info and production.

[@nagarajamg6589]

Sir hi Iam nagaraja from India My question is can I use liquid nutrition as hydroponic dwc method

[@letshike40]

can i use brown sugar, instead of molases?

[@RayMac413]

Hell yeah ,u can even use Cane sugar, Different microbes like different type sugars

[@halsteward1003]

Great video. Just curious after brewed makes me wonder if there is any humus / humic acid is still there. I'm on a quest for humus in my soil. Been doing castings for quite some time, just using garden fork, and getting the casting as deep as possible. While not turning over the soil. THANKS.

[@sylviaflores7941]

I have a fish tank pump will that suffice for a pump???

[@lizhauraki3478]

Kia ora from NZ. Do you have a video take on worm farming? thanks in advance.

[@ZipGrowInc]

Hi Liz, yes we have a video on Vermiculture and you can find it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6bOnaCOhKmlfbc, hope this helps!

[@paulnicholson8524]

Thank you have a old night

[@rejeanbrisebois7343]

I'm pretty new to gardening, specificaly indoor, and i have a question. If i use properly brewed worm tea once a week and add high quality worm compost from time to time, will i nned to use some kind of fertilizer to grow nice and tasty vegetables ? Thanks for very usefull video 😉

[@ZipGrowInc]

Hi there. Compost tea is not a substitute for fertilizers. N-P-K values for compost tea are generally very low. Think of compost tea as adding microbial beneficials to your soil. The beneficial microbes will outcompete the harmful microbes for food, therefore keeping their populations to a minimum. The N-P-K values for your compost tea are based on what the worms are fed. If your tea is of high quality and you reach a high level of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, then it can aid in the growth of your vegetables! We recommend looking for resources online that go over N-P-K recipes and what types of food to feed your worms. Typically, most N-P-K compost teas will be found in the 1 to 2% range.

[@rejeanbrisebois7343]

@@ZipGrowInc Wow, thank you very much!

[@jimmyjolly4184]

Could you use a fish tank pump

[@medo6067]

That’s what he was using exactly

[@ambiance_sounds]

Can I do this with distilled water? Will it have the same effect? And is it ok to use store bought worm castings or should it be super fresh? Thank you

[@ZipGrowInc]

Great question- Distilled water is perfect. What you want to avoid is chlorine in your water as that can kill the microbes you're trying to cultivate. Purchased worm-castings are fine to use, just make sure to check the label and ensure that what you're getting is 100% worm castings and not mixed with top-soil.

[@bluejay3945]

How do you determine the success of this program? Do you have a control planter? I would love to go down this road after seeing some of Dr. Igham’s presentations but I can’t wrap my head around how this much effort is better than simply manually incorporating castings into your garden space. She also advocates against adding molasses as it favors bacteria at the expense of the higher goal of a fungally dominant soil. It would also be beneficial to see the pre and post microbial life under a microscope so as to gauge the difference I prefer to have the data as opposed to anecdotal evidence. If you really want to make a difference it’s important to hit people over the head with verification of actual data

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thank for your comments! We are unfamiliar with Dr.Igham, good source?

[@melissaschaible7806]

It's my understanding if you leave your tap water to sit uncovered, overnight, the chlorine will neutralize on its own...true?

[@jerryunknown3638]

Yes, but not so with chloramine or chlorine dioxide which are both used in municipal water treatment!

[@Luis-zl5cg]

I just use a declorinator

[@scrapiron]

I use the bubbler to speed up the dissipation the chlorine.

[@Moduz66]

Thanks dude, really well explained. Much appreciated!

[@wesbewry3750]

His check is usually your tuition. You make a good point. He's worth the listen!

[@joemama-kx6rk]

Excellent video

[@robiezek]

Are you treating your dilution water for chlorine as well?

[@gregpalmer572]

is it ok to spray on the vegetable plants itself? will going on the leaves help/harm?

[@hosoiarchives4858]

The point is to spray on the plant. It’s called foliar feeding, search more using that term. Plants are designed to foliar feed in nature. Just another potential boost in your growing

[@chrissyb4817]

Hi, excellent video. Question ........ Can you store this tea?

[@alderaan20]

Would it work to let filtered water sit long enough for the chlorine to evaporate out so you don't need the acid and ph up?

[@ZipGrowInc]

Yes, letting water sit will allow the chlorine a chance to evaporate, this can take anywhere from 24 hours to 5 days depending on a few factors. Keep in mind that this doesn't negate the need to pH balance your water as there are often other ions present in solution that are unable to evaporate.

[@montanalloyd7269]

If you used filtered water could you skip the vitamin c and ph up steps?

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, so long as the ph of your water is within range. Filtered water isn’t always as neutral as you’d assume.

[@IdoBenZvi89]

is it a MUST to dilute it ?

[@kathystorer8831]

Will putting a lid with holes drilled on it hurt the process? I did that to keep the water from evaporating. Thanks

[@Daffodil28]

What if you don’t have froth after 24 hrs? Is it dead worm casting?

