Comments on: Brewing Compost Tea on the Cheap

By: Administrator

Administrator — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:04:05 +0000

Yes, you can use it for lawns.

I’d use a maybe a pint per 5 gallon bucket, but it doesn’t have to be precise, err on the side of too much.

And yes, bagged compost works fine.

By: Stu Winternheimer

Stu Winternheimer — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 22:00:56 +0000

Most of the comments above are about applying compost tea on plants and in the garden, but I’m sure this is a great strategy for root growth in lawns too, correct? Also, how much compost/5 gallon bucket is needed? I don’t have time to make compost but will bagged compost from a lawn and garden store work? Thanks!

By: Debbie Savaiano

Debbie Savaiano — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Are there other names for Compost Tea? Need to know for a neighbor’s homework assignment. Thanks!!!

By: josh

josh — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:41:18 +0000

can u ever use to much compost tea i use it like twice a week and my garden is awsome best its ever been in the five years i want to go to once a day. i will get some pics i live in northern michigan and i estimate some of my lettuce heads at twenty plus pounds i just dont want to kill them

By: Caprice

Caprice — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:55:02 +0000

I too would like to know if using a store bought compost will work, and what brand to buy, or qualities to look for.

By: Terri

Terri — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:02:23 +0000

Thanks for your insights Chris. I’ll definitely think about adding an aerating system to my abundant supply of compost tea.

You did say that you can not burn plants with the tea but I have found it is important to make sure you dilute the mixture well before applying and not to go too crazy with the number of applications as this can unbalance the soil nutrients and organisms.

By: Ford Chambliss

Ford Chambliss — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:59:23 +0000

Regarding “Then get compost from your bin, tumbler, or pile.” Until I get my compost pile going, is there a store bought alternative.

And in a 5 gallon bucket, how much compost do you put into the bucket.

By: Kristal L. Rosebrook

Kristal L. Rosebrook — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 07:18:22 +0000

I agree with loveapplefarm, “I think this is a fantastic idea. The addition of the air pump is just what is needed to get those microbes multiplying. Iâ€™ve read a lot about how truly beneficial such an elixir is to plant health and vigor.”

Kristal Rosebrook

By: mike

mike — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:39:04 +0000

I love your idea. I think thats the next project.

By: Administrator

Administrator — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:37:14 +0000

No zollie.

Organic matter needs oxygen to break things down, water deprives it of oxygen. So you’re just allowing bacteria and bad things to multiple by soaking the uncomposted cow manure in the bucket.

You need to first compost the manure (dry-ish, try a compost tumbler), then when it is composted, soak it in the oxygenated water as I described above.

If it smells bad, it isn’t good to use on your plants. You want to use clean smelling, if brown and bubbly, compost tea.