How Long Does Worm Tea Last?
Worm tea is an efficient organic fertilizer made from worm castings that contains beneficial microorganisms. Worm tea enhances soil fertility and helps to control pests and diseases. Because of its natural composition, worm tea has a shorter lifespan compared to most store-bought, chemical-based fertilizers.
How Long Does Worm Tea Last for?
Once prepared, worm tea is ready to use within 24 hours. This is because of the availability of beneficial microorganisms that helps to convert the liquid fertilizer into a beneficial source of nutrients for the plants. After 24 hours, worm tea will begin to lose its potency and should be used as soon as possible. Without any special preservation, worm tea can last up to 1 week at a maximum before it loses all its potency.
Preserving Worm Tea
To make the worm tea last longer, preservation techniques can be used. The following are some methods and tips to preserve worm tea:
Adding A Preservative
Adding a preservative such as chlorox or agitated oxygen (a product containing oxygen, hydrogen and sulfur) can help prevent microbial growth. The preservative should be added in small doses to protect the beneficial microorganisms in the worm tea.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is an effective way to store the prepared worm tea for an extended period of time. The worm tea should be sealed in airtight bottles and stored in a refrigerator. This will help to slow down the metabolic process of the beneficial microorganisms and make the worm tea last longer.
Freezing
Freezing is an alternative to refrigeration and can help make the worm tea last for up to one year. The worm tea should be poured into an ice cube tray and frozen for future use. This will help the beneficial microorganisms to remain active and the worm tea will be ready to use when needed.
Conclusion
Worm tea is an efficient organic fertilizer that has a shorter lifespan compared to store-bought, chemical-based fertilizers. If not used immediately, it will begin to lose its beneficial properties. However, by using preservation techniques such as adding preservatives, refrigeration and freezing, the life of worm tea can be prolonged. In conclusion, worm tea can last up to one week without preservation and up to one year when frozen.
