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Feed your plants—with other plants! It may sound strange, but you can use your own weeds and grass to make homemade fertilizer tea that’s 100% organic. It’s a great boost for your plants in midsummer when soil fertility is running low. Here’s how to make fertilizer tea at home.
Yes, garden plants appreciate a spot of tea now and then, too—just like I do—as a pick-me-up. No expensive Earl Grey or Darjeeling for them, though. Instead, I make a free fertilizer tea from plants, weeds, and grasses that I find on my property.
What Is Fertilizer Tea?
”Compost tea” and “manure tea” have long been mainstays of the organic garden. It is not hard to toss some compost into a bucket of water and let it steep for a few days to a few weeks, stirring daily.
“Fertilizer teas” made from plants are just as easy. Plus, they don’t require you to pick up a load of manure or use any of your precious compost.
Making Fertilizer Tea
Next time you are weeding the garden, throw chopped weeds into a bucket or trash can, chopping them up as you go.
When the container is about half full, fill it with water. Don’t use chlorinated water; rainwater is the best (also free!).
Screen the top to keep mosquitoes out. You can use a piece of screening or a row cover.
Stir daily for 3 days to 2 weeks. Or, pour it from one bucket into another to mix things up and keep it aerated.
Strain off the liquid to use as a fertilizer or foliar spray. After you strain off the liquid, return the solids to your compost pile. It can be diluted or used at full strength on established plants. Since plant leaves tend to absorb more nutrients more quickly than roots, foliar feeding is an efficient way to fertilize versus a soil drench.
Weeds are full of nutrients that they have absorbed from the soil, so it is only fitting to extract the water-soluble ones and return them to your garden plants.
Weeds and Plants to Chop Up for an Axtra Nourishing Fertilizer Tea
Stinging nettle is high in nitrogen, calcium, iron, vitamins A, B, & C, phosphorus, potassium, boron, iron, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. A natural insect repellant, when sprayed on leaves it can help plants resist insect and fungal attacks. Learn more about stinging nettle’s many benefits.
Be sure to wear gloves when collecting nettles!
Alfalfa is high in nitrogen, vitamin A, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and trace minerals. If you don’t have access to it, you can use alfalfa hay, meal, or pellets. This is a “weed” whose growth I encourage in my garden, along with clover. Both are legumes and make a great soil-enhancing mulch or nitrogen-rich tea.
Horsetail is a deeply rooted weed that draws minerals, including potassium, silica, and iron, from far below the soil.
Willow is rich in growth hormones, making it especially good for getting young transplants off to a good start.
Comfrey is rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A, B, & C, and trace minerals.
I always add a few comfrey leaves to each batch of tea.
Chicory is high in potassium, calcium, and vitamin A.
Dandelions can be put to good use making a tea that is full of vitamins A & C, as well as with calcium and potassium.
Don’t have any of those plants? Plain old grass works well too. Fresh grass clippings are high in nitrogen and potassium. Gather up your clippings next time you mow the lawn, fill a bucket 2/3 full of them, add water and steep 3 days, stirring daily.
Fertilizer teas are fast-acting and free. Apply them every two weeks or when your plants need a boost. They are especially effective on newly transplanted ones and those in blossom or setting fruit. Brew up a batch of weeds and throw a garden tea party for your plants!
Robin Sweetser is a longtime gardening writer, editor, and speaker. She and her partner, Tom, have a small greenhouse business, selling plants and cutting flowers and vegetables from their home and lo...
This was my first attempt. I made six of those large plastic totes. OMG, I made too much, so I was glad you can use full strength on newly planted plants. I have to say I forgot what fermented grass smelled like. I was out in my yard pulling weeds and I kept smelling dog poop. Well, it was the fermented grass. :) Going to add to my plants now. Thanks for this article, Robin.
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Zachary Howington Sun, 08/04/2024 - 20:13
Thank you Robin, for the wonderful idea and in depth information. You’re awesome!
