TOP 4 TIPS on COMPOST TEA | What I've Learned So Far

[@1870s]

So what were the main facts I learned about compost tea: 1) Compost tea should have an aerobic environment 2) Compost tea should only brew between 24-36 hrs 3) 1-2 cups of kitchen compost is all you need to brew a 5 gallon bucket of compost 4) Dilution ration should be less thank 50% compost tea, many that use it more regularly in their gardens dilute it to a 10% compost tea ratio.

[@jenedge5949]

That 1870's Homestead I'm enjoying your music, can you list it in your show notes. Ty

[@priayief]

@Laurie Weideman Exactly! Why go through the effort if you can't in some objective way show that it works!

[@1870s]

I am in my garden every single day multiple times a day and I will be able to tell if there are any positive or negative effects.

[@priayief]

@@1870s The point is that from one season to another, different crops will perform differently from season to season, even though gardening practices remain the same. Since there are so many variables in gardening, the reasons for a decrease or increase of production from a particular crop are a best guess. There's also the not insignificant phenomena called "confirmation bias", also referred to as the "placebo effect". That is, if you believe something works, you will perceive it works. I hate adopting a recommended practice (especially from KZbin) unless I can confirm that the practice works based on credible, evidence-based advice from domains such as *.org, *.agr or *.edu. Lacking this kind of advice, I search for successful commercial farmers/gardeners that adopt the practice. Another technique I use to assess the validity of a particular practice is to find opposing views. In this case, try Googling - Myth Compost Tea. You may not agree with the conclusions you find, but at least you will be fully informed. Cheers. And I like your posts. Thanks.

[@sardar5150]

Learning is the fun part of gardening, although can be frustrating until you get it right. You don't just need the good nematodes, you also need good bacteria, fungi and protozoa. You are applying tea as a foliar spray to put those microbes on your leave, they create a glue to protect your leaves (that's why you add foods like kelp and fish emulsion). A quick easy way and takes minutes is to make a compost extract (soil drench). Fill up your 5 gallon bucket with non-chlorinated and non-chloramine water, take a handful of good finished compost (I use vermicompost), put into a 400 micron mesh bag. Massage that bag in the water for 5 minutes, don't be rough. Discard the compost in that bag (put back in compost pile), get another fresh handful of compost and repeat. ( I repeat about 4 times. I've checked under my microscope and that seems to have all I need) You are stripping the good microbes off that compost, you are trying to get your good populations up. Fill up your watering bucket and drench the soil around those plants, repeat every other week until things look like everything is doing good. You need the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes home to do nutrient cycling, in other words, make those nutrients available to plants. I've learned this from classes I've taken from Dr. Elaine Ingham. If you have any questions, you can email me, [e-mail].

[@1870s]

Awesome information. Thank you so much for taking the time to share all this with everyone here.

[@rogeriolisto]

Thank you.

[@priayief]

Interesting and compelling advice. I mean this respectfully, but what if I said it isn't worth the time and trouble? How would you convince me?

[@sunlight8299]

@@priayief I see it as a quick soil boost or restore soil balance. Faster than compost breaking down etc. I imagine it may also be useful when plants are flowering/fruiting or having some pest problems.

[@joaniestraw5075]

@@priayief If you can, take a bit of time to “nerd out” on KZbin clips featuring Dr. Elaine Ingham and soil/composting. It’s fascinating, how much more time and energy it takes trying to amend our soils artificially (and less effectively) than just allowing the efficient systems of nature to build healthy soil structure naturally. I guess it’s an investment. Seems over a brief amount of time - if done properly, creates less work in the long run with stronger/healthier results for soil, microorganisms, plants and ultimately people who benefit from better gardens and crops. And no chemicals.

[@barrysullivan59]

That's why I've always used the worm farm system. I found an old grp bathtub in a skip about 6 yrs ago and got a farm started and it's worked great ever since. A awesome source of ready to use compost plus a magical liquid feed ready for dilution.

