I've heard about this practice for years and just never did anything about it. But a recent discovery here in Wilmington has encouraged me to start using this organic mixture on my figs and other plants. So far, my figs love the stuff.

Called Progress Earth, it is run by people with backgrounds in farming and biology. Basically, they grow better plants (hydroponically and otherwise) under the philosophy of creating healthier soil via a better balance of micro-organisms. Manmade fertilizers, pesticides and fertilizers kill a lot of what the plants really need in the soil. Compost tea reintroduces and promotes them to feed the plants and fight the pests. Think of it as probiotics for your garden.

Now, PE mainly focuses on large-scale agriculture and hydroponics, but the owner and I have spoken several times and he doesn't care if I ever buy his huge compost tea brewer (which I never will, due to the cost and the fact that I will never need vast amounts of the tea). I explained my needs; and he said he could help me brew my own beneficial tea on a small scale, like in a 5-gallon bucket. He is a very green-oriented guy and wants to see a return to more widespread self-sufficiency and good, homegrown foods.

His Web site has a ton of great information, which is a little scientific at times but makes perfect sense. At any rate, I thought it was cool and wanted to share. I'm eager to hear if any of you use compost tea and/or what you think of the link.

http://progressearth.com/

Tea is the same as coffee it is good compost.

I do, I use a 5 gallon bucket and an airpump/airstone(make sure it is ceramic or it will rot) and try to stir the stuff off the bottom a couple times a day. I use about 2 cups of alfalfa pellets, 1 cup compost, a dash of seaweed extract, some Earth Juice Catalyst which is mostly molasses and fill the bucket 2/3 full. I use some after about 3 days (when it smells right :) and then add more water and wait a little longer to use the rest. I have an EC/TDS/Ph meter and use it to set the strength and quality control. The alfalfa stinks but the smell goes away quickly after using.

The vortex brewer is really cool I think.

John,
I will use anything that is organic and adds life to my soil. I used to trade worms to a buddy for his c tea so I've never made it but I have added it to my apple orchard and the stuff I used seemed to do a great job, but again I'm constantly scoping out anything I can add to my compost pile or soil.

The wrong-headed thinking that I was taught about gardening years ago has been slowly and painfully replaced by no till and compost and beneficials, etc. I am always amazed at folks who garden but use their garbage disposals, etc. I also, btw, really love the tea you get when you raise worms.

Brent,
If you have additional info on your system I'd love to hear/see it. thx

I agree 100% with the philosophy of feeding the soil and letting the soil feed the plants.  I do both vermicomposting and bokashi composting and apply both a worm tea and the bokashi leachate.  I'm happy with the results!

The more I read on the topic, the more I am intrigued. As a guy who makes his own sauerkraut, kimchee and mead, the idea of carrying probiotics over to my trees is very appealing.

John,
I sure would love your kimchee recipe. thx. mgg

Sure, Michael. I'll PM it to you.

JOHN I would also love to have your kimchee recipe. thx

It works really well for the lawn but you must apply at least 6 times, once a month, may to October usually.  If you add Alfalfa to it boosts a bunch of growth too.  

I'll send it to you, too, Eithieus. Might be a day or two.

thank you john. love kimchee

I have been making compost tea for a while now. I use it on my plants and trees. Figs, vegetables, ect... It works wonders. It really does. I have a few videos on how to make compost tea and worm tea on my garden channel if anyone is interested.

How often do you give your figs the tea? In ground vs containers?