The Ultimate Living Soil Recipe for Thriving Plants for 2023

Do you want to own a garden with colorful flowers, lush vegetation, and abundant harvests? If so, it's time to use a living soil mixture to provide your plants with the best growing conditions. Living soil, in contrast to conventional bagged soils, frequently deficient in nutrients, is a combination of organic components that fosters a thriving ecosystem below the soil's surface. This ecosystem comprises various microorganisms, fungi, and helpful bacteria that cooperate to decompose organic debris and release nutrients for your plants. A living soil mixture not only gives your plants everything they need to thrive but also promotes healthy soil biology, enhances soil structure, and aids in moisture retention.

Creating your living soil mix may seem daunting initially, but with the right recipe, it's easy to make and customize to your garden's unique needs. In this post, we'll share our ultimate living soil recipe that expert gardeners have tried and tested. You'll learn what ingredients to use, how to mix them, and how to care for your living soil to keep it healthy and vibrant. By the time you finish reading this blog, you will have all the knowledge and abilities required to make a living soil mix that will revitalize your garden and enable you to produce the healthiest, happiest plants. Let's start now!

Why utilize living soil?

Any gardener who wishes to develop a healthy, sustainable garden environment that supports robust plant development without the use of synthetic fertilizers can utilize a living soil mix as a potent tool. A living soil mix contains a rich combination of organic materials that provides a diverse array of helpful bacteria, fungi, and microbes to help break down organic matter and create nutrients available to your plants, in contrast to traditional bagged soils which frequently lack the necessary nutrients and microorganisms for healthy plant growth. You may make a lively, self-sufficient garden that supports a healthy, varied soil ecosystem by employing a living soil mixture.

The Advantages of Using Living Soil in Your Garden

The skill of gardening has been practiced for many years. All gardeners want a healthy garden, and that is what unites us. A garden that offers us seasonal fruits, flowers, veggies, and herbs. And employing living soil is the best method to accomplish this. The followings are some advantages and rewards of using live soil:

Nutrient-Rich Soil 

A living soil mix is the way to go if you want to grow healthy, vibrant plants. This specially formulated soil contains an assortment of organic matter and nutrients that provide your plants with everything they need for optimal growth and development. Your plants will thrive and produce robust and bright foliage and blooms by having a wide range of vitamins and minerals. A living soil mix is beneficial for plants and is also great for the environment. By using organic matter, you're helping to reduce waste and promote sustainability while producing beautiful results in your garden. So why settle for ordinary soil when you can give your plants the nourishing soil mix they deserve?

Self-Sustaining Ecosystem

Healthy soil is the foundation for any thriving garden. A living soil mix, in particular, aims to create an ecosystem that promotes nutrient uptake and plant growth. This specially designed mix provides a nurturing habitat for beneficial bacteria, fungi, and microbes, all working together to break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil. Over time, this nutrient uptake and release cycle allows for creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where plant root systems can flourish. Investing in a living soil mix supports the health of your garden and our planet by reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and preventing soil erosion.

Reduced Need for Synthetic Fertilizers

As society becomes increasingly aware of the harmful effects of synthetic fertilizers on the environment, the idea of using a living soil mix is gaining popularity. This nutrient-rich mix of organic matter can provide a more sustainable way to nourish plants. Its balanced composition ensures that plants receive the necessary nutrients without relying on harsh chemicals that can damage soil quality and natural ecosystems. Plus, as more gardeners and farmers embrace this approach, we can all play a small role in reducing the amount of synthetic fertilizers we use, which could significantly impact preserving our planet's health for future generations.

Improved Soil Structure 

We all want healthy and vibrant gardens, and one way to achieve this is by improving the structure of our soil. A living soil mix can do wonders for your soil structure, as it promotes the development of soil aggregates. These aggregates are like small clumps of soil that help improve water retention and reduce soil erosion. But that's not all - these little clumps of soil also provide a habitat for beneficial soil organisms like bacteria, fungi, and earthworms. These organisms break down organic matter in your soil and release essential nutrients, further improving soil health. A living soil mix is an investment in the future of your garden, and the benefits you'll reap in terms of healthy plants and thriving soil are well worth it.

