How to Make Worm Tea
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Additional Time
12 hrs
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Total Time
12 hrs 5 mins
How to Make Worm Tea
Description
This preparation of Worm Tea involves mixing 5 to 6 cups of worm castings into 4 gallons of preferably rain or well water, which may need to sit to dechlorinate if using city water. Molasses is added as a microbial food source, and the tea is stirred to combine. Alternatively, the castings can be enclosed in a cloth bag for easy removal.
The tea steeping takes place overnight, producing a dark brown liquid enriched with nutrients and microbial life beneficial to plants. After steeping, the bag is removed if used and its contents added to soil or compost. The tea is then diluted to a light brown color before application.
This liquid fertilizer is best used immediately to maximize microbial activity and is suitable for watering plants or foliar feeding. Aerating the tea can improve its effectiveness, although details of aeration are beyond this recipe's scope.
Ingredients
- 4 gallons water ideally rain water or well water; if using city water let it sit out for 24 hours and the chlorine will naturally evaporate, dechlorinated
- 5 to 6 cups worm castings
- 3 tablespoons molasses
Instructions
- Fill the bucket with water. Add the worm castings and the molasses. Stir to combine. (If you're using a compost tea bag, place the worm castings in the cloth and tie to secure it shut. Place the bag in the water.) Let the tea steep overnight. It will be a dark brown color. Give it another stir. Remove the compost bag if using (place the contents onto the soil or on your compost pile). Pour some of the worm tea into your water can or spray bottle and dilute with water until it is a light brown color - the color of weak tea.Use immediately for best results. The microbes will begin dying off quickly so the sooner you use the compost tea the better while it's most potent.Makes 4 gallons worm castings tea.NOTE: If you're interested in aerating your worm tea see blog post.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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