Making Worm Casting Tea

!!! Not For Human Consumption !!!

Materials:

  • Worm castings: The "tea" is made from the nutrient-rich castings produced by worms. 
  • Porous bag: Use a pantyhose, cheesecloth, or a similar material to hold the castings. 
  • Bucket: A 5-gallon bucket is a common size, but any size will work. 
  • Water: Use dechlorinated water (let tap water sit overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate). 
  • Optional: Molasses or other carbohydrate sources to feed beneficial microbes. 
  • Optional: Air Pump and Air Stone for aeration

Instructions:

  • Prepare the water: Fill your bucket with dechlorinated water. 
  • Add molasses (optional): If using, add a tablespoon of unsulfured molasses per 5 gallons of water and stir to dissolve.
  • Create the "tea bag": Place the worm castings into a porous bag and tie it shut. 
  • Steep the bag: Submerge the bag of worm castings in the water and let it soak for several hours or overnight. 24-36 Hours preferably. If aerating, do that during this entire step.
  • Strain the tea: Remove the bag and strain the liquid into a clean container. 
  • Dilute and use: Dilute the worm tea concentrate with dechlorinated water and apply to your plants. 
    • General Use: A 10:1 ratio (10 parts water to 1 part compost tea) is a good, all-purpose mix, gentle enough for most plants and repeated applications. 
    • Sensitive Plants/Seedlings: A 20:1 ratio is softer on young or delicate plants that could be overwhelmed by stronger doses. 

Application:

Apply the diluted worm tea to the soil around plants every 1-2 weeks in the growing season. Avoid using a pressurized sprayer, as it can kill beneficial bacteria. A watering can or turkey baster is a better choice. 

  • Foliar sprays: Use a fine mist to cover the leaves.
  • Soil drenches: Water the base of the plant thoroughly.

Storage: 

Worm tea has a short shelf life, so it's best to use it within 24 hours. However, if you don’t, you can store it for a short period by keeping it in a cool, dry, dark place open to the air so the microorganisms can get oxygen. You may also add a drop of unsulfured molasses or sugar to help keep it potent after each use.