[@1870s]

Sounds amazing

[@margaretbedwell58]

Good luck with this compost tea experiment. Off topic, but I wanted to let you know, I picked my first two beets yesterday. I was so happy they finally grew to a decent size to pull. I cooked the few greens on them and put them on my cheese pizza. Delicious. The beets I'm going to cook tonight . Y'all have a Blessed day.

[@1870s]

That is awesome! Our beets are doing pretty good too, so far! Here's to hoping we have enough for a good harvest.

[@grekahg3938]

What I did last year was take the broken down compost from my compost bin and added water and brewed overnight, stirring every-so-often to aerate. Applied to the roots and then next day I can swear my plants doubled and looked beautiful. I did this all season along with worm castings. This year we are trying liquid fish fertilizer and low/slow fertilizer. Will know in a couple weeks (time for time) if this is just as good or better. Compost tea would definitely be the cheaper way to go. Learning and making mistakes and learning from them, it’s how we grow! Hope it works for you.

[@1870s]

Awesome thank you.

[@soratakeuchi374]

It is definitely worth the $5-14 investment for a 10 gallon air pump to make aeriobic teas- the oxygen levels are much higher than without it. A few cool tips about compost teas that I've learned; - Dechlorinate the water (Let the water sit for 24 hours) before adding tea ingredients. - Make sure the molasas used is unsulphured. I add 1 - 2 tbs per 1 gallon of water. - Add 1 tbs of Alfalfa Meal & 1 tbs of Kelp Meal during flowering as it is high in potasium and phosphorus. - Add Hydroguard and/or Regalia to protect from diseases, pests and promote a healthy and natural environment. - For seedings, use a ppm of 300-700 and for vegetative and flowering, use a ppm of 700-800. Anthing over 800 could cause nutrient burn. - Before application, always pH correct water to 5.8 - 6.2. Extreme acidity levels or alkalinity levels will induce nutrient lock.

[@canadianproudgetoutdoors]

I spent 30$ on my setup for my compost tea its worth it . You need to keep it moving the life in it will be substantial better ! Good luck

[@1870s]

Good to know! What is your setup like?

[@canadianproudgetoutdoors]

Went to fish store they hooked me up pump hose and the rock . Toss er in bucked use a skreen door over bucket keep leavs n bugs out .start in morning and next morning its redy to go ! If pump isnt strong enough u might not get foam as much but thats ok !!

[@suzie2080]

I want to thank you for your recent video where you explained onions. I've always struggled with them and you made it so easy to understand. My hubby is happy because he loves eating the little onions raw and he's got a bunch now! My garden looks bad this year, things didn't work out as I had planned but I learned and God willing I'll start over next year.

[@1870s]

Glad it was helpful! and you still have plenty of time for a wonderful fall garden!

[@stephanyv1901]

Very informative on what u learned and how u shared ur new way!! I've made this same mistake but it's what and how u learn from it!! U will see results with this!! Also try comfrey and some sort of humic acid in compost teas!! Keep up the good work!! You've given me inspiration to do better research and save pics and videos to possibly start a channel myself!!!! True comfrey

[@1870s]

If you start a channel, let us know, we'd love to check it out 😋

[@theheritagehousesc]

I do a three day compost tea. I thought five was a bit long but I’m not an expert. I’ve given my plants a few times tea. I’m not very consistent with anything but I think it helps. We all learn from our mistakes and from each other. I hope it works for you.

[@1870s]

Thanks for sharing!

[@KeikoBushnell]

You can also make anaerobic compost. And compost tea. And you can also fertilize your garden with fish tank water. There’s lots of things you can do basically people complicate everything so much but all you need to do is think about what happens in nature sometimes there’s air sometimes there’s not depends how deep the compost is and where it’s coming from and if you’re going to imitate nature then try and speed it up there are certain things that are going to change with the Kompass but basically you just want everything to be decomposing and have bacteria and micrOorganisms.. I mean nature is pretty amazing if you just let it do it’s thing and if you’re only including natural things in your compost it’s pretty much going to do it’s thing correctly in one way or another it’s going to decompose and be able to take it back into the earth.

[@xyzk161]

Thank you maam for another useful video. Just a tip, when you stir it.. you have to stir it in one direction.. like clockwise.. otherwise you could kill some useful micro organisms .. very important .. keep in mind.

