What are the disadvantages of compost tea?

While brewing compost tea has notable advantages, there are critical drawbacks that gardeners should be aware of. The compost tea brewing process involves great care to prevent risks of pathogens and breakdowns in equipment. I had varying levels of success and challenges with contamination before I fully understood the safety measures I should be taking. Awareness of these challenges guides us in utilizing brewing protocols effectively without regrets.

Reduce pathogen threat by using strict ingredient source control. Purchase compost from certified vendors, or use your own proper thermophilic method. I use a thermometer with probes to test every compost used before brewing. Control brewing temperatures carefully using aquarium heaters or shade cloths.

Be wise with practical constraints. When it comes to shelf life, make small batches that are applicable. For example, my batches are currently only 2 gallons instead of 5 gallons. I can also utilize a basic air pump, which helps reduce some of the equipment costs. Finally, I stir the non-aerated tea during the morning routine to maintain consistency.

Weigh all limitations against greater benefits. Using compost tea has serious benefits. It requires attention but greatly improves soil health. My garden has had fewer diseases and even better water retention than in the past. Consistent adherence to safe methods will increase your likelihood of long-term success when producing compost tea.

Read the full article: Compost Tea Brewing: The Ultimate Guide