Early returns show the #2 with 20% WC showing the best germination and growth. Maybe thats not a true test but a few weeks into the trial should prove something.

Did I miss where you said what the control is?

Sorry the control is peat + vermiculite

I am planning to make my own potting soil in order to save money and produce a good soil for plant growth. I took a look at what ingredients are available at reasonable cost. Here are the possibilities: Leaf compost (mould) (free from the county transfer center at least in the fall); Garden Soil (purchased on sale from Home Depot for $2.00 a cubic foot); Top soil (purchased on sale from Home Depot for $1.37 a cubic foot; Worm castings (free from my worm factory); and Shredded limb compost (free from the county transfer center for most of the year); Manure and humus mix (purchased on sale from HD $2.37 a cubic foot), Peat moss (not on sale and kind of expensive). Considering the above, I am going to try the following mixture: 2 parts leaf compost sifted through a 1/4 inch wire sieve, 1 part garden soil, 1/4 part top soil, 1/2 part humus and manure, and 1 or 2 cups worm castings. I would like to vary the mixture to see which mixture works best. Any suggestions?

Sounds like you are on the right track for some good trials. Im thinking strictly compost from leaf liter wont have the kick anything made with manure would have. Maybe that would give you an idea for your trials. On the other hand stuff will still grow with just leaf mold as evidenced what you would find in the woods , possibly a little more fungus in that condition as you would see mushrooms growing there, but hey just have fun with it.

Personally I would not use garden soil nor top soil in a container. But you may need some kind of aeration mix in with whatever you use such as perlite or/and vermiculite. Just my thoughts.

Update on experiment-- no need to take any further the 20% worm castings is by far the superior mix.

Here is another experiment I have going just by adding worms to this pot and feeding them once a week. Ive had this going about 2mo with the worms. I have added no other amendments than the original control , only a liquid seaweed drench on occasion.

If I remember the control is peat + vermiculite ? What are you feeding the worms?

This control is different from the other. 1 part coco coir 1 part vermiculite 2 parts compost. I feed either ground oatmeal or the pulp mix I give to my worm bins. 1 tsp is enough and I try to bury it and add the shredded paper , seems to work.