Revolutionize your grow: Mastering effortless herb 😉🥦 growing with live or living soil

In the world of herb cultivation, the phrase "green thumb" takes on a whole new meaning when you delve into the wonders of live soil. Imagine a gardening approach where your plants thrive in an ecosystem just like their natural habitat, receiving all the nourishment they need without constant monitoring and nutrient adjustments. This is the essence of live soil, an organic and sustainable method that has been gaining popularity among herb enthusiasts and growers worldwide. 

Understanding live soil: Nurturing nature's balance

At its core, live soil isn't just dirt; it's a living, breathing environment that mimics the intricacies of nature.

Unlike traditional cultivation methods that rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers and precise nutrient schedules, live soil harnesses the power of beneficial microorganisms, fungi, and nutrients already present in the soil. The bacteria and fungi break down organic matter in the soil increasing nutrient availability and essentially extending your plant's roots into places they would not otherwise reach. This dynamic ecosystem promotes healthy plant growth by fostering symbiotic relationships between the plants and the organisms in the soil. 

Three herb plant root systems grown in three different mediums. From left to right: coco coir, live soil 1, live soil 2

The organic advantage: Why live soil matters for herb growers

One of the standout benefits of live soil is its organic nature. With the rising demand for organic products, especially in the herb market, using live soil aligns perfectly with the principles of organic cultivation.

By forgoing synthetic chemicals and focusing on harnessing nature's processes, you're not only producing herb with fewer harmful residues but also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to agriculture. 

Simplicity and ease: Growing herb without a green thumb

Perhaps one of the most enticing aspects of cultivating herb with live soil is the simplicity it brings to the process. Traditional growing methods often involve meticulous monitoring of nutrient levels, pH adjustments, and complex feeding schedules.

In contrast, live soil significantly reduces the need for constant intervention. The ecosystem within the soil takes care of breaking down organic matter, releasing nutrients at a pace that aligns with your plants' needs. 

Good for autoflowers: Is live soil suitable for autoflowering strains? 

Autoflowering herb strains have gained popularity due to their rapid growth and relatively low maintenance requirements. The good news is that live soil can be an excellent choice for growing autoflowers.

Live soil provides a rich and diverse ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms that help with nutrient uptake and overall plant health. This can be particularly advantageous for autoflowers, which have a limited vegetative phase. The live soil's natural composition can enhance nutrient availability, allowing your autoflowers to grow vigorously and produce potent buds. 

If live soil is so great, why don’t professional growers use it? 

Professional herb growers often avoid using live soil primarily due to its unpredictability and potential challenges in large-scale operations. Live soil relies on a complex ecosystem of beneficial microorganisms and organic matter to nourish plants.

While this approach can yield superb results for small-scale or hobbyist growers, it becomes logistically demanding in larger operations. Maintaining consistent conditions, ensuring uniform nutrient availability, and preventing contamination across numerous plants can be a daunting task. Additionally, professional growers often prefer more controlled and precise hydroponic or soilless systems, which allow for fine-tuned nutrient management and faster growth cycles.

These systems are better suited for the commercial demands of the herb industry, where predictability and scalability are paramount. 

Which is better: Is live soil superior to hydroponics? 

The debate between live soil and hydroponics has been ongoing in the herb cultivation community. Both methods have their merits, but it ultimately depends on your preferences and goals as a grower. Live soil is prized for its organic and sustainable approach. It relies on a living ecosystem that recycles nutrients and promotes soil health. Hydroponics, on the other hand, involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution. While hydroponics can lead to faster growth and potentially higher yields, it often requires more precise control and monitoring. Live soil offers a more hands-off and holistic approach that some growers find appealing. It's a matter of personal choice and the specific needs of your herb plants. 

Is live soil worth it?

The decision to use live soil ultimately depends on your growing goals. Live soil can be an excellent choice for those who prioritize organic and sustainable cultivation practices. It creates a thriving ecosystem that reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly option. Additionally, live soil often leads to better flavor and aroma in herb buds due to the complex interactions between plants and microorganisms. However, it may require more initial preparation, but pays off in ease-of-use throughout the grow. If you value a more natural and hands-off approach to growing herb, live soil is certainly worth considering. 

Can you reuse live soil to grow additional plants?

No, we strongly recommend NOT reusing the soil. Nutrients are depleted, and pests may be present. For great yields you need great nutrients, use our Reload Kit, which includes all essentials for your next grow.

You can reuse live soil for other plants as long as there is no infestation, but you want a good yield out of your plant, and for that you need good nutrients. Live soil maintains its vitality only if it retains a minimum amount of moisture - about 1l of water every 2-4 weeks when not growing or it must be stored in a plastic bag.

Before your next grow, you must amend the soil with fresh organic material and beneficial microorganisms, such as that in our reload kit, to reinvigorate it. This process replenishes the soil's nutrient content and ensures that it continues to support healthy plant growth. Reusing live soil not only conserves resources but also adds to the sustainability of your herb cultivation journey.

What is companion planting, and should I do it with live soil? 

Companion planting can be a valuable strategy when using live soil for herb cultivation. This age-old technique involves planting different crops together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve overall plant health. In the context of live soil, companion planting can complement the natural ecosystem within the soil. For instance, legumes like clover fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for your herb. It can enhance biodiversity, create a more resilient ecosystem, and contribute to the overall well-being of your herb garden. While not necessary for a successful live soil grow, companion planting aligns with the organic and holistic principles of this cultivation method.