Spraying ACT, Aerated Compost Tea, is best done when the soil is warm enough so the Soil Food Web is active and can best utilize it. That would be a soil temperature of 50, maybe even 60, degrees F.

Thanks Kimmsr!

Do many of you make your own compost tea for your lawn? It must be a challenge to make so much, filter and then spray on. I'm new to compost tea this year and while I look forward to feeding my garden with it I would really love to give my lawn a boost with it.

Rachel, It's not too hard to make and the equipment can be had for about $30 bucks. Here is what you need:
- (1) 5 gallon bucket
- (1) fish tank pump
- (1) large bubble rock
- (2) small bubble rock
- Tubing to connect the pump to bubble rocks and T-connectors
- 1 or 2 paint strainer bags
- bag of compost or worm castings
- molasses

You can get pretty much everything listed from walmart other than the compost. Then you fill the paint strainer bag with compost, put the two small bubble rocks in the bag and tie it shut, hang it in the bucket like a tea bag, but the larger bubble rock at the bottom of the bucket, outside of the paint bag, add a tablespoon of molasses... and let it run. usually 48hrs, then you can apply via watering can or siphon hookup for the hose, or pressure sprayer.

I'd highly recommend you buy The Organic Lawncare Manual, but even if you don't. You can preview the book on amazon. See page 132 for a more detailed explanation of my instructions.

Since Dr. Elaine Ingham developed Activated Compost Tea perhaps directions from her would be more appropriate.

Here is a link that might be useful: making ACT

Thank you both for your responses. Very informative! Can a small little fountain pump that bubbles be used as opposed to a fish tank pump?