[@Scenicview423]

Question what do you do with the run over tea from the compost? Can you filter that also or no

[@ZipGrowInc]

Hello! Any water thats been inoculated with compost and/or worm castings and has been aerated sufficiently will be primed with a huge amount of beneficial bacteria and can be used for irrigating your garden. Depending on your setup, if sediment or particulate is an issue you can filter it as well, but its not generally a problem unless your using some form of drip irrigation.

[@davidgroves4512]

@@ZipGrowInc Re: Mz. Saylez "what do you do with the run over tea from the compost? Can you filter that also or no", Was she refering to leachate? (water that has percolated through a solid, and has leached out).

[@BelajarBarengtentangKoi]

It said one to five part dilution for soil drench. It did not say anything about dilution for foliar spray. Do you simply use the same dilution for foliar spray?

[@messagefrom8749]

What model pump is the aerator?

[@salsaa24]

Does a lactic acid smell indicate aanaerobic conditions?

[@justjj5802]

salsaa24 yes

[@Negus222]

Have you considered using sodium ascorbate instead of ascorbic acid?

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for the comments. The concern with using sodium ascorbate is the extra sodium which is generally not needed and can harm your plants if present in too high quantities.

[@noneurbusiness6137]

Is it okay to put worm casting bought in the store?

[@JWHealing]

It would be better than nothing but the idea is to use something that has lots of good living biology in it. So anything you buy in a bag that has been in the store for a while will have much less. Do you have a compost pile? Compost from that would have more living microbiology in it, or you could combine that w/the bagged / purchased castings.

[@tinatolle]

Tim, could you give the specs of the pump you are using? I'd love to do three buckets at a time since I have dozens of fruit trees and raised beds too. Would you recommend a more powerful pump for three buckets? Thanks!

[@ZipGrowInc]

Hello Tina, Thank you for your question. This is an older video, however, we currently offer 2 sizes of air pumps that we like to use. It is important to either have a multi-port aeration pump or separate pumps as one pump split into different lines can cause uneven air flow. shop.zipgrow.com/search?type=product&q=pump

[@GrowingOrganicTvShow]

You can apply it not diluted directly, then just water it in.

[@danielrouse537]

Would a few live worms be bad in a worm tea?

[@flatsville1]

Bad for the worms. They drown in the bag.😞

[@schwubs]

Check out soil science lectures by Elaine Ingham. She's the top of her field and recommends not adding molasses as it creates a bacteria dominated tea when what you want is a fungal dominated tea. Bacteria dominated tea is an excellent nutrient source for fast growing plants aka WEEDS.

[@sylviaflores7941]

Interesting. Ive seen many videos adding molasses

[@UpNorthBoarding]

Why not feed sugars for the bacteria and kelp for proteins for fungus food

[@JWHealing]

fast growing plants like annual vegetables and herbs as well, no?

[@reidshafer6207]

Are there any substitutes for molasses?

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for your comment Reid. It’s sugar in molasses that feeds the bacteria. You can use another form of sugar instead, preferable unrefined, just make sure it’s fully dissolved.

[@littlebeebs1]

Great video! Thank you 😊. Does the tea make the foliage more sensitive to light if used as a foliage spray ? By the way , you sound like Nick Offerman . Very cool . Have a great day 😊

[@adventureswithillyandlilly3093]

Yeah Wyoming!

[@SlainteFromFlorida]

It sounds like the lab needs a still or a dehumidifier to make distilled water.

[@tumba3182]

what is the best way to minimize biofilm? I get a bad film when i brew boogie brew in the same way as here and its always with clean burlap sacks and i have a clean-brand new pump. my water is also double RO filtered so im sure its not a bacterial component. ive noticed that if i brew in the window of 28-36 hours i get this film but if its just 24 hours or slightly less its more fresh looking. some graphs ive seen have shown significantly less microbial populations prior to 24 hours and optimal levels at 36 which is the reason why I am trying to push back this biofilm.

[@zackosborn1731]

Unavoidable with longer brews. Your brewing an ecosystem where different types of bacteria are consuming one another, once your past 24 hours the bi-products of the bacteria consuming and being consumed is inevitable and if anything indicates a successful brew.

[@tumba3182]

Thanks guys

[@kaseyowens3065]

Use a product called enzymes komplete. Its an All natural enzyme, wont harm bacteria, and keeps all equipment clean! I even use it for my trimming scissors and my pipe when it gets dirty.

[@davidstar2362]

thank you

[@hopeking3588]

Van you get the corlrine out of water by letting it set for 24 hours? I thought I heard that some where?

[@schwubs]

Yes. You can off gas for 24 hours if your water is treated with chlorine. If it's treated with chloramine, get a block charcoal filter.

[@northfloridafungi9336]

link for other video?

[@brandysigmon9066]

Can hydrogen peroxide be used in very small amounts to help to up the O2 or would it kill the good bacteria ?

[@BeastnHarlotDFO]

From what I've read it ups the o2 but absolutely kills good microbial life

[@ricardopagan8150]

How often do I use the worm tea

[@schwubs]

As often as you want. You can't over fertilize with it.

[@fdepsantander8780]

THX... WILL DO... TO WALMART I GO.... TO BUY THE MELASA....