Increased Water Retention 

When it comes to keeping a garden in good condition, there are various things to consider. Water retention in soil is one of the most crucial aspects of plant growth. The organic matter in living soil mixes is a critical component that can significantly impact water retention. Incorporating organic matter into your gardening routine can help increase the soil's water-holding capacity, promoting healthy plant growth. With more water retained in the soil, plants are less susceptible to drought stress and can access water as needed, leading to robust and resilient growth. With some attention to soil health and nutrients, you'll be on your way to a flourishing garden in no time.

Reduced Soil Compaction

For plants to grow and thrive, healthy soil is necessary. Soil compaction can limit root growth and lead to insufficient nutrient uptake, ultimately causing stunted plant growth. Fortunately, a living soil mix can help reduce soil compaction. A living soil mix can support healthy and thriving plant development by promoting healthy soil structure. Avoid soil disruption by preventing repeated disturbances and foot traffic with a living soil mixture. It will help ensure that plants get the essential nutrients and support they need to grow to their full potential. Taking care of the soil is essential, and incorporating a living soil mix is an excellent step toward cultivating a healthy garden.

Improved Nutrient Uptake

It's critical for your plants' general health and productivity to give them the ideal balance of nutrients. A living soil mix is a fantastic way to achieve this and improve nutrient uptake. It contains many essential nutrients readily available to your plants, ensuring that they have everything they need to thrive. It enhances the soil's nutritional profile and makes it more accessible to your plants. In addition, the helpful bacteria, fungi, and microbes in a living soil mix play a crucial role in the soil by decomposing organic matter and releasing nutrients. Using a living soil mixture is a terrific method to offer your plants the best chance of success whether you are an experienced gardener or are just getting started.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Gardening is a beautiful and sustainable hobby providing fresh, healthy produce and a solid connection to nature. However, not all gardening practices are created equal when it comes to our impact on the environment. Thankfully, there is a solution that can reduce our environmental impact and also improve our gardens: using a living soil mix. This type of soil mixture is made up of natural materials that support a diverse range of soil organisms, making it rich and healthy. As a result, living soil mix can help us reduce our use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that can harm the environment and our garden ecosystem's health. By choosing this approach, we can simultaneously support our planet and gardens, creating a sustainable and resilient ecosystem for all to enjoy.

What Should Go Into Your Living Soil?

To build a flourishing garden, the health of your soil is crucial. But what exactly should go into your living soil for optimal plant growth? The answer lies in a balance of organic matter, nutrients, and microorganisms. 

• Compost

Compost is a remarkable substance that can work wonders in our gardens and farms. It recycles organic waste and can transform barren soil into a thriving and nutrient-rich habitat for plants to grow. Compost is essential to the growth of healthy soil ecology because it can act as a food source for beneficial bacteria. It is nutrient-rich and encourages microbial growth, which can assist in decomposing organic materials and transforming them into a form that plants can easily absorb. Using compost as a natural fertilizer may lessen our reliance on synthetic chemicals while introducing beneficial microbes that promote soil fertility and plant growth.

• Worm castings 

Gardeners and farmers alike know the importance of good soil to the health of their crops. Worm castings, or vermicompost, are a natural and nutrient-rich addition to soil. These castings contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that plants need to grow strong and healthy. Additionally, worm castings contain beneficial microorganisms that assist in breaking down organic matter, improve soil structure, and increase plant nutrient uptake. By adding worm castings to your soil, you're creating a healthier environment for your plants to thrive in and providing a natural and sustainable solution to enhance plant growth.

• Kelp meal

The ocean is full of secrets, one of which is the power of kelp meal. A kelp meal is a natural and efficient approach to stimulate your plants and promote their health from the roots up, whether tending to your indoor jungle or growing vegetables in your backyard. This humble seaweed is rich in minerals and micronutrients, making it a favorite of gardeners looking to promote optimal plant growth. A rich source of potassium, kelp meal also provides a variety of other trace elements that can help regulate soil pH and guarantee that plants have access to all the nutrients they require to flourish.

