Hey Tom --- Purple Cow compost is often good (85% of the time, I'd say) ---- good fungi, protozoa, nematodes. They do have their "opps" composts though, so getting the microscope out to check it is important. Also, storage conditions can destroy the biology, so can't always blame the compost maker...... the amount of time that has to go into compost tea is why I prefer to make compost EXTRACT rather than tea. Basically, just extract the organisms straight from the compost by vigorous massaging of the compost. Treat the compost just exactly like a human muscle that is sore and needs a good massage. No wringing, no sand paper motion, no scrubbing motions, just massage. Vigorous massage. About 30 seconds for a pound of compost is what is needed to extract the organisms. Then apply the compost extract. Tea has to be made if the application is to establish the right sets of organisms on the plant surfaces aboveground. The organisms need to be growing, making glues and holding on instantly, in order to stick and stay on the surfaces aboveground. But when applied to soil, not necessary to instantly stick! So, compost extract works fine, and less work. so, I encourage you to make extracts when applying to most things --- soil, water, compost, mulch, etc. Tea only if you have to deal with pests and disease organisms on plant (or animal) surfaces. Elaine R. Ingham President, Soil Foodweb Inc. Soil Life Consultant

I would add that you really need foliar compost tea to get nutrient into plants in our native soil until it is properly amended.

From http://www.purplecoworganics.c.....-products/