What is Worm Casting Tea?
Worm casting tea is like the VIP version of compost tea. Instead of using just any compost, it's made by steeping worm castings (worm poop) in water. Worm castings are rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, making the resulting tea a supercharged elixir for your plants.
The process involves letting the water extract the goodness from the worm castings,creating a potent liquid fertilizer. It's like giving your plants a spa day with the finest organic nutrients. Worm casting tea is not only great for plant nutrition but also for improving soil structure and promoting a healthy soil ecosystem. Talk about a luxurious treatment for your garden!
How to make Worm Casting Tea.
What you’ll need:
- 5 gallon bucket (larger if doubling/tripling/etc the tea; smaller if making less quantity)
- 4 gallons water (ideally use rain or well water because it has no chlorine; otherwise use city water but let it sit out for 24 hours before proceeding — chlorine is very volatile and will evaporate out on its own)
- 5 to 6 cups worm castings (we recommend Back To The Roots Organic Worm Castings)
- 3 tablespoons molasses (encourages the growth of healthy microorganisms)
- Porous material for a worm casting tea brewing bag (cheesecloth, dish towel, old t-shirt, etc). This is optional, but will prevent your watering can or spray bottle from clogging when it’s time to use the tea. Alternatively you can pour the finished tea through a fine mesh strainer into your watering can.
Steps:
- Place the worm castings in the tea brewing bag. This makes cleanup easier.
- Prepare a bucket or container: Fill it with non-chlorinated water, add molasses.
- Add the worm castings: Drop the bag of worm castings into the water mixture, making sure it's fully submerged.
- Let it steep: Allow the bag to steep in the water mixture for 24 to 48 hours. This gives the water mixture time to absorb the nutrients and beneficial microorganisms from the worm castings.
- Stir occasionally: Give it a gentle stir now and then to help the nutrients dissolve into the water.
- Remove the bag: After 24 to 48 hours, take out the bag of worm castings. You can squeeze it to extract any remaining liquid.
- Dilute if needed: Depending on your plants' needs, you can dilute the tea with water before using it. A common dilution is 1:10, meaning one part tea to ten parts water
- Feed your plants: Water your plants with the worm casting tea, making sure the roots get a good soak.