• Bat guano

If you're looking for a way to boost your garden, consider trying bat guano. Yes, you read that right. Bat poop is a potent fertilizer that can help your plants grow stronger and healthier. That's because guano is packed with nitrogen, a nutrient plants need to thrive. When you use bat guano as fertilizer, you give your plants a complete meal to help them grow bigger and stronger. Plus, it's a natural and sustainable option that won't harm the environment. So if you want to make your garden the neighborhood's envy, try bat guano.

• Bone meal

As any avid gardener knows, achieving healthy root growth and beautiful blooms is essential for a thriving garden. One key component in achieving this is the presence of phosphorus, a mineral that is crucial for plant growth and development. Fortunately, bone meal is a natural and effective source of phosphorus, providing an excellent nutrient boost to any soil. Incorporating bone meal into your gardening routine ensures your plants get the phosphorus they need to flourish and produce stunning flowers. So, whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting, consider adding a bone meal to your gardening toolkit for healthy, vibrant plant growth.

• Blood meal

A blood meal is different from the typical fertilizer you come across daily. Made from the blood of animals slaughtered for meat, it provides an excellent nitrogen source for your plants. What's more, it's organic and free from chemicals that are often found in synthetic fertilizers. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and blood meal gets the job done naturally by boosting soil fertility, which, in turn, supports robust plant development. Imagine having lush, green plants blossoming in your garden with the help of a blood meal. The secret weapon will make your veggie patch turn into a thriving paradise.

• Mycorrhizal fungi

Mycorrhizal fungi are nature's secret helpers. These tiny microorganisms work tirelessly to improve the efficiency with which plants absorb nutrients from the soil. By attaching to the roots of plants, mycorrhizal fungi can expand the reach of the plant's root system, enabling it to access nutrients that may have been previously out of reach. But that's not all. They also help plant roots absorb nutrients more effectively, meaning that plants can make the most out of the nutrients available. It's a win-win situation for the fungi and the plants they work with, forming a fascinating example of mutualistic symbiosis in the natural world.

• Bacterial inoculants

Bacterial inoculants may sound like a complex and intimidating term, but don't let it intimidate you. These microscopic helpers can significantly benefit your garden or agricultural area. They release nutrients by breaking down organic matter, promoting healthy plant growth. Additionally, they help create a balanced soil environment essential for any farming endeavor's long-term success. In other words, bacterial inoculants are like tiny farmers working behind the scenes to ensure your crops thrive. It's no wonder why many farmers and gardeners are turning to these mighty microorganisms to enhance their yields.

You can produce a living soil mix that offers a rich supply of nutrients and maintains a healthy and sustainable soil ecology for your plants to thrive by selecting a balanced blend of these and other organic amendments and microbes.

Recipe for Making Your Own Living Soil

Do you get sick of spending a fortune on soil for your plants or garden? Create your own living soil if you want to. It's not only affordable, but it's also good for the environment to create your own living soil. Healthy soil has the ideal proportions of organic matter, nutrients, and helpful bacteria for plants to thrive. This easy-to-follow recipe doesn't require any dangerous chemicals and uses natural materials to help your plants grow.

Ingredients:

• Compost
• Worm castings
• Kelp meal
• Bat guano
• Bone meal
• Blood meal
• Mycorrhizal fungi
• Bacterial inoculants

Instructions:

1. Compost should be used as a foundation; therefore, select a high-quality compost rich in organic matter and a healthy balance of nutrients.
2. Worm castings can be added to the soil to improve soil structure and introduce beneficial bacteria.
3. Add kelp meal to the mixture because it is a fantastic source of micronutrients and can promote plant growth. For every cubic foot of soil, combine 1-2 cups.
4. Add bat guano to your soil: This high-nitrogen fertilizer can promote robust plant development. For every cubic foot of soil, combine 1-2 cups.
5. Mix in bone meal: Phosphorus, necessary for healthy root growth and flowering, is found in bone meal and is a good source. For every cubic foot of soil, combine 1-2 cups.
6. Include blood meal in your fertilizer mix to help your plants develop strongly. A blood meal is a high-nitrogen fertilizer. For every cubic foot of soil, combine 1-2 cups.
7. Mycorrhizal fungi should be included: Mycorrhizal fungi can enhance the plant roots' ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. Use one to two tablespoons per soil cubic foot.
8. Mix in bacterial inoculants to aid in the breakdown of organic matter and foster a healthy soil ecology. Use one to two tablespoons per soil cubic foot.
9. Mix each component in the mixture thoroughly until they are all distributed equally.
10. You can now use your living soil mixture! Plant your selected crops after adding the mixture to your pots or garden beds.