[@1870s]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing the tip 😋

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

Very interesting Rachel. I would have failed no doubt. I've always just put the tea grinds or leaves right in the boxes along with epsom salt..or coffee grands I made sure they were dried first. Now there is something new to consider thanks to your new learning. Thanks!

[@1870s]

I am still learning as well and have gotten so many great comments on this video on what to research next to continue

[@joyxayasane8739]

Ive watched your video on making compost tea. I’ve never seen anyone make compost tea like that. I didn’t want to be a nay sayer.. I’ve learned so much from watching your videos. I hope this next batch works out better for you.

[@1870s]

Thanks for joining my learning journey

[@camic3345]

You rock! Thank you so much for sharing as you learn. I love your videos & they just get better every time! Thank you for taking us along on your journey so we can learn with you. I have faith that this time you'll have amazing results with your compost tea. I think today I will try to get a couple of buckets going just like you showed so I can try it along with you 😄

[@1870s]

You are so welcome! Be sure to come back and let us know how it works for you.

[@GrammaDebsStorytime]

Thanks for doing the research and making sure you let us know the proper way to make compost tea. I'm looking forward to see if it really makes a difference... 😁

[@1870s]

Our pleasure! Thank you for spending your time with us 💚

[@pingpong9656]

What do you think of Compost Tea now that three years have gone by - is it hype or is it the real deal? I just found out about it so, would like to know if it is worth perusing further...

[@markread8650]

Like your honesty

[@stephiefultz]

Going to research this. Thanks for sharing

[@1870s]

Please do!

[@patricajanekimmel6821]

I’m a big proponent of boggie brew compost tea part a and b using rainwater and a 02grow oxygen emitter . It’s best of the best ready in 1-3 hours . Super oxygenated compost tea ! 😊

[@1870s]

Great tip! I'll have to look that one up, and learn more about it.

[@patricajanekimmel6821]

Well, to me getting all right products makes it easy and fun knowing your feeding your plants a world class veganic biological soup to thrive on !

[@fallenangelwi25]

I have some rabbit compost tea brewing but not sure how to use it so I'm excited for this video. Thank you

[@1870s]

Wonderful! How long until it's ready?

[@fallenangelwi25]

@@1870s I think I have over brewed it but I am going to try to dilute it well and see how it goes lol

[@alliebagwell9653]

Love your channel so far! I've never tried compost tea, but I will now!

[@1870s]

Glad you found us! Hope you stick around with us, we love sharing our journey with people. ❤

[@thatpoisonivychick]

The issue with the sprayer I can almost guarantee is clogging. I have a theory that the manufacturers intentionally design them to clog so we think we need to go buy a new one. 😅 I’d encourage you to Strain your compost tea REALLY well before adding to your sprayer. I recommend straining into a couple SPOTLESS buckets at LEAST twice using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or I’ve even used landscape fabric in a pinch. Sprayers clog so easily. It can be quite frustrating having to take them apart, blow the lines to see two tiny specs of soil causing all the trouble. Strain strain strain!!! If that’s not the issue, it’s generally an air leak of some kind. Check all lines in and out and ensure they are firmly sealed. Sometimes the seal itself goes AWOL and the require replacement. Most of the ones you can buy in big box stores have extras included. But without a solid seal, you’ll never build pressure and just get the piddly stream. Love the recipie! Hope it’s working well for you! And I too and a huge fan of Lawton. I also talk about him on a first name basis like he’s a friend. Well, Geoff was saying… 😅 I’m glad I’m not the only one! Happy growing!

[@TJ-se9kz]

Thank you! I’m learning too!

[@1870s]

You are so welcome!

[@artbykcappadona5166]

I have two in Enviro cycle bins That make compost tea. And yes you need to dilute them to 10%. It’s very easy to do. Unfortunately my bins do not make very good compost on my back porch because I do not have a lot of sun out there

[@CJ-qj3pk]

I also have an Enviro cycle bin. The compost tea it makes in the bottom container was full of maggots. ugh, I just could not use it. EWWW!

