How to Make Compost Tea (Step-by-Step) + 5 Beginner Problems Solved
A Personal Story: Finding “Plant Magic” in a Jar
I’ll be honest—I used to think compost tea was one of those “hardcore gardener things” that only people with giant yards or fancy setups could pull off.
I’d see the term pop up in gardening books or online, and it sounded… complicated.
But one summer, after my plants kept looking a little droopy no matter how much I watered them, I finally gave it a try.
I made my first batch of compost tea in a simple bucket, let it brew, and then poured it onto my tomatoes and herbs.
Within days, they looked stronger, greener, and happier.
That was the moment I realized compost tea really is like magic—you don’t need a farm or tons of equipment.
You just need a little patience and a few easy steps.
And if you’re like me—busy, short on time, and maybe even living in a smaller space—this is absolutely something you can do.
How to Make Compost Tea
How to Make Compost Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide
Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid that can help nourish your garden plants naturally. It’s easy to make at home, even if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a detailed, friendly guide to get you started.
What You’ll Need:
Finished compost (about 1 cup)
Water (non-chlorinated is best, around 1 gallon)
A container or bucket (at least 1-gallon capacity)
A stirring stick or something to mix with
Optional: a breathable cloth or fine mesh strainer
Optional: a small aquarium pump and air stone (for aeration)
Step 1: Choose Your Compost
Use good-quality, finished compost. This means the compost should be dark, crumbly, and smell earthy—not sour or rotten. Avoid using fresh or partially decomposed compost since it may contain harmful pathogens or be too "hot" for plants.
Step 2: Prepare Your Water
Use non-chlorinated water, such as rainwater or tap water that has been left out in an open container for 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate. Chlorine can kill beneficial microbes you want in your compost tea.
Step 3: Mix Compost and Water
Place about 1 cup of your compost into the container. Add 1 gallon of water. Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly to help break apart the compost and release microbes into the water.
Step 4: Aerate the Mixture (Optional but Recommended)
Aeration encourages beneficial microbes to multiply.
If you have an aquarium pump, attach the air stone and place it in the container so air bubbles continuously oxygenate the tea.
If not, you can stir the mixture by hand several times a day. Aerate for about 24-48 hours.
Avoid letting the tea sit stagnant for too long without oxygen, as this may lead to harmful bacteria growth.
Step 5: Strain the Compost Tea
After the brewing time, strain the liquid through a fine mesh or breathable cloth to remove large particles. This will help prevent clogging if you use the tea in a spray bottle or irrigation system.
Step 6: Use Your Compost Tea
Apply the tea to your plants by watering the soil around them or spray it gently on leaves as a foliar feed. Use it fresh within 24 hours of brewing for best results.
Tips:
Start with small batches until you get comfortable with the process.
Store compost tea in a cool, shaded place if you need to delay using it.
Experiment with using compost from different sources for various benefits.
Making your own compost tea is a wonderful way to give your garden a natural boost while recycling your compost. Enjoy nurturing your plants with this simple, eco-friendly method!
5 Problems That Stop People From Making Compost Tea (and Easy Solutions)
1. “I don’t have compost.”
👉 Solution: Start small. Even if you live in an apartment, you can use a countertop compost bin or a worm composting system to create nutrient-rich material for tea.
Amazon Suggestion: Countertop Compost Bin or Worm Factory Composter
2. “It sounds too complicated.”
👉 Solution: At its core, compost tea is just compost + water + time. You can make a basic version with nothing more than a bucket and a stir stick. No fancy gadgets required.
Amazon Suggestion: 5-Gallon Food-Grade Bucket
3. “I don’t have the space.”
👉 Solution: You don’t need a yard—just a balcony, patio, or even a corner of your kitchen to let the tea brew. If space is tight, choose a compact brewing kit designed for small homes.
Amazon Suggestion: Compact Compost Tea Brewer
4. “What if it smells?”
👉 Solution: A well-brewed compost tea doesn’t stink—it should smell earthy, like soil after rain. If odor worries you, choose a tight-seal brewing bucket or a lid with a filter to keep things fresh.
Amazon Suggestion: Sealable Bucket Lid
5. “I don’t know how to use it.”
👉 Solution: Compost tea is as easy to apply as watering your plants. Just pour it around the roots or use a spray bottle/mister to apply it directly to leaves for extra nutrition.
Amazon Suggestion: Garden Pump Sprayer
The post uses affiliate links, and we may make money if you click on a link and purchase—at no extra charge to you. Please know that every product listed here is something we truly believe in and use in our own home.
A Loving Message to Squish
Squish,
Here’s why I want you to know about compost tea: it’s a reminder that even the smallest things—like kitchen scraps and rainwater—can be turned into something powerful.
It teaches us patience, care, and how life has a way of recycling goodness back into the world when we nurture it.
My hope is that you’ll grow up seeing that solutions don’t always have to be complicated or expensive.
Sometimes the magic is already in your hands—you just need to give it the chance to brew.
All Our Love,
Mom and Dad
Mindful Final Thought: Your Plants Will Thank You
Compost tea isn’t just for expert gardeners—it’s for anyone who wants healthier plants without spending a fortune.
Whether you’re growing tomatoes on a balcony or herbs in a windowsill, a jar of compost tea can truly transform your garden.
This week, I challenge you to try brewing a small batch.
Start simple, see the results, and watch your plants thrive.
Because sometimes, the most magical changes come from the smallest steps.