Making your own living soil mix can take some time and work, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Your plants will flourish and produce healthy, vibrant crops if you provide them with a rich source of nutrients and helpful bacteria.

Guidelines for Maintaining Your Living Soil

Maintaining a vibrant and healthy soil ecosystem is essential for any green-thumbed enthusiast. Doing so results in a thriving environment where plants can grow and flourish. Follow these simple tips to keep your soil in tip-top shape. 

Soil is Alive

You can always appreciate the importance of live soil when caring for your plants. This crucial gardening component is much more than simply a pile of dirt; it's a dynamic ecosystem of helpful bacteria that support the growth of your greens and make them stronger, healthier, and more colorful. These minute creatures are vital to decomposing organic matter, releasing vital nutrients into the soil, and preventing diseases that can harm your plants. By taking good care of your living soil, you are nourishing your plants and a large colony of microorganisms actively contributing to your garden's health. Therefore, treat your soil like the live, breathing creature it is the next time you get your hands dirty.

Air and Water are Essential

The ground beneath our feet may seem unchanging and unremarkable, but it is teeming with life. Beneath the surface lies a complex ecosystem of microbes, fungi, and other organisms that help to sustain our world. Like any other living thing, these soil-dwellers need air and water to survive. When the soil becomes too dry or too wet, the delicate balance of this ecosystem is disrupted, and the microbes begin to die off. It can have severe consequences for plant health, as these organisms are responsible for helping plants to absorb nutrients, store water, and fight off diseases. So the next time you walk through a garden or admire a beautiful meadow, take a moment to appreciate the intricate web of life beneath your feet.

Add Organic Matter Regularly

A garden's success is mainly dependent on having healthy soil. Adding organic matter regularly is essential to keep your soil in top condition. There are plenty of options for sourcing organic matter, from your compost heap to animal manure and foraged leaves. Regardless of where it comes from, regularly adding organic matter will help bolster the structure of your soil. Plus, this practice provides essential nutrients that help support the growth and activity of the beneficial microbes in your soil. Your plants will have the best chance of growing if you maintain the health of this vital population of microbes.

Avoid Compaction

Compacted soil can pose a severe threat to the health of your garden. Not only does it inhibit plant growth, but it can also lead to a decline in microbial activity, which is essential for a healthy ecosystem. Compaction occurs when soil particles are filled with water or other materials, such as gravel or sand, making it difficult for air and water to circulate. It can happen when heavy equipment is driven over the soil or when people walk on wet soil. To ensure a thriving garden, taking precautions against soil compaction is essential. Avoid driving over wet soil; be mindful not to walk on your garden beds when they are too damp. Following these easy measures, you can encourage healthy growth and vitality in your garden.

Limit Tillage

Tillage, the method of breaking up soil using tools such as hoes and shovels, has been a common practice among farmers for centuries. Though it's widely used and provides incredible short-term benefits like preparing the perfect seedbed and promoting the overall fertility of the soil, In the long term, it can cause more harm than good. Not only does tillage disrupt the soil's natural structure and strip beneficial organic matter, but it can also diminish microbial activity vital for healthy plant growth. As such, soil tillage should be used only when necessary as an alternative to less invasive techniques like composting, crop rotation, and minimum tillage. Doing it right can make the most of tillage while minimizing its impact on soil health.

