Making compost tea is simple, and it gives plants a boost of nutrients.

And it’s something gardeners feel strongly about.

“It’s a magic potion that can be brewed with ease at home.

Compost tea poured below planted tomato plant with yellow gloves

The Spruce / Jayme Burrows

An actively aerated tea is rich with beneficial microorganisms that support soil and plant health.

Think of it as kombucha for your soil.”

Want to add this magic potion to your plants?

Closeup of compost tea in a glass jar

The Spruce / Jayme Burrows

Meet the Expert

What Is Compost Tea?

Compost tea is the liquid extract that comes from steeping compost in water.

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feeding compost tea to tomato plants

The Spruce / Lindsay Talley

“The soil is the stomach of the plant,” Thewlis says.

“With compost tea, microorganisms break down minerals and organic matter for plant uptake.”

it’s possible for you to either start a compost bin outside or in your home.

Compost bin outside in garden

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How to Make Non-Aerated Compost Tea

Non-aerated compost tea is the easiest method to make at home.

Because the bubbler dissolves oxygen into the mixture, it quickly “steeps” it.

You’ll have finished compost tea in 48 hours rather than two weeks.

It’s applied around the base of the plant, directly to the soil.

This can help with disease and pest control.

The main disadvantage of compost tea is the unpredictability.

Compost tea is a key in of natural fertilizer because it introduces microorganisms and nutrients to the soil.

Worm tea is concentrated with nutrients and microbes, which aid in boosting your plant growth.