[@1870s]

Lol

[@LizZorab]

Nice video Rachel. I've been reading a book called Compost Teas for the organic grower by Eric Fisher. It's published by Permanent Publications, the folks who publish Permaculture magazine. It covered basics and some really complex stuff (which I didn't understand). You might find it useful/ fascinating.

[@1870s]

Thank you Liz, I'm not much of a reader but I'll see if I can find some information from Eric on KZbin or Google.

[@sharonparker7697]

Hi I use a liquid fertiliser mixer for my compost tea. I only need to fill the container up with compost tea and this mixes the tea with water as it spray out.

[@1870s]

Thanks for sharing

[@connieatkins7390]

You remind me of.....me. Thank you for carrying on. 💗

[@dahomiegnomie5114]

Broken down compost works way better but this will also work in its in way

[@elizeduplessis7920]

Thank you so much for all your learning videos. Appreciate. I can not get the name of the guy you research for this.

[@1870s]

Geoff Lawton

[@elizeduplessis7920]

@@1870s awww thank you soooooo much. Wish you were closer. Would've loved learning get togethers💕

[@BanDanaGramma]

Great tips, Rachel. I'm so sorry I called you Rebecca in my livestream today, Senior Moment! Sending hugs and love to you and Todd.

[@1870s]

No worries! Hugs and ♥ to you and yours as well dear!

[@shuvanidev]

I have the same personality quirk - I get so excited about trying something that, well, y'know :) I thought that making compost tea you used already composted material? Like you use compost not uncomposted scraps - is this wrong? I've never seen a recommendation for using a bubbler when making weed teas - wondering what the difference is using compost tea vs weed tea. Would you use them for the same application? Years ago in another garden I made a compost tea with a bubbler using composted compost, kelp, molasses and fish emulsion I think...... might have been more in there too like cornmeal?? Anyway, it was the BEST stuff on the my veg. I used it a lot as a foliar feed and it created like a waxy coating on my plants that repelled bugs - sort of like the coating on cabbage leaves. They got really nice and dark green and were really sturdy. I was thinking about making some this year because I'm growing a few veg and will need the bug protection. I usually grow just herbs in the garden and they don't need protection and they don't like fertile soil, so I've not used it for them. Thanks for the tutorials!!

[@jonabriggs8829]

I wannna start my own Video's next year, so I'm old, and know how to learn from YOUR mistakes,lol Thank you :D God Bless !!

[@thetreeoflifegardener4360]

MIGardener's channel is excellent! He is also in Michigan.

[@1870s]

Yes we've met

[@cicatrace]

So did you give up on compost tea? I'm trying to make my soil more acidic quickly and this seems like the only way

[@edition-deluxe]

Compost tea is made with decomposed material, not a bag of kitchen scraps! Put that stuff in the compost pile, let it break down, and only then make tea!

[@Alta1122]

You are not actually feeding the plants when you soil water. It is the soil that you are feeding. The microbes benefit greatly from the tea and the added benefit is healthy plants. It is work but well worth it. The cost of a small pump and bubbler is minimal if you want to invest in them. It speeds the time up so you can use it faster and if you need it delays the use for a little time.

[@Livinggoodd]

how long can I leave the compost tea sitting after for later use once it's all prepared? Or is it best to brew one up every certain amount of time?

[@CJ-qj3pk]

Well, why did I think that the compost should be more finished that what you used? I did not know you could use the fresh from the kitchen scraps. We live and learn.

[@1870s]

Compost tea, and compost are two completely different things. 🍃

[@CJ-qj3pk]

Yes I know the difference of compost and compost tea. Some other gardening channels, migardener, he is in Michigan too, Calikim, southern Calif. show using finished compost. Some say use regular water straight from hose, no waiting, others say leave out for 24 hrs. to rid water of chlorine. You know, I say whatever works. Looking forward to your results. Love your channel.

[@barbarabell3366]

You might have little debris partials in your sprayer, the clog the little filter in those canister. Good luck with your garden.😊

[@1870s]

Thanks for the tip!

