Don't Just Grow Plants. Grow Microbes.

Learn to make biologically complete compost, check it through the microscope, and use it to rebuild soil that feeds your plants, season after season.

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The Living Soil Cycle

How the System Works

Everything MicrobeGrower teaches follows one circle, and each step feeds the next.

1. Make It

Build biologically complete thermal compost and worm castings from materials you already have on hand.

2. Check It

Look through the microscope to see whether your compost, tea, or soil holds the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes your plants need.

3. Use It

Apply compost, extracts, and teas so the right biology reaches your soil and your plant roots.

4. Rebuild

As soil life takes over nutrient cycling, your soil needs less from you every season. Then the cycle starts again, with better compost and better soil every time.

Find Your Path

Where Do You Want to Start?

Become a Student

Learn thermal composting and vermicomposting step by step, so you can make biologically complete compost yourself.

Test Your Compost or Soil

Mail in a sample of your compost, tea, or soil and find out exactly what is living in it, with organism counts, photos, and recommendations.

Shop Living Amendments

Jumpstart your soil biology with Biological Complete Soil Starter or BioChar MicroBlend while your own compost gets going.

Become a Partner

For farmers, gardeners, garden centers, and landscapers who want ongoing biology support and partner pricing.

Shop and Learn

Tools for Your Soil System

  • $497

Thermal Composting Mastery: The Complete Self-Paced Course

You'll learn how to turn raw materials into finished compost fast by mastering pile construction, recipe reaching the critical temperatures that kill pathogens and weed seeds, keeping your pile aerobic from start to finish, and recognizing when your compost is truly mature and biologically ready to use.
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Vermicomposting Mastery

Master the art and science of vermicomposting. Build efficient worm bin systems, maintain healthy worm populations, optimize feeding for maximum production, and harvest premium castings. Learn to create casting teas and scale operations from small bins to commercial production.
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  • $109

Biological Complete Soil Starter

This professional-grade soil amendment represents a fundamentally different approach to soil fertility. Rather than providing isolated nutrients, this inoculant delivers a complete, balanced microbial community that establishes self-sustaining nutrient cycling in your soil.
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  • $59

BioChar MicroBlend

Transform your soil with BioChar MicroBlend—a scientifically crafted 50/50 blend of biochar and living worm castings enhanced with beneficial microbes and nutrients. The biochar acts as a sponge retaining water and nutrients while housing beneficial organisms. Worm castings provide immediate nutrition. Together, they create a long-lasting, self-sustaining ecosystem for thriving plants.
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  • Free email delivery

Northeast Seasonal Soil Health Calendar

Northeast Seasonal Soil Health Calendar on how to build your soil biology and jumpstart nutrient cycling.
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  • $150

Biological Soil Assessment - Mail in Sample

Professional biological soil assessments that provide comprehensive insights into your soil's microbial ecosystem. Get detailed microbial counts, fungal-to-bacterial ratios, and expert recommendations within 7 to 10 days. Make data-driven decisions to improve soil health, boost plant resilience, and optimize your growing practices. Includes sampling instructions and comprehensive lab analysis.
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  • $375

Seasonal Soil Biology Program (3 Assessments)

Three microscope assessments (spring, summer, fall) to track your soil biology through a full growing season. Each report includes organism counts, your fungal to bacterial ratio, and recommendations. Includes sampling instructions and seasonal reminders. Results can be shared with your gardener. $375 total, $125 per test, a $75 savings over single assessments. Paid up front and valid for 12 months.
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Soil Microscopy Masterclass

Perform your own biological assessments with our comprehensive online course. Gain knowledge, confidence, and become self-sufficient. * Proper soil sampling techniques * Microscope setup and operation * Identifying and counting bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes * Calculating fungal-to-bacterial ratios * Interpreting results and making recommendations * Downloadable guides, worksheets, and reference materials
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WE HELP BRING SOIL BACK TO LIFE

Soil organism seen through Wendy's microscope

Meet Wendy

Everything I Teach Comes From Soil I Built Myself

Wendy Mickle, Soil Food Web School Certified Consultant, Maine

I am a Soil Food Web School Certified Consultant who trained in Dr. Elaine Ingham's methods, and on my homestead in Parsonsfield, Maine, I run thermal compost piles, a flow-through worm bin, and my own microscope work. Every course I teach and every assessment I write comes from soil and compost I have built and checked myself, so you are learning a system that has been tested in the ground, not just on paper.

Need one-on-one help with your soil or compost system?

90-minute consultations on soil rebuilding, composting systems, microscopy, and biological pest management.

See Consulting Services

MicrobeGrower Newsletter

Get practical soil biology guidance each week

Not ready for a consultation? Get free, science-backed soil health knowledge delivered to your inbox.

You'll receive:

  • Practical composting techniques and troubleshooting tips

  • Soil Food Web management strategies for different crops

  • Microscopy basics and organism identification guides

  • Seasonal biological soil management protocols

  • Exclusive discounts on future consultations and courses

Receive actionable steps to better biology that builds better soil.