text: Building Rich and Healthy Soil 
  With Compost 
  To grow healthy plants you need healthy soil. 
  
  **Healthy Soil:**
  l 
  
  Is teeming with life! Healthy soil is a miniature ecosystem. 
  A teaspoon of healthy soil will have upwards of four billion 
  tiny organisms which recycle nutrients, suppress disease, and 
  discourage pests. 
  
  l Retains moisture but allows drainage. Healthy soil has 
  
  structure that allows water to drain through, retains moisture, 
  and promotes strong root growth. 
  
  l Is full of organic nutrients. Plants depend on the micro- 
  organisms found in healthy organic-rich soil to provide 
  nutrients to their roots, and help them thrive. 
  
  A healthy garden and landscape is naturally resistant to pests, 
  drought, weeds, and diseases. Maintaining healthy soil may allow 
  you to reduce use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 
  
  **Quality Testing at Composting Facilities**
  Feel free to ask your compost provider if they have a quality control 
  program, and ask for test results. Compost facilities in Washington 
  are permitted by the Department of Ecology and must meet 
  standards for both the composting process and contaminants, 
  ensuring a quality product. Some facilities also participate in the 
  “Seal of Testing Assurance” (STA) testing program. See 
  “Resources” on page 11 to learn more. 
  
  **Soil is a planting medium. Compost is a soil amendment.**
  **Do not place plants directly into 100% compost.**
  **Ask your supplier or see next page for mixes for different uses.**