Compost tea is a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer that boosts plant growth and improves soil health. Making it at home is simple with just a few ingredients and the right setup.

Ingredients

Compost

Use high-quality, organic compost as the base.
Homemade compost is best, but bagged options like Black Kow manure can be used in a pinch.

Water

Always use dechlorinated water.
Rainwater is ideal, or leave tap water out for at least 24 hours so chlorine can dissipate.

Molasses or Brown Sugar

Provides a food source for beneficial microbes, helping them multiply in the brew.

Aeration Source

An aquarium air pump or a compost tea brewer keeps oxygen flowing through the mixture.
Proper aeration is key to encouraging beneficial microbes and discouraging harmful ones.

Optional Additives

Kelp meal
Fish emulsion
Worm castings
These boost nutrients and microbial diversity, making your tea even more powerful.

Instructions:

Fill a Bucket of water at a ratio of around 1 part compost to 5-10 parts water. We use a 15-gallon plastic drum. For convenience, you can raise the drum on blocks and put a spout on it for quick empty.

Add compost to to a porous bag or a flour cloth gathered together in a bundle and tied with a rope.

Add the bundle of compost to the water and let it sink to the bottom.

Add a tablespoon of molasses or dark brown sugar per gallon of water to feed the beneficial microbes. Mix Well

Add aeration by using an aquarium air pump with air stones. Let the brew aerate for 24-48 hours. This will help the beneficial microbes multiply and thrive.

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Check the compost after 24-48 hours. It should be brown and not stinky. Strain the compost tea if necessary to remove any solid particles before using it. Ours is always pretty clear.

Dilute the compost tea with water to a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part compost tea before applying it to plants.

Application:

You can use compost tea as a foliar spray or soil drench for your plants.
Apply compost tea every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy plant growth.

Alternatives:

In addition to the compost, you can also incorporate leaves, sawdust, kitchen scraps (organic not meat) or garden debris in a bag as well as the compost.

Notes:

Your compost tea should have an earthy smell, never sour or clumpy. If this occurs, discard it and start over. Using Fish parts will give you a slightly different smell and may not be necessarily pleasant, but it works great!

Warmer weather will give you faster results. It may take a bit longer if the weather is cooler. See below for making compost tea year round in Georgia. We keep ours in a shed with a lid on top but slightly open so it can breathe. A mesh screen on top is ideal.

We use seedling grow bags for holding compost ingredients. They are ideal for use with compost Tea. We get them on Amazon.

Can You Make Compost Tea Year-Round in Georgia?

Compost tea is a gardener’s secret for keeping soil alive and plants thriving. In Georgia’s mild climate (zones 8–9), it’s possible to brew and use compost tea year-round, but each season comes with its own challenges.

Pros of Year-Round Compost Tea in Georgia

Mild Climate – Winters rarely freeze solid, so brewing is possible even in January.
Extended Growing Season – Our gardens don’t really stop, so compost tea can support plants all year.
Boosts Soil Biology – Keeps beneficial microbes active, even when soil life naturally slows in cooler months.
Helps Prevent Problems – Regular sprays can support plant resistance against Georgia’s common issues like mildew and root rots.
Flexible Brewing – Recipes can be adjusted (bacterial vs. fungal brews) depending on whether you’re feeding lawns, vegetables, or trees.

Cons and Challenges

Cold Slows Brewing – Below 55°F, microbes grow sluggishly; you may need a heater.
Heat Stress – Summer brew buckets can overheat (above 85°F), which kills microbes. Shade is key.
Pathogen Risks – Warm, stagnant tea without aeration can encourage harmful organisms.
Seasonal Needs Differ – Plants don’t require the same boost every season; spring and fall are peak times.
Labor Intensive – Buckets, aerators, cleaning, and monitoring temps take extra effort if done all year.

Practical Tips for Georgia Gardeners

Brew in the shade during summer; use frozen water bottles to cool the bucket.
Brew with a heater in winter if water temps dip below 60°F.
Focus on foliar sprays in spring and fall; switch to soil drenches in summer and winter.
Always use well-finished compost and trust your nose — it should smell earthy, not sour.
Make small, frequent batches for best results.

By following these steps, you can create your own homemade compost tea to nourish and revitalize your garden plants. Happy gardening!