What is compost tea primarily used for in gardening?

Compost tea is primarily used as a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer, which makes it a valuable tool for enhancing plant growth and health in gardening. This liquid is created by steeping compost in water, which extracts beneficial microbes, nutrients, and organic matter from the compost. When applied to plants or soil, compost tea provides a readily available source of essential nutrients in a form that plants can readily absorb.

The nutrient content can vary depending on the compost used, but it typically includes nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and various micronutrients necessary for plant vigor. Additionally, the microorganisms present in compost tea can improve soil health and structure, contributing to overall plant resilience against diseases and pests. This makes compost tea an effective and sustainable approach to promoting plant growth without the need for synthetic fertilizers.