Compost Extract & Compost Tea Guide
Compost extracts and compost teas are powerful ways to introduce beneficial microorganisms into soil and onto plant surfaces. These microorganisms help support the soil food web and improve plant health naturally.
At DNS Farm, we focus on building living soil by encouraging beneficial biology such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes.
What is Compost Extract?
Compost extract is made by gently mixing high-quality compost or worm castings in water to release microorganisms into the liquid.
This method preserves much of the natural biology present in the compost.
Basic extract method:
• Fill a bucket with non-chlorinated water
• Place compost or worm castings in a mesh bag
• Agitate the bag in water for several minutes
• Apply the extract to soil immediately
Compost extract is simple, fast, and helps introduce beneficial soil microorganisms.
What is Compost Tea?
Compost tea is similar to extract but involves actively brewing the solution with aeration and microbial foods.
The goal is to encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms during the brewing process.
Basic tea method:
• Fill a container with non-chlorinated water
• Add compost or worm castings to a mesh bag
• Add small amounts of microbial foods such as humic substances or simple sugars
• Aerate the mixture with an air pump for 12–24 hours
• Apply soon after brewing
Why These Methods Help Soil
Adding compost extracts or teas can help:
• introduce beneficial microorganisms
• support nutrient cycling
• improve soil structure
• support plant resilience
Products That Support Living Soil
At DNS Farm we offer regenerative soil products designed to support healthy soil biology.
These include:
• fungal-enhanced worm castings
• compost tea brewing kits
• soil & compost biology analysis