Use Cover Crops

Cover crops are a critical component of sustainable agriculture thanks to their ability to help farmers improve soil health. Unlike traditional crops grown for harvest, cover crops are grown solely for soil benefits. One of the critical advantages of cover crops is that they prevent soil erosion by covering the soil's surface. By keeping the soil covered, water is able to infiltrate effectively, and soil particles are held in place to prevent erosion. Cover crops also provide another significant benefit, which is improved drainage.

Additionally, cover crops help increase microbial activity in the soil, leading to better nutrient uptake for crops. Finally, as cover crops decompose, they provide organic matter essential to maintaining healthy soil. Overall, it's no wonder that clover, ryegrass, and buckwheat are standard cover crop options for farmers.

Mulch Your Soil

When it comes to keeping your soil in good condition, mulching is a technique that should be considered. Mulch works to prevent soil erosion by protecting the soil from the impact of heavy rain, wind, and other forces that can strip away layers of valuable topsoil. By placing a layer of mulch over your soil, you can provide it with numerous benefits. Additionally, the layer of mulch can help regulate moisture and temperature levels in the soil by preventing rapid evaporation and keeping the soil warm during cooler periods. Whether you use straw, wood chips, or leaves as your mulching material, you can confidently take proactive steps to promote a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem. So next time you're working in your garden, consider giving your soil the added support of a good mulch layer.

Using Your Own Living Soil for Garden Beds and Potting

For garden beds and potting, using your own living soil is a fantastic method to increase the health and output of your plants. You can use your living soil by following the guidelines below:

Garden Beds

It's crucial to carefully prepare the soil before using it for garden beds. Add some compost or well-rotted manure to remove any weeds, rocks, or other objects. After that, cover the entire bed with a layer of living soil, carefully spreading it out evenly. The seedlings or seeds can then be planted directly into the living soil.

Pots & Containers

Pick a container with good drainage when using living soil in pots or containers. To increase drainage, add a layer of rocks or gravel to the bottom of the container. After that, add a layer of living soil, ensuring space for your plant's roots. After setting your plant inside the container, add living soil to the space.

Case Studies: Actual Case Studies of Effective Living Soil Mixtures

Case studies are a fantastic way to discover how well-living soil combinations work. Here are a few illustrations of effective living soil combinations:

• Cannabis Grower

Using conventional soil mixtures, a cannabis producer in Colorado was having trouble getting regular harvests. They used compost, worm castings, alfalfa, and kelp meal in their living soil mixture. Their crop output and plant health significantly improved when they switched to a living soil mixture.

• Vegetable Garden

A California vegetable gardener was sick of spraying his plants with toxic pesticides and fertilizers. They experimented with a living soil blend and were astounded by the outcomes. Compost, peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and other components were incorporated into their living soil mixture. Without the use of dangerous pesticides, they could cultivate healthier and more productive plants.

• Fruit Orchard

An Oregon fruit orchard owner wants to maximize fruit production and the health of his trees. They chose to employ a living soil mixture, and the health of their trees and fruit production significantly improved. Compost, charcoal, and rock dust were among the elements in their living soil mixture.

Plants can get the nutrients they require to flourish by establishing a varied ecosystem of beneficial bacteria and creatures in the soil. These case studies offer an excellent illustration of the advantages of employing a living soil blend if you're thinking about doing so. Applying a living soil mixture produced healthier, more fruitful plants in these case studies.

FAQs regarding living soil

What is living soil?

Living soil is a revolutionary type changing the game for gardening and farming industries. The days of growing a rich harvest with harsh chemicals and pesticides are long gone. Living soil is teeming with beneficial microorganisms and packed with essential nutrients that make fertilizers and pesticides virtually obsolete. Living soil can create a healthier future, one plant at a time. It benefits the environment and fosters the development of a more resilient ecosystem for plant life. Over time, this natural cycle of nutrients and organisms creates a flourishing environment that ultimately leads to healthier and more vibrant produce.

How is living soil different from regular soil?

When it comes to cultivating robust plants, the importance of soil cannot be overstated. Regular soil may get the job done, but living soil takes plant growth to the next level. The beauty of living soil lies in its composition and power to support beneficial microorganisms. Instead of simply providing a medium for plants to grow, living soil is intentionally designed to be an ecosystem in and of itself. Using organic matter, minerals, and various other components, living soil creates an environment that encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms crucial to supporting plant health. The result? Plants that are healthier, stronger, and more vibrant than ever before.

