Compost Tea Preparations

Supplies needed to prepare compost tea:

1. Four gallons of non-chlorinated water. If you are using tap water, run pump and aerator for at least 2-3 hours to get rid of the chlorine.

2. One gallon of finished compost.

3. 1 5-gallon bucket.

4. 1 aquarium pump.

5. 1 gang valve to divide the air supply into many streams.

6. Unsulfured molasses.

7. 5 feet of aquarium hoses and three air stones.

Cut 3 pieces of hose at least 12 inches long. Attach the air stones to one end and attach the other end to the gang valve for each hose. Attach the remaining hose to the pump and also to the supply end of  the gang valve. Place gang valve onto the bucket and set air stones to the bottom of the bucket.  Should look like this:

Pour the 4 gallons of water into bucket, followed by the compost and 2 oz of molasses. Mix thoroughly and start pump. Aerate 12 to 24 hours as needed and then apply to plants and vegetables immediately.

Caution: If compost mixture smells awful, it means that the mixture is not getting enough air circulating through it. Â Increase the air supply and the smell should go away. If the awful smell does not, do not use this mixture. Repeat the process using a better air supplier.