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Aminat Akibu Sadiq Tue, 07/16/2024 - 02:31
Hello Robin, I really appreciate you for this plant tea. Am going to try it right away.
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ShammahwisdomTue, 06/04/2024 - 18:29
Is the plant tea supposed to be smelly, mine is dreadful.
Also, how long does this tea last for
It certainly can put off a strong smell, and one that is unpleasant to some. The longer it sits and the plants and weeds break down, the smell can become stronger.
It should be used all in the same year as you make it, but using it as soon as possible is recommended, which will decrease the chances of it getting moldy and the smell getting worse.
A good rule of thumb is to only make your batch as big as what you need in the immediate future. Hope this helps!
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ShammahwisdomTue, 06/11/2024 - 05:23
Thank you much
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LeaTue, 07/26/2022 - 23:05
I noticed in the hotter weather a black looking layer on top of the water. Is that mild and should I throw out and start over? I’ve used weeded and green clippings from my blackberry tree and food scraps. I may not be stirring it enough?
Thank you
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MikeyTue, 08/30/2022 - 14:38
You’re not suppose to add food scraps to a tea, it will cause bad bacteria to build, only green leaf clippings, fresh grass clippings.
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AmberFri, 04/29/2022 - 21:09
This sounds like it could be the answer to my problems. Just to double check, would this process work well with foxtails? That’s the main weed we have to deal with in our yard and a major cause of my stress with our family pets. The only other concerns I’d have is would it matter if the weeds were dry or the dogs used the bathroom on them? Sorry for the questions my brain worries about things too much sometimes. Thanks!
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MikeyTue, 08/30/2022 - 14:40
Maybe double check on what the foxtail weed contain but I believe any plant material contains some sort of organic nutrient you can pull from them.
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MichaelFri, 07/16/2021 - 07:50
Hi Robin, once you have brewed a batch and strained it, does it need to be used immediately or can it be kept for a while?
i use it right away to lessen the chances of it getting moldy or smelly.
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DougWed, 07/07/2021 - 16:46
.... our grass is fertilized and given weed killer by the lawn care company. I am taking a wild guess I don't want to use that on my veggie garden then?
If your grass just needs a little nutrient pick-me-up, this liquid fertilizer might be helpful. It is worth a try!
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Johnnie AllredThu, 05/20/2021 - 14:52
A very interesting and informative. A good read!
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Naturesoil ProductsThu, 09/10/2020 - 11:41
RE to:
"Moldy Tea
Submitted by Robert W Bucey on June 28, 2018 - 6:06pm
Throw it out! If the tea isn't aerated properly nasty bacteria will start growing in it and create methane. It's best to stir it a couple times a day."
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Please define "nasty bacteria".
Then, know that many bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, often used in pickling & cheese making (for one example) are anaerobic (those that often create methane).
And that many earthworms feed on many of those "nasty bacteria", destroying them, and leaving behind more beneficial bacteria (hence the reason the USDA-NOP exempts vermicast/"cold-composting" from the requirements of heat processing).
See my other reply.
Consider the beneficial role of other "nasty bacteria", like E coli, which are used commercially, but also in Nature to create natural antibiotics, natural flavonoids, even natural enzymes (such as Asparaginase, which has continually been recognized and demonstrated as one of the most effective killers of certain cancer cells).
Bokashi works on the principle of anaerobic digestion/decomposition.
The resultant product of that anaerobic decomposition makes a great feed for other aerobic bacteria, fungi (molds), and earthworms.
People need to be weary of absolute designations, such as "beneficial" "good", and "nasty", "harmful", "bad" and such.
Nature is way more complex.
That being said, aeration is a good idea (as it promotes the growth & development of aerobic bacteria, and aids in the nutrient leaching process).
But it's not an overly-simplistic "either/or" scenario.
"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge"
-Charles Darwin-
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Naturesoil ProductsThu, 09/10/2020 - 11:02
RE to: Moldy tea
Submitted by Joe on June 18, 2018 - 1:49pm
I tried this and got distracted from sitting it daily and it developed a white mold on top. Is it still good? Should I put it in the compost, or dispose of it and try again?
