The beginner’s guide to making and using compost tea

March 13, 2025

The Secret to a Thriving Garden: How to Make and Use Compost Tea

If there’s one thing every beginner gardener wants, it’s a garden that’s full of life, colour, and thriving plants. But let’s be real—starting out can feel like an uphill battle. The endless choices, the worrying over what products to use, and the fear of making mistakes? It's enough to make anyone hesitate. That’s where compost tea comes in! This natural, homemade fertiliser is like a magic potion for your plants, packed with nutrients and beneficial microbes that help your garden flourish.

What Exactly is Compost Tea?

Think of compost tea as a supercharged tonic for your garden. It’s made by steeping high-quality compost in water to extract the beneficial microbes, nutrients, and organic matter. The result? A nutrient-rich liquid that gives your plants a serious health boost without the need for synthetic fertilisers or chemicals.

Why Your Garden Will Love It

New gardeners often wonder which products will actually help their garden thrive. Compost tea is a great choice because it:

Strengthens plant health: The good bacteria and fungi improve soil structure and help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Boosts disease resistance: Stronger plants mean a lower chance of diseases taking hold.
Improves soil quality: Healthy soil makes all the difference, and compost tea helps create a nutrient-rich environment for plant roots.
Reduces the need for chemical fertilisers: A natural way to feed your garden while keeping it chemical-free.

How to Make Compost Tea

It’s surprisingly simple to brew your own batch of compost tea. Here’s what you’ll need:

Good-quality compost – preferably homemade or sourced from a trusted garden centre.
A large bucket – around 20 litres is perfect.
Water – rainwater is ideal, but dechlorinated tap water works too.
A porous bag – an old pillowcase or mesh bag will do the trick.
Molasses (optional) – a few tablespoons can help boost microbial activity.

Steps:

Fill your porous bag with compost and tie it up securely.
Submerge the bag in the bucket of water, giving it a good stir.
Add a splash of molasses if you’re using it.
Let it steep for 24-48 hours in a warm, shaded spot.
Give it the occasional stir to keep oxygen circulating, which encourages good bacteria.
Once it's ready, strain out any solids and use it immediately.

How to Use Compost Tea in Your Garden

Using compost tea is just as easy as making it. Here’s how:

As a soil drench: Pour the tea directly onto the soil around your plants. This feeds the roots and improves overall soil health.
As a foliar spray: Fill a spray bottle and mist the leaves. This delivers nutrients straight to the plant and helps ward off diseases.
For seedlings: Dilute compost tea to half-strength and use it to water young plants for a gentle nutrient boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You want your compost tea to do its job, so here are a few things to steer clear of:

Using bad compost: If your compost contains pathogens, you’re spreading them. Always use high-quality, well-aged compost.
Letting it sit too long: Compost tea doesn’t have a long shelf life. Use it within a few hours of brewing for the best results.
Applying in full sun: Spray or water your plants in the morning or late afternoon to prevent leaf burn.

Why This Matters for New Gardeners

Starting a garden can feel overwhelming, but compost tea is a fuss-free, affordable way to boost plant health and take the guesswork out of fertilising. It’s perfect for those new to gardening who want an easy and effective way to keep their plants thriving without relying on synthetic products.

Ready to Give It a Go?

Now that you know the benefits and the simple process of making compost tea, why not try brewing a batch? Your garden will love the extra care, and you’ll love seeing the results. If you need high-quality compost or gardening supplies, drop by Strathalbyn H Hardware. We’re here to help you grow with confidence!

Happy gardening!
Candeece

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