Make a compost tea brewer by combining water and compost and allowing the mixture to soak in aerating water for several days. Sprinkle the resulting liquid on the plant's leaves or pour on the soil around the plant. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, compost tea can replace chemical fertilizers for plant nutrition and has some ability to protect plants from insects and fungal diseases.
Purchase at an aquarium supply store a small pump, three lines of 12-inch long plastic aquarium tubing and a gang valve--a valve with regulated airflow through multiple lines.
Select a site for brewing compost tea that is level and has access to electricity.
Attach the tubing to the gang valve and attach the pump to the side of the valve.
Select a 10- to 12-inch deep bucket. Attach the gang valve to the side of the bucket and dangle the tubes into the bucket, making sure that the tubes reach the bottom.
Fill the bucket half full with mature compost, making sure the ends of the hose are covered. Add water to within 6 inches of the top of the bucket or a ratio of 1 part compost to 5 parts water, recommends the Rodale Institute. Stir to mix.
Add 1 ounce of unsulfured molasses to the compost tea bucket and stir again.
Turn on the pump and allow it to run for two to three days until there is a uniform, medium-brown liquid.Strain the compost tea into another bucket using cheesecloth to remove the solids. Sprinkle liquid on plant leaves or pour on soil around plant.