BOTHELL – Organic compost “tea” is gaining ground among garden enthusiasts who prefer natural fertilizers to chemical products. In Harmony Organic Based Landscape Services has been making the product for years using organic food waste, but has recently seen sales soar.

“It’s just taken off,” says Mark Gile, In Harmony co-owner and president. “We literally put (food waste) in teabags and turn it.”

Last year, In Harmony sprayed about 70,000 gallons of the substance on customer lawns and gardens. This year it is on track to spray 100,000 gallons.

Overall sales at In Harmony have grown by 15 percent to 20 percent annually. In 2001, the company had 23 employees and grossed $1 million. Now it has 30 employees and is reaching the $3 million marker. Other companies that offer tea compost include Cedar Grove Composting of Maple Valley and Soil Soup of Seattle.

In Harmony also services lawns and gardens with natural products such as corn gluten and mycorrhizal fungi.