Mushroom compost is an overlooked champion when it comes to revitalizing soil health, be it as organic fertilizer for vegetable gardens or fruit trees. Filled with beneficial microorganisms that replenish plant roots with nourishment when the tea is applied; additionally, this unique type of compost helps balance acidity levels while suppressing garden diseases.

How To Make Mushroom Compost Tea

To create mushroom compost tea, start with a 5-gallon bucket and fill it with dechlorinated water (from either tap, rain barrel or pond sources), allow to sit for one day to release any chlorine that might kill microbes in your compost and add your mushroom compost and vermicompost or worm castings (to add beneficial microbes). A basic recipe also calls for one teaspoon to two ounces of unsulfured blackstrap molasses as well as 1/2 cup humic acid and one or three tablespoons of sea kelp.

Your options for composts vary, but be wary of those containing animal manure that could contain E-coli bacteria that will linger after being fermented in your brewing process. While any harmful microbes should be killed off through fermentation, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

For optimal results, select fresh and high quality compost to maximize nutrient absorption and microbial activity in your compost tea. This will give it maximum effectiveness and nutritive value.

A mushroom compost should consist of hardwood sawdust, coconut coir mixed with vermiculite and manure from horses to chickens to cows – however any that have been treated with herbicides or pesticides must not be included as this will have adverse effects on your plants. When combining components for tea-making use only materials which have not been exposed to chemicals as this will have greater benefit to plants than materials exposed to such agents.

Once your ingredients have been assembled, set the bucket away from direct sunlight for 24 hours. Too much sun could overheat the mixture and speed up or stop its fermentation altogether; in contrast, cold temperatures, snow or rain may slow it down or stop its progress altogether.

As time passes, microbial communities in your compost will start to flourish and reproduce, creating a high-quality nutrient-rich liquid for use in your garden. Fungi and bacteria will provide essential micronutrients that will promote strong root zones – giving your garden a boost towards healthy, vibrant growth. Pour the tea directly onto soil surface around plants for fast application; alternatively use as a foliar spray instead for less potency; however the presence of molasses, fish hydrolysate, & kelp will nourish their plants despite this alternative application method!