Product Usage & Care
1. How do I use the Soilmates product?
WITHIN 24 HOURS OF ARRIVAL: Simply add Soilmates to your compost bin, garden bed, or potted plants, and let the critters break down organic material into nutrient-rich compost.
- Upon arrival, place the container upside down for a few days to allow your team to adjust and explore. Remove container after 3-5 days.
- For compost bins, layer Soilmates with green and brown waste to maintain balance and maximize decomposition.
- In garden beds, mix Soilmates into the top few inches of soil to help nutrients reach plant roots quickly.
- Always ensure the environment stays slightly damp for the organisms to thrive and work efficiently.
2. How should I store Soilmates before use?
Keep Soilmates in a cool, shaded place and maintain slight moisture to keep the critters active and healthy.
- Avoid direct sunlight, as excessive heat can harm the organisms.
- If storing for more than a few days, lightly mist with dechlorinated water to keep the environment damp.
- Store in a breathable container to ensure proper airflow and prevent suffocation.
- Do not let the storage environment freeze, as extreme cold can kill the critters. Store within 60°-80°F.
3. How do I maintain the correct moisture levels for Soilmates?
The environment should feel like a wrung-out sponge—damp but not waterlogged. Lightly mist with water as needed.
- Use dechlorinated water to avoid harming the beneficial organisms.
- Check moisture levels every few days by touching the soil; if it feels dry, add a small amount of water.
- If the environment becomes too wet, mix in some brown waste (like dry leaves or cardboard) to absorb excess moisture.
- Good airflow also helps maintain the right moisture balance, so ensure your container is breathable.
4. Can I use Soilmates in indoor potted plants?
Yes! Soilmates can be added directly to indoor pots to enrich the soil and promote healthy plant growth.
- Mix Soilmates into the top 1–2 inches of soil to improve aeration and nutrient availability.
- They work well with houseplants, herbs, and even small vegetable plants in pots.
- Make sure to monitor moisture levels in the pot to keep the environment slightly damp for the critters.
- Avoid using Soilmates in pots with chemical fertilizers or pesticides, as these can harm the beneficial organisms.
5. How often should I add food scraps to my compost?
Add food scraps bi-weekly or monthly, depending on how quickly they are being broken down by the organisms.
- Observe your compost: if scraps are decomposing rapidly, you can add new material more often.
- Avoid overloading your compost with too many scraps at once, as it can lead to odors and imbalances.
- Always layer food scraps with brown waste like dry leaves or shredded cardboard to maintain the 2:1 brown/green ratio.
- Chop or shred larger scraps to speed up decomposition and make it easier for the critters to process.
6. What’s the proper ratio of green and brown waste for composting?
The ideal ratio is 2 parts brown waste (dry leaves, cardboard) to 1 part green waste (vegetable peels, coffee grounds).
- This balance ensures proper decomposition while preventing odors or soggy compost.
- Brown waste provides carbon for structure and aeration, while green waste supplies nitrogen for energy and microbial activity.
- If your compost smells bad, add more brown waste to absorb moisture and balance excess nitrogen.
- If decomposition is slow, add more green waste to boost microbial activity.
7. How long does it take for Soilmates to start improving my soil?
You may notice improvements in 1–2 weeks as the critters start decomposing scraps and enriching the soil.
- Nutrients released from the breakdown process will begin to integrate into the soil almost immediately.
- The activity level of the organisms depends on factors like temperature, moisture, and the balance of green and brown waste.
- In optimal conditions, you’ll see signs of healthier soil, like improved texture and richer color, within the first month.
- For long-term benefits, continue to replenish food scraps and maintain proper care for consistent results.
8. Do I need to stir or mix my compost regularly?
Lightly stir the top layer every 4-7 days (weekly) and gently mix the entire pile every 4–5 weeks (monthly) to maintain airflow and even decomposition.
- Stirring the top ensures fresh scraps are covered and deters pests while keeping the pile balanced.
- Mixing the entire pile every 4-5 weeks helps prevent compacted layers, distributes moisture, and improves aeration for faster decomposition.
- Avoid over-stirring, as too much disruption can dry out the compost and stress the organisms.
Composting Guidelines
9. What can and can’t I add to my compost?
You can add diced vegetable peels, fruit scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and dry leaves. Avoid meat, dairy, fats, oils, citrus, and processed foods as they attract pests and disrupt balance.
- Green waste like fresh vegetable and fruit scraps provide nitrogen for microbial activity.
- Brown waste like cardboard, twigs, and dry leaves add carbon for structure and aeration.
- Do not add pet waste, as this can introduce harmful pathogens.
- Avoid glossy or coated papers, which may contain non-biodegradable materials.
- When in doubt, stick to raw, organic materials to keep your compost healthy and balanced.
10. Can I compost cooked or processed foods?
No, cooked or processed foods are not recommended for composting as they can mold quickly, attract pests, and disrupt the balance of your compost.
- Fats, oils, and seasonings commonly found in cooked foods slow decomposition and may repel beneficial organisms.
- Processed foods often contain additives or preservatives that aren't biodegradable or may harm the compost ecosystem.
- Stick to raw, plant-based scraps like fruit peels, vegetable skins, and coffee grounds to ensure a healthy compost pile.
- If cooked foods accidentally end up in your compost, bury them deeply and cover with plenty of brown waste to minimize pests and odors.
11. Do Soilmates help with pest control in my compost?
Yes! Soilmates include beneficial organisms like rove beetles and springtails that naturally help control pests and maintain a balanced compost ecosystem.
- Rove beetles actively hunt gnats, mites, and other small insects that can infest compost.