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Earthworms largely eat molds, bacteria, fungi, etc.
There's nothing wrong with molds, as long as you have the earthworms to consume that/those mold.
Plus, molds and fungi are the second line of natural decomposition (after enzymes) of organic matter.
The beneficial bacteria in the earthworm gut has been shown to destroy all bacteria, fungi and molds that are pathogenic to humans.
And leave behind more beneficial bacteria in their castings (worm manure), which work to aid sustained soil & plant health.
Molds, bacteria, fungi, etc are the sources of many natural vitamins, natural antibiotics (consider the origins of the discovery of Penicillin), natural antifungals, and other beneficial natural constituents.
.
They often work in conjunction with enzymes to create all the naturally good stuff that creates healthier plants, and produce.
Beware of bad info from others.
Even feared bacteria & fungi, like E coli and Aspergillis Niger (black mold) are shown to produce beneficial natural antibiotics, antifungals, beneficial enzymes, even flavonoids (which create "flavor" and "taste").
You need to establish a natural balance.
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Sean RyanWed, 09/09/2020 - 16:20
In RE: Dried Leaf Tea for Garden Fertilizer Submitted by Lynn
Leaf tea is also excellent.
But it contains less Nitrogen, and often more Carbon (Nitrogen is used by microbes as protein for new cell growth, Carbon is used by microbes for energy to continue thriving).
Plus leaf tea contains Humic & Fulvic Acids (the dark colors), which are plant growth hormones.
I've experimented thoroughly, and it's really a no-brainer.
I haven't been able to over-feed, and I've tried.
Plus, different species of trees contain different compounds (like polyphenols and other such compounds, like plant growth hormones [Salicylic Acid, and others]), thus it's worth mixing & experimenting.
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Sean RyanWed, 09/09/2020 - 16:12
It's funny how many people don't know about this.
I get amused by "Environmentalists" and such whom purchase "organic" feeds, when the best answer is often directly below their feet.
I have many friends whom mow their lawns, bag their grass clippings, and/or pull weeds, drop those off at my place (unaware of what I do with them), and then go out & buy fertilizers, topsoils, and other such for their lawns & gardens.
Way more than just N-P-K, you also get Mg, Fe, B, Zn, Ca, plus flavonoids, chlorophylls, and many other beneficial & necessary nutrients.
Nature knows best how to provide for itself.
D.I.Y.
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BobMon, 08/03/2020 - 09:27
Can you leave plant tea for a very long period. Thanks
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LynnThu, 07/09/2020 - 22:28
I always see articles on using green leaves to make fertilizer tea. I have done that myself, but the smell was too much for me. So I am trying dried leaf fertilizer tea, hoping that the dead leaves will decompose faster and with less smell. I did a batch a day ago, and strained it out today. The tea was brown, and the smell was minimal. I am hoping that this will be a faster way of doing the same process, from raked up dead leaves. Do you have any knowledge of using dead leaves/twigs instead of live material? Thank you.
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Jonathan DemariaSat, 06/06/2020 - 08:44
Is it ok to airerate alf alfa like you would a compost tea?
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WilletteMon, 04/13/2020 - 11:00
Can this tea fertilizer be used for problem spots on a lawn? If so how should i go about it?
That depends on what is causing the problem. If it is a lack of fertility and trace minerals, then watering a new seeding with this fertilizer tea might be just what the doctor ordered!
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Douglas SewellSun, 01/12/2020 - 10:58
Made a point of having a comfrey bed in my veg garden by utilizing a bit of waste groiung good for nothing else unless much work is put into it. I get 3 or 4 cuts of comrey every year and make 15 gallons of "tea" from each cut. Feeds everything for the whole year and fills up the compost bin with the used leaves to dig in next year and spread around the fruit canes.
Always get cracking crops provided adequate watering is also done. Climate change is having an adverse effect on crop production unless wating is kept up.
Yes. Rhubarb leaves are fine to use in this tea. Their oxalic acid breaks down during composting and is not easily absorbed by other plants.
