Liquid feeds give a faster nutrient boost than solid compost, and this climate's long, genuinely productive growing season gives a wide window for using them, though the two hard stops at either end of the year, first frost and the deep freeze that follows, still need respecting.
The Basic Compost Tea Method
Steep finished compost in water, ideally aerated or stirred periodically, for a day or two, then dilute it before applying. Compared to a more seasonally restricted zone, this climate's long growing season gives a genuinely wide window for putting a batch to use, though the two hard stops at either end of the year still matter: a feed made too late in autumn won't have time to help before frost, and anything stored over winter needs to be kept somewhere it won't freeze and split its container, a caution similar to the one boreal growers face.
Simple, Reliable Liquid Feeds
Urine, diluted 1:10
The simplest, always-available liquid feed, diluted 1:10 with water before applying, no growing season or stockpile needed.
Comfrey or nettle tea
Made from the same plants covered as activators in Chapter 8, comfrey or nettle tea is genuinely productive across most of this climate's long growing season, giving a reliable homegrown liquid feed without relying on any outside input.
Application Timing
Apply in the morning or evening during genuine summer heat, to reduce evaporation loss and the risk of leaf scorch, a much smaller concern during the cooler shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. As covered in Chapter 13, avoid applying any liquid feed too close to the first hard frost, since there won't be enough growing time left for it to do any good.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a basic compost tea?
Steep finished compost in water, ideally stirring or aerating it periodically, for a day or two, then dilute before applying to plants. It's a simple process, and this climate's long, genuinely productive growing season gives a wide window for using it compared to a more seasonally restricted zone.
What's the simplest liquid feed if I don't have compost tea ready?
Urine diluted 1:10 with water is the simplest, always-available liquid feed. Comfrey or nettle tea, made from the same plants used as activators for the heap itself, is another genuinely productive option across most of this climate's long growing season.
Are there times of year I should avoid applying liquid feeds?
Yes, care is needed around the two hard stops at either end of the year. A liquid feed made too late in autumn won't have time to help before frost, and any liquid stored over winter needs to be kept somewhere it won't freeze and split its container.