Malcolm Beck of San Antonio, Texas, knows compost. He is the author of The Secret Life of Compost, and he manufactures and sells up to 100,000 cubic yards of it every year. Malcolm believes that compost solubles (the materials that are released when you make the compost tea) are the best part of the pile. He says that these dissolved minerals, microbes, hormones, and other ingredients in compost tea feed the plants, act as a general tonic, and also discourage some pests and diseases. So he makes a simple but effective tea from compost and uses it to feed his plants regularly.
Ingredients and Supplies
5 - gallon (or larger) buchet
1 tablespoon molasses
Biostimulant (optional)
Directions
1. Fill the bucket 'A full with compost.
2. Fill the bucket to the top with water.
3. Add molasses and biostimulant (optional).
4. Allow the mixture to stand for 2 to 4 days.
5. Strain the mixture through a piece of old panty hose and dilute until the color of iced tea.
Yield: About 4 gallons (or more, depending on the size of the bucket) of compost tea
Fungus - Fighting Tea
Malcolm Beck says that there are many active ingredients in compost that can help control diseases and deter insect infestations, including many kinds of soil microbes. You can put his basic compost tea to work as a pest fighter, but for fungicidal use, allow the tea to sit for two weeks before using. Malcolm is even using compost tea as an ingredient in a new remedy for repelling imported fire ants.
Note: Apply as a soil drench or foliar (leaf) spray to seedlings, vegetables, and fast-growing plants once a week. Use once a month for slow-growing houseplants.
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