About Us: From Family Worries to Organic Garden Solutions

About Elm Dirt | Family-Founded Organic Soil & Fertilizer Company

Our Story

From a mother's concern to organic garden solutions for everyone

Hi there! Welcome to our little corner of the garden world!

Back in January 2020, I watched my 6-month-old daughter grab fistfuls of dirt and pop them right into her mouth. As any parent would, I cringed thinking about what chemicals she might be consuming. Was it weed killer? Fertilizer? Pesticides? There had to be a better way for our family—and yours.

Worm composting at Elm Dirt

Our Worm-Powered Beginning

My journey to natural gardening started with worm composting, something my husband's family had done back in the 1980s. What began as a personal project quickly blossomed into something bigger when I realized how many folks were looking for truly natural options for their gardens.

And that's how Elm Dirt was born! The name itself is a family affair—Elm stands for Emma, Logan, and Mama. My little ones (6 months and 2.5 years when we started) helped feed the worms and package orders. We started raising worms in our own home to sell at farmers' markets until the pandemic changed our plans. That's when we shifted to shipping our beneficial wigglers to gardeners nationwide.

From Worms to Wonderful Products

While not everyone wants to raise worms, everyone wants the amazing benefits they bring to soil. As a chemical engineer by training, I began developing formulas for organic fertilizers and soil blends that would harness the power of:

  • Beneficial microbes that naturally thrive in worm castings (that's worm poop!)
  • Techniques from Korean Natural Farming and permaculture
  • Cutting-edge findings from scientific research

Every product gets thoroughly tested—first on various plants in our facility and then by independent third parties. That way, you can garden with complete confidence in what you're putting in your soil.

Organic soil products from Elm Dirt

Our Promise to You and the Earth

Today, Elm Dirt offers effective natural and organic fertilizer options for homes, greenhouses, and farms—all proudly made right here in Kansas City. Each purchase helps rebuild soil health not just for our benefit, but for generations to come.

Ready to grow with us naturally? Your plants (and the little ones who might occasionally sample your soil!) will thank you.

Come grow with me!

Lauren

Founder, Elm Dirt

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