How to make a powerful homemade fertilizer with just 2 ingredients you can revive every plant!

While no single homemade fertilizer can “revive every plant” in all conditions, a simple and effective one using just two readily available ingredients is compost tea made with compost and water.  

Here’s why it works and how to make it:

Why Compost Tea Works:

• Nutrient-Rich: Compost is a treasure trove of essential plant nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients.  
• Beneficial Microbes: Compost tea contains a diverse community of beneficial microbes that improve soil health, enhance nutrient availability, and suppress plant diseases.  
• Gentle and Versatile: It’s a mild fertilizer that can be used on a wide range of plants, including vegetables, flowers, and houseplants.  

How to Make Compost Tea:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:
   • High-quality compost (avoid compost with meat or dairy waste).  
   • Non-chlorinated water (tap water can be used if left to sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate).  
   • A bucket or large container.
   • A porous bag (e.g., cheesecloth, burlap, old pantyhose).  
   • An air stone and aquarium pump (optional, but highly recommended).  
2. Prepare the Compost Bag:
   • Fill the porous bag with compost. Use a ratio of approximately 1 part compost to 5 parts water.
3. Steep the Compost:
   • Place the compost bag in the bucket or container.  
   • Fill the container with non-chlorinated water, ensuring the bag is fully submerged.  
4. Aerate (Optional but Recommended):
   • If using an air stone and aquarium pump, place the air stone in the water and turn on the pump. This aeration helps to promote the growth of beneficial aerobic microbes.
   • If you do not have an air pump, stir the mixture several times a day.
5. Brew the Tea:
   • Let the compost tea brew for 24-48 hours.  
   • The tea should have a dark, earthy color.
6. Dilute and Apply:
   • Dilute the compost tea with water to a light tea color. A 1:10 dilution is often recommended.
   • Use the compost tea to water your plants, applying it directly to the soil.
   • You can also use it as a foliar spray.  

Important Considerations:

• Compost Quality: The quality of your compost will directly impact the quality of your compost tea. Use well-decomposed, mature compost.
• Aeration: Aeration is crucial for promoting the growth of beneficial aerobic microbes. Without aeration, the tea can become anaerobic and potentially harmful.  
• Freshness: Use compost tea within a few hours of brewing for optimal results.
• Plant Needs: While compost tea is gentle, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your plants. Some plants may require additional nutrients or amendments.
• Avoid Contamination: Do not use compost tea that has an unpleasant smell, as this indicates anaerobic conditions.

By following these steps, you can create a powerful and natural fertilizer that can significantly benefit your plants.