- Springtails consume mold and fungi, reducing the chances of unwanted growth and odors.
- By maintaining a healthy balance of green and brown waste, Soilmates create an environment less attractive to pests.
- Avoid adding meat, dairy, or cooked food, as these can still attract larger pests like rodents or flies.
12. How do I avoid unpleasant odors in my compost?
To prevent odors, maintain the proper green-to-brown ratio, keep the pile slightly damp, and stir regularly to ensure good airflow.
- Add two parts brown waste (dry leaves, cardboard) for every one part green waste (vegetable peels, coffee grounds) to balance moisture and nitrogen.
- Cover fresh food scraps with a layer of brown waste to reduce exposed material that may smell.
- Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can create anaerobic conditions, which produce foul odors.
- Stir the compost weekly to aerate the pile and prevent odor-causing buildup.
13. What temperature range is ideal for Soilmates to thrive?
Soilmates thrive in a temperature range of 60–80°F, which provides optimal conditions for their activity and decomposition.
- Temperatures below 50°F may slow down the critters, while temperatures above 90°F can harm or kill them.
- Keep your compost in a shaded area during hot weather to prevent overheating.
- In colder months, insulate your outdoor compost bin with straw or leaves to maintain a stable temperature.
- Avoid placing Soilmates in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations to ensure their effectiveness.
14. How much soil do I need to mix with Soilmates for composting?
For the best results, use 50% soil, 33% green waste, and 17% brown waste in your mix.
- This ratio, 2:1 green to brown waste, ensures a balanced environment for decomposition and nutrient enrichment.
- Green waste (e.g., vegetable scraps) provides nitrogen, brown waste (e.g., dry leaves) adds carbon, and soil stabilizes the mix while introducing beneficial microbes.
- Layer soil between green and brown waste to enhance microbial activity and improve aeration.
- Adjust ratios as needed based on your compost's moisture levels or if decomposition seems too slow.
About the Products
15. What’s included in the Soil Revival Kit?
The Soil Revival Kit is specifically designed to improve aeration and enhance the structure of compost or soil.
- It contains a balanced mix of 50% coco coir, 35% perlite, and 15% aged plant material.
- Coco coir helps retain moisture while maintaining a light, airy texture.
- Perlite improves drainage and prevents compaction, ensuring oxygen reaches plant roots and compost organisms.
- Aged plant material adds organic matter to enrich the compost without introducing live microbes or critters.
- This kit is perfect for rejuvenating dense compost or creating a breathable, nutrient-ready base for your soil.
16. Are your products organic and eco-friendly?
Yes, all Bucket Biomes products are 100% organic, eco-friendly, and free of synthetic chemicals.
- We prioritize sustainable materials and practices to ensure our products are safe for the environment, plants, and people to the best of our ability.
- Critters included in our kits are natural soil enhancers that promote healthy ecosystems without the need for artificial additives.
- Materials like coco coir, aged plant matter, and perlite are chosen for their sustainability and ability to support soil vitality.
- Using our products helps reduce waste and supports a greener, healthier planet.
17. Can I buy buckets for composting from Bucket Biomes?
Yes! We recommend using 3.5-gallon buckets for compact spaces like pantries or under-sink storage, and 5-gallon buckets for larger areas such as basements, garages, or utility closets. These sizes work perfectly with our products.
18. What size are the buckets or kits you offer?
We suggest using a 3.5-gallon bucket for smaller spaces like pantries or under-sink storage. For larger areas such as utility closets, basements, or garages, a 5-gallon bucket is ideal.
- Soilmates is available in 12 oz, 32 oz, and 50 oz sizes, providing flexibility based on your composting or soil enrichment needs.
- The Soil Revival Kit comes in 1-gallon bag, designed for rejuvenating dense compost and soil.
19. Are your products safe for children or pets?
Yes, our products are safe for children and pets when used as directed.
- The critters and materials included in our kits are natural and non-toxic, posing no significant risks.
- Supervision is recommended to ensure proper handling and prevent accidental ingestion of small components like soil or critters. (eww!)
- Keep the kits out of reach of young children or curious pets when not in use to maintain their integrity.
- Always wash hands after handling composting materials to maintain good hygiene.
Shipping & Ordering
20. Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we ship within the U.S., but we’re working on expanding to international locations soon.
21. How long does shipping take?
Shipping typically takes 2-5 business days, depending on your location.
- To ensure the critters arrive in optimal condition, we ship early in the week, Monday to Wednesday. 3-5 business day handling time.
- This schedule minimizes transit time and ensures the critters are alive and ready to work when they arrive.
- Our research confirms that the organisms remain healthy and active throughout this shipping window.
- You’ll receive a tracking number once your order ships to monitor its progress.
22. What’s your return policy?
Return Policy:
Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to accept returns. Soilmates and Soil Revival Kits contain living organisms and organic materials that require specific environmental conditions to remain effective. Once shipped, we cannot guarantee their viability if exposed to improper handling, extreme temperatures, or contamination.
If There’s an Issue With Your Order:
- Contact us same-day of deilvery to report any problems (e.g., damaged packaging or product concerns).
- Provide a clear description of the issue along with photos for verification.
- We’ll work with you to resolve the issue, which may include a replacement or partial refund depending on the circumstances.
This policy ensures the integrity of our products while allowing us to address customer concerns in a fair and transparent manner.
More infromation can be found here: https://www.bucketbiomes.com/return-policy
23. How can I track my order?
Once your order ships, we’ll send a tracking number to your email. You can use this to monitor your delivery.
24. Can I cancel or change my order after placing it?
Orders can be changed or canceled within 24 hours of placing them. Contact us as soon as possible for help.