[@Xboxsarerepairable]

The Plastic waste from that Zip Tie just defeated the whole reason you are doing this.

[@ZipGrowInc]

Thanks for your feedback.

[@Xboxsarerepairable]

@@ZipGrowInc kite string a shoelace or anything biodegradable that works should be used but do you know how extremely bad plastic is? Look it up you will say F global warming plastic will kill us all long before global warming.

[@TerryA_Gudde]

Why couldn't you use it straight instead of 5/1???

[@susanw9111]

TGudde leaf burn from too many nutrients

[@smeedgar]

Can't you catch a bucket of rain water?

[@Pianofishdave]

I Don’t understand bundling the stuff in cheesecloth....why not just mix it all up and feed your plants?

[@jmajick4415]

That way is messier and this method also allows for a great foliar spray

[@lynnfaulk9599]

What happens if you brew it longer than 48 hours?

[@outdoorsask3064]

Lynn Faulk you get vinegar lol put a log on it and don’t let in air and it’ll be alcohol lol worm poop flavour lol

[@flatsville1]

I think beyond 48 hrs of continuous bubbling, you shred the mychorizal fungi & further the risk of anaerobic bacteria production. I only go 12 - 24 hrs. I also bubble in a dark, coolish place.

[@codywestlind4841]

Just blend it all up. No need for a bag. 10 times stronger.

[@ZipGrowInc]

Glad to hear that works for you!

[@danielvelarde755]

Would this work for mushrooms? Will the molasses harm the colonization

[@oneloveyessah]

Why is anaerobic not good fertilizer?

[@lzshow]

Can u not just sprinkle casting and spray with water

[@medo6067]

Do I need to dilute the tea? What happens if I use it directly as is?

[@TV-jg4tk]

감사 해요 s korea

[@roywarriner8441]

I just top dress with castings and water them in, I don't see any added benefit in making tea.

[@AK-ru3sg]

Very informative and full of useful detail. However, I have to say, would you really bother? If you want more good stuff for the garden just don't flush it down the toilet and add it to the compost pile instead. A lot easier (especially for the blokes).

[@Ultimatefitness360]

Bro how much watt air pump enough for five gallon water ??

[@butterfly101664]

If the garden is full of worms, do you still need to make worm tea?

[@pearlaudelo1366]

I dont but make sure your worms in your garden are feed to make castings. I treat my yard like a huge worm farm - I use organic peatmoss & coco coir with a worm bedding like very fine shredded newspaper & cardboard. Coco coir helps them move around its light the peatmoss & paper is food. Plus what ever organic yummys happen to fall in leaves from your plants roots ect. Turn into the compost. Worms eat alot 1lb of worms makes 11/2 to 1 lb of castings A DAY! ♡ You can see the difference within a few weeks. Your plants are in a coco coir and castings soil base with THE BEST #1 FERTILIZER ! The coco coir helps plants roots move and grow too.. amazing huh

[@pronouncedseven652]

@@pearlaudelo1366 you should make this a video

[@flatsville1]

Foliar spray from underneath yeilds some beneft. It also forces you to look under leaves for pest infestation/eggs. I use my worm tea as a root drench at seeding planting time. Also for the first few hand waterings post-germination on direct sow seedlings.

[@happyday.mjohnson]

Can worm tea be used for hydroponics?

[@interestingyoutubechannel1]

+Jason Reyes Wouldn't it be possible in a tower system to just exchange the compost material out of the tank once a day or two, but keep the same solution in the tank at a high flow rate through your system? I'd assume that after a while, the microbes would balance out for healthy consistent nitrification levels like they would do in aquaponics?

[@vtecbanger3180]

What harm would come if i used this straight in an indoor flowering plant?

[@schwubs]

No harm. You cannot over fertilize with work castings or worm casting tea.

[@skyfairy1959]

are u sure the city is using Chloramine! The vit c mix works well-

[@AlvinMcManus]

I'm with you until you used the stones. Those can harbor all manner of nasty bacteria because you cannot clean them adequately. You would be better off using drilled pvc pipe to introduce the air to the brew. Heck you can even just stick the air tube into the brew and anchor it so it stays submerged. Thanks for the Ph Up tip I'll add to my procedure going forward.

[@ZipGrowInc]

Glad it helped Alvin, thanks for your tips!

[@bazzadownunder6117]

Thanks for this. Just one thing: You keep on saying delude what you should be saying is dilute ;-)

[@daleandsamantha5150]

not all buckets are safe to use tool buckets are not good to use high in bpa food grade sir .

[@drfirebeantowngreentown9750]

Hey man. People are going around saying you guys look deflated and just beat. Same chick was like daam. What happened. He used to be such a FUNGI.....lol sorry man I couldn't help it.

[@ketalix]

Is useless put ph down or up in the beginning...the ph will change in the end(microbial activity)!

[@MikeM-uy6qp]

this is overwrought.

[@ethancunningham3499]

need some more lighting? god damn get something reflective up and fix your crooked ass light/;

[@LFGRIM123]

This was too boring, were not Second graders. ! Dammmmm