How To Make Free Liquid Fertilizer From Almost Anything with this Ancient Method

1. Prepare the Compost: Fill a mesh bag or an old pillowcase with compost. Tie it securely to prevent compost from escaping into the liquid.
2. Fill the Container: Place the compost-filled bag in a container and fill it with water. If you have a larger amount of compost, you can use a bigger container.
3. Steep the Compost: Let the compost steep in the water for 24 to 48 hours. Stir occasionally to help extract the nutrients from the compost. The longer it steeps, the richer the nutrient content, but 24 hours is usually sufficient.
4. Strain the Liquid: Remove the compost bag from the container. Squeeze it gently to extract any remaining liquid. Discard the used compost or add it back to your compost pile.
5. Use the Liquid Fertilizer: Dilute the compost tea with water if it’s too concentrated (about 1 part compost tea to 1 part water is a good ratio). Apply it directly to the soil around your plants or use it as a foliar spray on the leaves.

Variations and Enhancements

1. Seaweed Tea: Add a handful of dried seaweed or seaweed meal to the compost tea to boost its mineral content. Seaweed is rich in micronutrients and growth hormones.
2. Fish Emulsion: A small amount of fish emulsion can be added to the compost tea to provide additional nutrients, particularly nitrogen.
3. Molasses: A tablespoon of molasses can be added to the tea. It feeds beneficial microbes in the compost and enhances the nutrient uptake by plants.
4. Manure Tea: For a more potent fertilizer, you can use well-aged manure instead of compost. Follow the same method, but ensure the manure is well-aged to avoid burning plants.

Application Tips

1. Avoid Overuse: Use compost tea in moderation. Over-fertilizing can harm plants. It’s best applied every 2-4 weeks.
2. Timing: Apply compost tea in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent it from burning plants due to the sun.
3. Storage: If you have leftover compost tea, store it in a cool, dark place and use it within a week to avoid fermentation and unpleasant odors.
4. pH Levels: Compost tea generally has a neutral pH, but if you’re unsure, test it. Adjust with lime or sulfur if necessary to match your plants’ needs.

Conclusion

Making liquid fertilizer using compost tea is a time-tested method that effectively recycles organic matter and provides valuable nutrients to your garden. It’s simple, cost-effective, and can be adapted with various natural additives to suit your specific needs. By following these steps, you can produce a nourishing, eco-friendly fertilizer that supports healthy plant growth.