Feeding Plants Compost Tea
Here at my farm I regularly feed my plants a refreshing drink of tea - compost tea.
Feeding plants compost tea is a wonderful way to provide wholesome and organic nourishment. Every couple of weeks, my head gardener, Ryan McCallister, mixes up a batch and feeds the potted plants in the hoop houses. Compost tea is made by steeping aged compost in water. It improves soil structure, reduces water stress, and is an ideal alternative to toxic chemical pesticides and fertilizers. I use a brewing systems from Growing Solutions, Inc. in Eugene, Oregon - just combine a few ingredients to create the appropriate "brew" and leave it overnight before using.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- This is called the System25 by Growing Solutions. It’s a 25-gallon compost tea model that’s great for nurseries and farms. A smaller 10-gallon system is also available for home gardens. The unit needs a sheltered location with a level surface and access to power and water. I keep this in the back of my citrus hoop house.
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- The compost filter basket is durable and designed for long term compost extraction use.
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- The filter is connected to a tray that sits on top of the tank. Ryan fills the brewing tank with potable water up to the fill line.
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- A hose connected to an air stone sits over filter basket. It provides a consistent pattern of air bubbles that prevents compost compaction and incorporates necessary oxygen during the brewing process.
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- Once the unit is filled, it can be turned on. The bubble action also helps to release damaging chlorine from the water.
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- The first step is to add compost tea catalyst, which stimulates important microbial growth in the tea.
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- Ryan adds about a cup to the activating water.
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- These brewing systems need several generous quart scoops of compost for each batch of tea. I am fortunate to make so much of my own compost right here at the farm.
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- Ryan fills the filter basket with nutrient rich compost.
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- Here is a look at the compost inside the filter.
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- Next, Ryan adds booster supplements to the tea mixture – 2-4-1 fish fertilizer and 2-3-1 fish and seaweed plant food.
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- Ryan pours about two cups each into the brewing tank. Fish emulsion contains a rich amount of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also provides macro and micronutrients for robust plant growth.
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- He adds the same amount of the fish and seaweed liquid fertilizer which helps to improve soil health and increase its fertility.
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- Ryan puts the lid back on the system and lets it sit for 24-hours to complete the compost tea making cycle.
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- The next day the tea is ready to dispense into watering cans.
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- Ryan fills many cans of tea to manually feed all the plants in the citrus house.
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- Ryan pours enough to reach all around the roots. Compost tea helps alleviate diseases of the soil. I’ve been giving my plants compost tea for many years.
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- It also increases plant growth and provides them with so many nutrients. Every citrus plant will be treated. In addition to proper feeding, dwarf citrus trees require at least eight to 12 hours of full sunshine and good air circulation to thrive.
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- Compost tea can be applied to the soil and roots or sprayed on the leaves.
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- Here, Ryan rinses the filter to remove any residual compost.
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- Ryan schedules the compost tea feeding process when the plants are already due for watering.
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- It makes me so happy to be able to fortify my citrus plants with good, rich food. In return, they provide me with bounties of delicious fruits every season.
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