[@carolynmoody9460]

Great information 👌 Blessings

[@1870s]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lolitabonita08]

u are not alone in jumping first and then think where u are going to land LOLOL...in regards to the compost tea one must MUST diluted 1:10 that is one cup of tea in 10 gallons of water...NO CHLORINE water. if u do not have rain water use the chlorine water but let it sit for 24 hours...this is compost that it is already mature and will yield more strong tea...

[@1870s]

Geoff said you could use 1:4 ratio

[@paulaledo1841]

What do you have covered on one of the beds and what cover do you use

[@1870s]

Cabbage and Broccoli growing under it. It's barrier to keep insects out. Came from these people: AgFabric Insect Netting and Weed barrier Savings Details are below: The coupon code is HS6 , for $6 off orders $59+. bit.ly/37wNu3D

[@lolitabonita08]

Did u filter the compost tea before placing it in the sprayer???? Otherwise the tinny particles will clog the sprayer and frustration will set up

[@1870s]

I was in the pillow cases

[@natashak8281]

Ya know... you could kill off an area of weeds that way (five day compost tea) and then... I wonder if the soil would dilute overtime...And you could use it as garden area!!!! LOL not sure if nature would work that way but hey! Trying to make lemonade of lemons here! 😂

[@1870s]

Well that's some tasty lemonade 😋 missed that opportunity 😆

[@natashak8281]

@@1870s 🤣♥️

[@Thatcntrygirl1]

I’ve NEVER had a pump spray worth a darn!!!! 😡

[@1870s]

Doesn't seem to matter how much you spend, either.

[@Thatcntrygirl1]

That 1870's Homestead nope it sure doesn’t

[@pamschonfarber1041]

I hope your dedicating that jar of molasses for thr tea, where you stuck that stick in there, hahaha

[@SmallGardenQuest]

I am wandering why compost tea is necessary if you already fertilize with compost.

[@raincoast9010]

It isn't necessary

[@richcain5127]

Correct. It won't do anything if you're already top dressing with compost.

[@cecespark7251]

I have a small rented garden and couldn't buy as much compost as I needed and also don't have anywhere to make it. So, the tea a good way to supplement and more quickly accessible for my plants. Spraying on the leaves is new to me, I was going to water the soil, down a few Inches. Also do in evening

[@KeikoBushnell]

I know these people are experts and everything but I don’t think anybody has it quite down as good as nature and I’ve never seen it rain compost tea so I don’t think that is really exactly the best better than nature I mean… That’s not just speeding up the process that’s doing something completely different. if everybody just thinks back to what’s going on in nature they will have their answers. People should also keep in mind that we don’t understand everything that’s going on in nature so when we try and imitate it we miss things and get things wrong almost all the time. Nobody has ever messed with nature and made it better in the long term

[@1870s]

We've never claimed to be experts at anything, if we've come across that way, we apologize. We're just sharing our experiences, and learning as we go - just like most people do. We are just sharing as we do so.

[@sissysimpson792]

me too I read just enough to be wrong most of the time

[@1870s]

Oh my goodness same 😂

[@theheritagehousesc]

Same here 😂

[@karenhibberd9426]

How do you spell his name? Jeff Lawton?

[@1870s]

Geoff Lawton

[@thenewbiesteaders]

I tried making bunny poop tea and I'm not sure I did it right. I just added the droppings to a 2ltr bottle full of water and let it sit for a week and shook it up each day. I was so not prepared for what it was going to be like when I went to use it 🤢🤮. I gotta toughen up lol.

[@1870s]

Oh wow. I bet that was kinda nasty smelling 😆

[@thenewbiesteaders]

@@1870s the smell combined with the sloshing..🤮 lol

[@kenajuha]

It seems to me you are trying to make compost tea with ingredients that have not yet been composted.

[@Mike-wv2ux]

You are a sweetheart

[@1870s]

Awe, thx

[@LauraMichelGreenRaven]

Clogged nozzle?

[@1870s]

I don't think so but possibly

[@paulaledo1841]

You just need a small fish tank pump

[@1870s]

Maybe down the road. I wonder if they make something that runs off solar? We don't have power at the garden.