How to Make and Use Compost Tea and Fermented Plant Extracts

ByStephen Albert

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Compost tea and fermented plant extracts are powerful tools in regenerative gardening. They enhance soil fertility, stimulate microbial life, and support healthy, resilient plants without synthetic chemicals. Over decades of experience, I’ve found these liquid amendments transform both soil and crops, improving nutrient availability and plant vigor.

Whether you’re a home gardener or managing a larger plot, understanding how to make, apply, and integrate these teas and extracts can significantly improve garden productivity while maintaining ecological balance.

Making Compost Tea

Ingredients & Supplies:

  • Well-aged compost (preferably from diverse sources)
  • Water (chlorine-free, let sit 24 hours if tap water)
  • Optional: molasses or sugar to feed microbes
  • Bucket or large container
  • Aerator (air pump or aquarium pump)

Steps:

  1. Fill the bucket with water and add a handful of compost per gallon.
  2. Add a small amount of molasses to feed beneficial microbes.
  3. Aerate the mixture for 12–24 hours to encourage microbial growth.
  4. Strain before applying directly to soil or as a foliar spray.

Tips:

  • Use immediately after brewing to maximize microbial activity.
  • Apply to soil around roots or spray on leaves for nutrient uptake.

Making Fermented Plant Extracts (FPJs & FPEs)

Ingredients:

  • Fresh or wilted plant material (comfrey, nettle, horsetail, or other nutrient-rich plants)
  • Non-chlorinated water
  • Container with a lid

Steps:

  1. Chop plant material and pack loosely into a container.
  2. Fill with water, covering the plants.
  3. Allow to ferment 3–7 days, stirring daily.
  4. Strain and dilute 1:10 before applying to soil or as foliar feed.

Tips:

  • Fermented extracts release nutrients slowly and support microbial life.
  • Rotate plant types seasonally for diverse nutrient input.

Application & Benefits

  • Soil Health: Boosts microbial diversity and soil fertility
  • Plant Growth: Increases nutrient availability and disease resistance
  • Cost-Effective: Uses garden waste and locally available plants
  • Sustainable: Reduces need for synthetic fertilizers and chemical sprays
  • Compost Tea & Fermented Plant Extracts Cheat Sheet
  • Why Use Compost Tea and Fermented Plant Extracts
  • Enriches soil with beneficial microbes
  • Improves nutrient availability for plants
  • Enhances plant growth, vigor, and disease resistance
  • Reduces need for synthetic fertilizers and chemicals
  • Promotes sustainable, regenerative gardening

Compost Tea Quick Guide

StepIngredients & ToolsTips
1. Prepare Water & CompostWell-aged compost; chlorine-free waterLet tap water sit 24 hours if needed
2. Add Microbe FoodMolasses or sugar (optional)Feeds beneficial microbes
3. AerateBucket with aerator or pump12–24 hours; oxygen keeps microbes active
4. Strain & ApplyFine mesh or clothApply to soil around roots or as foliar spray immediately

Fermented Plant Extracts Quick Guide

StepIngredientsTips
1. Chop & Pack PlantsComfrey, nettle, horsetail, or other nutrient-rich plantsPack loosely in container
2. Add WaterNon-chlorinated waterCover plants fully
3. Ferment3–7 daysStir daily for even fermentation
4. Strain & Dilute1:10 with waterApply to soil or as foliar feed

Regenerative Gardening Learning Hub

🌿 Start here: The Complete Guide to Regenerative Gardening and Farming

1️⃣ Soil Health and Living Systems

2️⃣ Biodiversity and Polyculture

3️⃣ Carbon Sequestration and Organic Matter

4️⃣ Water Stewardship

5️⃣ Perennial Crops and Permanent Systems

6️⃣ Animal Integration

7️⃣ Human and Community Connection

8️⃣ Regenerative Design and Planning

9️⃣ Inputs and Outputs: Closing the Loop

10️⃣ Case Studies and Personal Experience

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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