Welcome to Living Roots Compost Tea
Compost tea is a liquid form of compost that provides fertility to plants & soils. Optimal
Learn MoreThe essence of compost tea is the microorganisms it contains. These tiny beings provide plants with a steady flow of nutrients, help ward against diseases and pests, and increase drought resistance by improving soil structure.
Welcome to Living Roots Compost Tea, where we celebrate the vibrant, living world beneath our feet and share the transformative power of compost tea. Whether you’re a backyard gardener nurturing a small vegetable patch, a dedicated organic farmer managing acres of crops, or a curious land steward just beginning to explore soil health, this site is for you. Here you’ll find practical knowledge, research-backed insights, and a community of practitioners who believe that healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient ecosystem. We’re glad you’re here—let’s dig in.
Compost tea is more than a liquid fertilizer; it’s a living infusion teeming with beneficial microbes, fungi, and nutrients. Brewed by steeping high-quality compost in aerated water, this extract can dramatically improve soil structure, boost plant immunity, and suppress pathogens. In our About Compost Tea section, we explore the science behind the brew: how aerobic conditions foster a diverse microbial community, why food sources like molasses fuel growth, and how to apply it for maximum benefit.
We also address common questions—Does it really work? How long does it last? What’s the difference between actively aerated and non-aerated teas?—with clear, evidence-based answers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced brewer, you’ll find resources to refine your technique.
Living Roots Compost Tea was born from a passion for regenerative agriculture and a desire to make soil biology accessible to everyone. Our team includes soil ecologists, farmers, and educators who have spent years working with compost tea in the field. In our Who We Are page, we share our stories, our failures, and our breakthroughs. We believe that learning happens best through sharing, and we’re committed to transparency—both about the potential and the limitations of compost tea.
“Soil is not dirt; it’s a living community. Compost tea is one of the most direct ways we can support that community and, in turn, our own food system.” — A founding member of Living Roots.
We also partner with researchers and organizations to stay at the cutting edge of soil microbiology, and we regularly host workshops and field days.
Our What We Offer page outlines the resources and services we provide to help you succeed with compost tea. Highlights include:
All offerings are designed with the DIY spirit in mind—we empower you to brew your own, adapt recipes to your local conditions, and observe the results over time. We don’t sell commercial tea bags or bottles; instead, we share the know-how so you can produce high-quality compost tea yourself.
Our podcast, What’s Brewing? A Compost Podcast, brings the conversation to your earbuds. Each episode dives into a specific topic—like vermicompost tea recipes, the role of mycorrhizae, or seasonal application strategies—with practitioners from around the world. We keep the tone casual but rigorous, blending storytelling with science. Subscribe through your favorite platform or listen directly on the site; new episodes drop monthly.
The best way to learn about compost tea is to see it in action and connect with others who share your enthusiasm. Check out our Upcoming Events page for workshops, farm tours, and conferences. Notable gatherings include the NC State’s 18th Annual Vermiculture Conference and the The Emerald Cup where soil health takes center stage. These events are perfect opportunities to exchange ideas, see cutting-edge research, and bring home practical tips.
We also encourage you to Contact us with your questions, stories, or suggestions. Whether you’ve just brewed your first batch or you’ve been making compost tea for decades, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can build healthier soils, one tea at a time.
Everything we do, in one place—dig into the topics that matter to you.
Compost is a product of the decomposition of a mixture of organic matter such as leaves, stalks, and plant debris. It provides plants with nutrients and improves soil structure.
Troy left Nashville to begin his composting career at Rodale Institute, an organic research farm in Kutztown, PA. Serving as Rodale's Compost Specialist he worked side-by-side with Dr. Elaine Ingham.
Consultation on compost (thermal, static, aerated static), Actively Aerated Compost Tea, vermicompost, microscopy and soil remediation.
The first ever podcast all about compost tea. Available on Spotify and iTunes—be sure to give it a listen.
Questions, stories or suggestions? We’d love to hear from you—reach out any time.