BioBloom

The Town of Ladysmith is proud to offer BioBloom, a high-quality, nutrient-rich Class A compost, free of charge to residents.

BioBloom, with its high nitrogen content and rich nutrient profile, is best used as a soil conditioner or supplement—not as a topsoil or direct fertilizer. It’s suitable for all outdoor plants, including roses, flower beds, tubes and bulbs.

BioBloom is available for pick-up at the Public Works Yard (330 6th Avenue) between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents will need to bring their own shovels, containers, or bags, as these are not provided on-site.

The Town does not accept pre-orders or reservation requests for BioBloom.

How to Best Use BioBloom

BioBloom is not a replacement for topsoil or fertilizer, but is intended to be used as a soil conditioner or supplement.

Not sure which application method to use? Use the chart below to find the recommended BioBloom mix ratio and application instructions for flower beds, lawns, containers, trees, shrubs, and more.

Application	Recommended Use & Instructions
Flower Beds	Mix 1 part BioBloom with 8 parts existing soil. Plant flowers or sow seeds, then water thoroughly.
Tubers and Bulbs	Blend 1 part BioBloom with 8 parts existing soil. Place a generous handful of the mixture around each bulb or tuber and plant at the recommended depth.
Roses	Plant rosebushes in a mixture of 1 part BioBloom to 4 parts soil. Prepare the planting area as you would for a flower bed.
Container Plantings	Incorporate BioBloom into potting mix so it makes up approximately 10% of the total soil volume.
Trees and Shrubs	Dig a hole about twice the width and depth of the root ball. Plant using a blend of 1 part BioBloom to 4 parts soil. Firm soil around roots and water well.
New Lawns (Seed)	Spread 1–2 cm of BioBloom and till into the top 10 cm of soil. Rake smooth, sow seed as directed, roll lightly, and keep moist until established.
New Lawns (Sod)	Spread 1–2 cm of BioBloom and till into the top 10 cm of soil. Rake smooth, lay sod, and water regularly until established.
Established Lawns	Apply a 1 cm layer of BioBloom in early spring or late fall. Rake evenly, water thoroughly, and aerate for best results.

For large-scale use, apply BioBloom as a top-dressing layer up to one centimetre thick, or mix it into the soil at a ratio of 1-part BioBloom to 8 parts soil.

How BioBloom is made

BioBloom is produced in partnership between the Town of Ladysmith’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and Composting Facility, creating a sustainable, closed-loop system that recycles local resources back into the land.

The process begins at the wastewater treatment plant, where biosolids—the solid organic material separated from treated wastewater, are de-watered to reduce moisture. These biosolids are then transported to the composting facility, where they are blended with clean, untreated wood chips sourced from local industry.

The mixture is placed in enclosed, aerated composting channels, where it is mechanically turned and aerated to carefully maintain high temperatures (above 45°C) for a minimum of 14 days. This thermophilic process destroys pathogens and helps break down organic matter.

After active composting, the material is screened, cured, and allowed to cool. Regular testing ensures it meets the rigorous standards for Class A compost under British Columbia’s Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR) and the Fertilizers Act (CFIA)—resulting in a safe, nutrient-rich product ideal for soil conditioning and plant growth.

Class A Compost

Class A compost is a high-quality, nutrient-rich soil amendment produced from organic materials such as clean wood waste and treated biosolids.

Its production is tightly regulated under British Columbia’s Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR), and it must also comply with Canada’s Fertilizers Act as administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). These standards help ensure the material is safe, stable, and suitable for use in gardens, landscaping, parks, and agriculture.

To be classified as Class A, compost is processed at high temperatures to eliminate pathogens, must meet strict limits for heavy metals and other contaminants, and undergo regular testing to confirm it is fully matured and safe for people, pets, and the environment.

Is BioBloom safe?

The short answer is yes, BioBloom is safe to use.

As a Class A Compost, BioBloom can be safely used in a wide range of applications, from home gardens and landscaping operations. In fact, the Town regularly uses BioBloom in local parks, boulevards, gardens, and other landscaped areas throughout the community.

BioBloom is regulated under British Columbia's Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR), which sets strict standards for the production, testing, and quality of compost products. It also meets applicable federal standards under the Fertilizers Act, which is administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Additionally, other municipalities and regional districts such as the Comox Valley Regional District and the District of Summerland offer Class A Compost products.

Questions?

Got questions about BioBloom? Contact Infrastructure Services at is@ladysmith.ca or 250-245-6445.