By understanding life in the soil, we can actively work with nature to support soil health, plant health, and sustainable, regenerative growing practices.

Soil Detective performs biological soil analysis under a microscope to assess biological diversity, class of organisms' identification, and a snapshot reading of soil / compost health based on ratio of bacteria and fungi in the sample(s). 

The Soil Detective helps clients to gain a foundational understanding of life in the soil, its connection to plant health, flavor, nutritional density, and overall personal wellness.

Recommended Application Minimums

15 gallons per 1,000 square feet.

You cannot over apply this product.

No damage will be caused by excessive use.

To amend a garden bed

Apply gently to the existing soil. Do not till in.

Mulch generously with chopped straw, leaves, or woodchips.

Keep moist for one week.

Plants may be added at any time.

To amend an existing bed

Apply in a mound around each plant.

The mound should extend from the stem to the drip line of each plant.

Mulch generously with chopped straw, leaves, or woodchips.

Keep moist for one week.

This product has been specifically formulated with microorganisms native to Western Washington.

These organisms will thrive best in conditions of the Pacific Northwest Region. Please keep this product in this area.

Each of our artisan crafted small batch compost piles begin with *250 gallons of raw starting materials to be composted. Many of the raw materials are harvested from our own Soil Detective gardens. Materials are gathered based on a carefully crafted compost recipe created by Soil Detective to match local source materials available. Some starting materials are purchased locally to meet crafted compost recipe requirements to support each pile in achieving thermophilic time and temperature requirements.

An average of 60 hours of gathering, preparation, assembly of 250 gallons of starting materials and proper daily management of a thermophilic compost pile over a roughly 30-day period or until the compost has completed the thermophilic process and cools down to the ambient temperature of the site. 

Under well managed conditions, one thermophilic compost pile yields approximately 440 lbs. (roughly equivalent to eight (8) 5-gallon buckets worth) of biologically dense compost ready for either garden application or to begin maturation over the winter. Processing times are typically within 30-days of pile assembly.

*Results may vary.

Yes! We deliver compost for many of our clients, and collect soil samples as well. Here is our fee structure:

Local Delivery Fee: $50

Local Sample Collection Fee: $50

Delivery within 100 miles of Olympia: $250

Soil Detective assembles and manages several small batch compost piles throughout the year. Many factors influence the timing of thermophilic processing, including external temperatures and maturation time.

Compost ordered as Pre-order, Holiday Gift Bundles, or Pay-It-Forward gifts will be ready for pick-up and delivery in early Spring 2026.