What are the benefits of using living soil?

Are you tired of constantly applying fertilizers and pesticides to your garden only to see lackluster plant growth? It's time to make the switch to living soil. This all-natural approach to gardening has a wealth of benefits, including increased plant health and productivity. But that's not all - living soil also helps improve soil structure and water retention, meaning you'll see healthier plants with less effort. Plus, it reduces the need for harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and human health. Say goodbye to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and hello to a thriving, sustainable garden with living soil.

Can I make my own living soil?

Have you ever considered making your own soil? Although it may seem complicated, it is possible with a bit of work! By simply combining organic matter, minerals, and other ingredients, you can create a living soil that is both nutritious and well-balanced for your plants. However, paying attention to your plant's unique needs is crucial. Too nutrient-rich soil may harm your plants, while soil lacking in certain minerals can lead to stunted growth. Additionally, consider the importance of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in maintaining healthy soil. With careful planning and consideration, making your own living soil can be a rewarding experience for you and your plants.

Can living soil be used for indoor plants?

Living soil might be the perfect solution for those looking for a natural and effective way to care for their indoor plants. Living soil is a type of soil that is full of microorganisms and organic matter, which work together to create an ecosystem that nourishes plants. Using living soil for your indoor plants can help promote healthy growth, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, and create an environment that supports biodiversity. The natural nutrients in living soil can help keep your plants healthy and thriving without harsh chemicals. So if you're looking for a more sustainable and eco-friendly way to care for your indoor plants, living soil might be just what you need.

How do I maintain my living soil?

The secret to successful gardening lies within the soil. To keep it thriving, you need to maintain a well-balanced environment. It simply means ensuring that it contains the right mix of nutrients and microorganisms necessary for the growth of your plants. Fortunately, it's easy to achieve this if you follow the proper steps. One of the first things to do is add compost or other organic matter into the soil. It feeds the microbes and helps improve soil structure, allowing roots to grow better. Secondly, it's essential to regularly monitor your soil's pH levels. A pH that is too acidic or alkaline can negatively impact your plants. Finally, avoid using chemical fertilizers or pesticides as much as possible. These can kill the beneficial microbes in your soil, leading to a sterile and unhealthy environment for your plants. By following these simple steps, you can maintain living soil that is healthy, vibrant, and conducive to thriving plant growth.

Is living soil more expensive than regular soil?

Spending more money on soil seems excessive. However, when it comes to living soil, the added cost is well worth the investment. This soil type means going beyond just the essential combination of sand, silt, and clay. It means creating a habitat that can support the complex system of microorganisms that contribute to plants' overall health and growth. Yes, it may require more ingredients and a little extra effort, but the result is a flourishing garden that produces vibrant, nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables. Plus, with various organic options available, living soil is a choice that you and your plants can feel good about.

At Alive Market CBD, we utilize the power of living soil in our crops.

At Alive Market CBD, our commitment is to provide our customers with the purest and highest quality CBD products. We believe in farm-to-bottle transparency and utilizing clean ingredients in our crops. That's why we've adopted sustainable and regenerative farming practices that prioritize the use of living soil in our cultivation process. By doing so, we can ensure that our products are free of harmful pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. Our dedication to the environment and our customers goes hand in hand as we continue to set new standards in the CBD industry. So, if you want to experience the full benefits of CBD without any compromises, look no further than Alive Market CBD.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using living soil is a great way to help plants grow well and create a healthy, organic garden or environment for indoor plants that will last. Using the recommended materials and following the steps in this guide, you can make your own recipe for the best living soil for plants. With a well-balanced mix of organic matter, minerals, and good microorganisms, your plants will have everything they need to grow strong and healthy without chemical fertilizers or poisons. So why not try it and see what difference it can make in your yard or indoor planting space? With some work and care, you can create a healthy environment of good microorganisms and nutrient-rich soil that will help your plants grow for many years.