There is a 'soil, compost and mulch' forum that would be more specific to your query. Having said that (and I encourage you to go there for additional responses), I don't think it makes that much difference what you use in teas nor do I think it makes any difference whether the tea is aerated or not. Many, many will disagree and I wholeheartedly respect their disagreement. My advice to you is do things different ways as you feel so inclined and to the extent you find it fun and then form your own conclusions. When it comes to teas there simply is no one size fits all recipe. Teas are one of those areas where there are ardent, passionate supporters of various methods, but once you look at the science underlying the claim you will find all of them wanting. The result is you have to rely upon empirical (do it yourself) evidence. Sorry, I wish there was a shortcut, but at this time there simply isn't. Pick a method and try it and then pick another and try it as long as you are having fun. Go with whatever works best for you.

What was you compost made of? Compost consisting of animal manures might have the disease pathogens that cause E-Coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and several others and if that undigested compost is used to make compost tea those disease pathogens can be present. All of the produce from your garden will need to be washed very well before using, especially if they are to be eaten raw.

Hi Kristi! I think you are referring to compost leachate. There are mixed reports on whether to use it or not, but I think the guidelines are if it's brown and doesn't smell, it's ok to use. I've used it a number of times, diluted in a bucket and never had a problem with it but didn't notice much effect. Don't know. Some leachates are smelly and that indicates anaerobic bacteria which aren't good for plants. Mine is usually brown and smells fresh, like the compost. Compost tea doesn't require a lot to make. You need a large container (5gal bucket is ok, but if you have larger you'll get more), a porous sock-like thing to hold the compost which will be dipped in the water, a couple of aquarium aerators with a rock attached to them to make them sink to the bottom of the bucket. I usually do add a little molasses because it feeds the bacteria and organisms and makes them grow faster. In about 36-48 hours (in hot weather), I get a nice froth at the top and that's how I know it's ready. Then I dilute and use it on everything. I don't take the time to do it very often, but I'm always glad when I do. There are a million ways to make aerated compost tea but all you really need is finished compost and water. Anna Here is a link that might be useful: compost leachate

Nice post. I wanted to point out however that bacterial brews actually only need 24 hrs or less and fungal brews need around 48 hrs. Also if you are using a bag for your casting/compost adding a stone inside the bag will help dislodge fungal spores. A quick note on worm bins. in general if you exclude animal byproduct you will have much higher microbial diversity and much higher number of biodegraders in your castings. Also by adding small amounts of compost and minerals such as greensand and/or rock dust you can help further feed and breed your microbial community. Also there are quite a few ingredients you can add to your teas to enhance them. Some enhance the microbial content by adding food, others enhance the micro-nutrients in your tea, while will do both. The teas that we create have at the very least all of these ingredients. Worm Castings, Alaskan Forest Humus, Organic Compost, Hydrolyzed Fish, Sea 90, Micronized Kelp, Micronized Humic Acid, Demerara Sugar, Azomite, Alfalfa Meal, Kelp Meal, Humates, Fish Bone Meal, Fish Meal, Feather Meal, Soybean Meal, Cameline Meal, Fossilized Kelp, Rock Phosphate, Langbenite, Volcanic Ash, Green Sand, Sulfate of Potash. While I'm not suggesting you need all of these ingredient I am suggesting that you experiment. Have some fun, keep notes, and learn.