Compost Teas for the Organic Grower

Publisher: Permanent Publications

Everything you need to know about feeding your garden, orchard, or smallholding with homemade and chemical-free “teas”—packed with recipes for creating nutrient-rich, healthy soil, to give you healthy plants and ecosystems

Permaculture orchardist Eric Fisher provides an in depth history of organic agriculture and the rise in chemical inputs. He then goes on to explore the importance of nutrients, their cycles and the structure of soil. This enables the reader to truly understand their soil and own ecosystem, so they can manage it properly.

Once we understand how soil and nutrients work, it is easier to diagnose problems and find a natural remedy. Eric provides recipes for a wide range of compost teas that can remedy many different deficits, as well as for natural pesticides and insecticides. Eric shows the reader how to use the plants growing around them to create these “teas,” using aerobic and anaerobic processes, as well as how to grow specific plants to encourage beneficial insects for healthy ecosystems.

Eric’s aim is for growers to feel confident in diagnosing plant disease and pest problems, and then be able to create the right remedy for the problem. If we can care for the health of our plants and soil without using chemicals, we can save money, encourage others to do the same, and demonstrate that conventional chemical inputs are not necessary. 

Reviews and Praise

  • "This book is a dual gem: full of practical applications for organic growers seeking to develop their skills with compost teas, whilst at the same time, scientifically grounded so that it offers a broader perspective looking to shape a better approach to human food production without synthetic chemicals."—Dr Colin Trier, Environmental Scientist and cider producer


More Reviews and Praise


  • "Eric's book is both systemic and timely, as evidence of the loss of soil fertility is building and our appreciation of the systemic nature of global ecosystems has never been more apparent as a source of future sustainability. His approach demonstrates that there are many elements affecting soil health and fertility, from insect pests and predators, to the range of nutrients found in the soil and all plants - including the so-called weeds! Other books on plant and vegetable growing skip over the ways in which these latter plants can be harnessed, through a variety of compost teas, to improve the life-giving quality of soil. This book should be an important addition to every gardener's working collection."—Dr Wendy Gregory, chair of a community garden in Kingston-upon-Hull

  • "A wide-ranging study of the principles and use of compost teas. From soil and plant ecology to bioremediation, pest control and plant defence, topics are covered from scientific, observational and even metaphysical perspectives. It will open your eyes to the possibilities!"—Angie Polkey, permaculture and nature conservation teacher and advisor



About The Author


About Eric Fisher

Eric Fisher Msc Bsc (Hons) was born in North Yorkshire, has a degree in Environmental Science from Plymouth University and a masters in Technology from Cranfield University. He owns a small permaculture orchard where he practices cider making and worm farming. He has an interest in trading crypto currencies and has a love of being outdoors in nature.

Books By Eric Fisher

Pages:256 pages
Book Art:Full-color photographs and illustrations throughout
Size: 7 x 8 inch
Publisher:Permanent Publications
US Pub. Date: July 12, 2019
Paperback: 9781856233279

Available In/Retail Price

Paperback, 256 pages, $28.95USD