Bokashi Tea: How to Use Fermentation Liquid as Plant Fertilizer
Bokashi fermentation produces liquid tea that is a powerful plant fertilizer. Learn how to dilute, apply, and store it safely.
What Is Bokashi Tea?
Every time you drain liquid from your bokashi bucket, you are collecting bokashi tea — a nutrient-rich fermentation liquid packed with beneficial bacteria, enzymes, and dissolved nutrients. It is essentially a liquid fertilizer that can boost plant growth.
Dilution Ratios for Different Plants
- General garden plants: Dilute 1 part tea to 50 parts water (1:50)
- Sensitive seedlings: Dilute 1 part tea to 100 parts water (1:100)
- Fertigation (drip irrigation): Dilute 1 part tea to 200 parts water (1:200)
The key is always diluting. Undiluted bokashi tea can burn plant roots due to its acidity and high nutrient concentration.
Application Methods
- Spray on leaves: Dilute at 1:100 and mist onto foliage as a foliar feed.
- Soil drench: Water around the base of plants with 1:50 dilution.
- Fertigation: Add to drip irrigation systems at 1:200 for continuous feeding.
Storage and Shelf Life
Bokashi tea is best used fresh. Store it in a sealed container away from sunlight and use within one week. If it develops mold or smells putrid, discard it.