Crafting Worm Castings Tea: A Guide for Gardeners
Remember, this 'tea' is exclusively for your plants, not for human consumption!
Worm castings tea is a marvelous tonic for plants of all stages, from delicate seedlings to mature foliage. It replenishes nutrients lost in potting soil for young sprouts and rejuvenates older plants. This tea is a boon for every plant, irrespective of age.
Here's your step-by-step guide to creating worm castings tea:
- 1. Start with a 5-gallon bucket of water (use 1 gallon for a smaller batch).
- Rainwater or unprocessed water is ideal for immediate use.
- If tapping into municipal water, let it rest for a day to allow chlorine, harmful to beneficial microbes, to evaporate.
- Avoid softened water as its high salt content can harm plants.
- Mix in 16-32oz of worm castings (3-8 oz for a gallon). Use a coffee strainer to contain the castings if you prefer. Alternatively, simply add the castings directly to the water for dissolving, especially if you'll filter the tea later.
- For an optional boost, add two tablespoons of unsulphured molasses. This feeds the tea's micro-organisms and enhances its stickiness, helping it cling to leaves even after rainfall or watering.
- Oxygenate the tea for 24-48 hours. This can be done by stirring multiple times daily or using an air stone and fish tank pump. Use the tea within 4-12 hours after aeration for peak microbial activity.
- Apply the tea by pouring it around the plant base for root absorption, or strain it (using a nylon hose to prevent nozzle clogging) and spray directly on the plant’s leaves and stems.
Regular bi-weekly use of worm castings tea encourages stronger, healthier plant growth. Watch your garden flourish with this nourishing liquid!
Worm Tea in strainer