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PeggyMon, 04/29/2019 - 15:55
Great idea. One I will start today!
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CraigeFri, 06/29/2018 - 12:08
I collect yard weeds in old trash cans in which I drilled small holes in the bottom. The holes aren't big enough and get clogged so when it rains, water collects in there along with the weeds (and some dirt that was on the weed roots). After even just a few days, this mix gets RANK. It seriously smells awful. I can't figure out why this would be. But I sure am not going to pour this nastiness on my baby plants. In any event, it is on my list this weekend to drill bigger holes in the bottom of those bins!
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ZeeshanThu, 06/28/2018 - 09:11
Hi,
If I am growing organic vegetables, is it save to use any weeds to make tea for these vegetables. I mean most of the soil where I have these weeds is Non-organic.
Thanks,
Zeeshan
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JoeMon, 06/18/2018 - 13:49
I tried this and got distracted from sitting it daily and it developed a white mold on top. Is it still good? Should I put it in the compost, or dispose of it and try again?
Not sure about the mold since I have never had mine get moldy. It is probably fine since you will be straining it out before using the liquid but I tend to err on the side of caution. Toss it in the compost and try again!
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Robert W BuceyThu, 06/28/2018 - 18:06
Throw it out! If the tea isn't aerated properly nasty bacteria will start growing in it and create methane. It's best to stir it a couple times a day.
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Chris Fri, 07/14/2017 - 09:49
I am glad you mentioned clover. I have a lot of it growing among my plants and it seems to be very beneficial to them. Thank you for your timely newsletters of gardening information. I love it!!! I can't wait to make the tea for my garden. I did not know there was such a thing.
Thank you!
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LisaFri, 07/07/2017 - 12:28
great idea didn't know we could use weeds as fertilizer!
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KadeshSun, 07/02/2017 - 23:58
Did this but didn't cover the bucket... the bees LOVE it. We were taking turns taking drinks as I filled a jar to water a few struggling plants *that are doing much better now*. They are out there dutifully collecting the water and taking it somewhere all day!
Bees need to drink water on a hot day just like us. They also ferry it back to the hive. If mosquitoes aren't a problem or you plan to use the tea before any mosquito larvae can hatch, by all means let the bees enjoy your tea.
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Billboy BagginsMon, 06/26/2017 - 22:17
Can the process be sped up by boiling or steeping in hot water?
Probably but why go to all that trouble when a cold steep works just as well?
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Robert W BuceyThu, 06/28/2018 - 18:02
Don't boil it! The best benefit you derive from tea is the beneficial bacteria that live in the aerated tea. That is why it needs to be stirred regularly. If you don't stir it every day other nasty things will grow in it and release methane. However, boiling the water before using it for tea might be a good idea. I use fish tank water conditioner in the water before I use it for tea or on seedlings.
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MelvaMon, 06/26/2017 - 15:31
You mention to not use chlorinated water; will letting chlorinated water sit out a day ahead of time work? Thank you so much! I didn't know I could use weeds! u
Chlorine will dissipate if left to sit for 24 hours but many towns use chloramine which does not dissipate quickly. To be on the safe side collect a bucket of rainwater next time there is a storm.
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Ramona SiklosiMon, 06/26/2017 - 09:07
Wow! What a great idea. Down here in NC weeds seem to grow all year. Now maybe I won't hate them so much.
Would tea from white clover and herbs be a good addition?
This transplanted Yankee love's to read the "Old Farmer's Almanac" on a daily basis.
White clover would be an awesome addition to your fertilizer tea but do some research on the herbs you plan to use to make sure they wouldn't cause more harm than good to your growing plants.
This was my first attempt. I made six of those large plastic totes. OMG, I made too much, so I was glad you can use full strength on newly planted plants. I have to say I forgot what fermented grass smelled like. I was out in my yard pulling weeds and I kept smelling dog poop. Well, it was the fermented grass. :) Going to add to my plants now. Thanks for this article, Robin.