Gardening, Composting, and Recycling Resources
Gardening Info & Fact Sheets – Fact sheets on dozens of topics, published by Washington State University Extension. Click on the link to open the list and browse the categories. Most fact sheets are free to download to your computer or other device.
Pacific Northwest Gardener’s Handbook – Growing for the Future (revised and edited 2025) – WSU Extension’s new, definitive gardening resource, the expanded, modernized, and regionally focused Pacific Northwest Gardener’s Handbook: Growing for the Future is a multi-year culmination of expertise covering the fundamentals of gardening as well as advanced horticultural knowledge.
WSU Publications Store 1-800-723-1763
Pestsense – guide visitors in the management of common indoor pest problems using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including cultural controls and Washington State registered pesticides.
Hortsense – guide the home gardener in the management of plant problems using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including cultural controls and Washington State registered pesticides.
Pacific Northwest Pest Management Books
WSU Puyallup Plant & Insect Diagnostic Laboratory
National Pesticide Information Center 1-800-858-7378
Thurston County Environmental Health (IPM, Gardening Guides, Grow Smart/Grown Safe)
Thurston County Grow Smart Grow Safe
A Home Gardener’s Guide to Soils and Fertilizers (a WSU Publication)
Home Pruning: Reasons to Prune Trees and Shrubs (Home Gardening Series)
Gardening for Life: a guide to gardening adaptations (pdf)
Growing Your Own: A Practical Guide to Gardening in Oregon – in English and Spanish
Home Owners Association Guide for Fire Resistant Communities (pdf)
Backyard Composting – WSU Publication EB1784E
A User’s Guide to Compost (pdf) – WA Department of Ecology. Includes a guide to buying compost.
How to Use Compost in Gardens and Landscapes – OSU Publication EM9308
Herbicide-contaminated Compost and Soil Mix – what you should know and what you can do about it (pdf) – OSU Publication EM9307
Silver Springs Organics – Commercial Composting Facility in Rainier WA
Brady Trucking – Commercial Composting Facility in Shelton WA
Adventures of Herman the Worm – University of Illinois Extension
Vermicomposting resources – North Carolina State Extension
Compost and Local Organic Nutrients – webpage of WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center
Washington Organic Recycling Council
Washington State Department of Ecology Organics and Food Waste
Thurston County Solid Waste – Where do I take my? directory, facility hours and locations, curbside service providers, and more.
LeMay Pacific Disposal – curbside service provider for residents outside of City of Olympia limits
City of Olympia Garbage, Recycling, and Organics – for City of Olympia residents
Video about Roosevelt Landfill – destination for garbage from Thurston County
Brady Trucking – Commercial composting facility in Shelton WA and destination for organic materials from Thurston County
Silver Springs Organics – Commercial composting facility in Rainier WA and destination for organic materials from Thurston County
More information
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Cori Carlton at cori.carlton@co.thurston.wa.us at least two (2) weeks prior to the event or application deadline.