My garden is finally planted and well underway. And at this time when the flowers are budding and vegetables are setting blossoms it’s time to give them a boost with plant food or fertilizer. I like using my own fertilizer or compost teas.
I like to keep my gardens natural, organic and chemical free so have chosen to go with homemade mixes. They work great and I always have the supplies on hand. Below is the compost tea mix I make for the herb, flower and vegetable gardens. I find this works best for younger plants so its what I use on seedlings and in the garden the first month.
Compost tea helps plants grow stronger and more productive and healthy plants have less diseases and insect problems.
How to make compost tea
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Fill a metal bucket one-third full of finished compost.
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Add water to the top of the bucket, and then let the mixture steep for three to four days. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or any porous fabric into another container. Place the remaining solids to the garden or return them to the compost bin.
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Dilute the remaining liquid with water so it’s the color of weak tea.
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Apply compost tea according to each plant’s requirements; you can check the seed packets and gardening books for details. I have found it’s best to use the teas when you notice a burst of growth, new blossoms or when fruit or vegetable is forming. I water and fee the plants early in the morning or on cloudy days so that the water and fertilizer soak into the ground and do not evaporate in the bright sunlight.
Compost tea has helped my garden grow and it keeps the plants healthy. I also use fertilizer teas and herbal tea for different situations. The main goal is to keep the garden growing, healthy and for gardening to be fun.
Tags: using compost tea, compost tea recipe, feeding your garden plants, healthy plants
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