How to Make Worm Tea
The miracle elixir that will infuse your soil with beneficial microbes, prevent and treat plant diseases, ward off pests, improve soil structure, increase your soil's water-holding capacity, and promote the health, strength and yields of your plants!
Equipment
- 5 gallon bucket (larger if doubling/tripling/etc the tea; smaller if making less quantity)
- Porous material for a compost tea bag (cheese cloth, dish towel, old t-shirt, etc). Optional but will prevent your watering can or spray bottle from clogging when it's time to use the tea. Alternatively you can pour the finished tea through a fine mesh strainer into your watering can.
Ingredients
- 4 gallons *dechlorinated water (* ideally rain water or well water; if using city water let it sit out for 24 hours and the chlorine will naturally evaporate)
- 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.
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet