Ancient Soil Guide | Elm Dirt Organic Soil Amendment

Ancient Soil Guide
Premium organic soil amendment for vibrant plant growth
Ancient Soil is a premium blend of organic worm castings and four bio-active, environmentally-friendly soil enhancers designed to create an ideal growing environment for all plants.
Shop Ancient SoilIn This Guide
What It Does

Plants showing exceptional growth after using Ancient Soil
Ancient Soil is our premium soil amendment containing organic worm castings and a proprietary blend of bio-active, environmentally-friendly ingredients. It's designed to create an exceptionally fertile growing environment by replenishing the living microorganisms in your soil.
Key Ingredients and Benefits
- Organic Worm Castings (soil probiotics) - Replenish living microorganisms that give plants an endless supply of nutrients
- Sea Kelp (The Organic Multivitamin) - Contains over 70 critical vitamins and minerals for robust plant growth
- BioChar (The Yield Maximizer) - Increases soil moisture, absorbs nitrogen runoff, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Bat Guano (The Green Multiplier) - Transforms plant leaves into the perfect shade of green and encourages rapid growth
- Azomite (The Volcanic Recharge) - Awakens healthy soil microbes and remineralizes depleted soil
Sustainably Sourced
All ingredients in Ancient Soil are sourced within the United States and are selected for both their effectiveness and environmental sustainability. We've spared no expense in creating what we believe to be the best bio-active "super soil" on the market.
How It Works
Ancient Soil transforms your growing medium by:
- Building Soil Life - Introducing diverse beneficial microorganisms that create a living web in the soil
- Enhancing Nutrient Availability - Making both existing and new nutrients more accessible to plant roots
- Improving Soil Structure - Creating better water retention and aeration for optimal root development
- Supporting Plant Immunity - Helping plants develop natural resistance to pests and diseases
Measurement Guide
Ancient Soil is mixed with your existing soil medium (coco coir, peat moss, potting soil, or compost) at a specific ratio for optimal results.
Measurement Conversions
Measurement | Equivalent |
---|---|
3 1/4 cups | 1 pound of Ancient Soil |
12 cups | Covers 100 square feet when mixed at 20% |
Pot Size Requirements
Pot Size | Ancient Soil Amount (at 20% mix) |
---|---|
#3 pot | 2 lbs |
#5 pot | 2.5 lbs |
#7 pot | 4 lbs |
Large Quantity Applications
Ancient Soil is also available in larger quantities for garden beds and commercial applications. Please contact us for bulk pricing and ordering information.

Mixing Ancient Soil with regular potting mix at the recommended 20% ratio
Application Instructions
Standard Mixing Ratio
In a separate container, combine 20% Ancient Soil with 80% of your soil medium (coco coir, peat moss, potting soil, compost). Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
For New Plantings
- Prepare your container or garden bed
- Mix Ancient Soil with your base soil medium at the 20% ratio
- Fill container or planting hole with the soil blend
- Plant as usual, making sure roots make good contact with soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
For Existing Plants (Top Dressing)
- Gently remove 1-2 inches of soil from the top of the container or around the plant
- Mix Ancient Soil with your regular soil at the 20% ratio
- Apply the mixture on top of the existing soil
- Water thoroughly to help integrate the new layer
For Garden Beds
- Spread Ancient Soil over the garden area (about 1 pound per 20 square feet)
- Work into the top 4-6 inches of soil
- Water thoroughly after incorporation
Application Frequency
Apply Ancient Soil every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for continued nutrient release and soil ecosystem development. For perennials, apply at the beginning of the growing season and mid-season for best results.
Plant-Specific Usage
While Ancient Soil benefits all types of plants, here are some specific recommendations for common plant types:
Houseplants
Tropical Houseplants (Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, etc.)
Mix Ratio: 20% Ancient Soil, 80% potting mix
Application: Use when repotting or as a 1/2 inch top dressing every 2-3 months
Tips: Pair with Plant Juice for extraordinary results
Vegetable Gardens
Vegetables and Herbs
Mix Ratio: 20% Ancient Soil, 80% garden soil or potting mix
Application: Incorporate into soil before planting and top-dress plants monthly
Tips: Use in combination with Bloom Juice for fruiting vegetables after flower formation
Trees & Shrubs
New Tree Plantings
Mix Ratio: 20% Ancient Soil, 80% native soil
Application: Mix thoroughly and use when backfilling the planting hole
Tips: Create a wider rather than deeper planting hole for best results
Established Trees and Shrubs
Application: Apply as a 1-inch top dressing around the drip line, working gently into the top layer of soil
Frequency: Apply once in spring and once in fall
Special Applications
Seed Starting
Mix Ratio: 10% Ancient Soil, 90% seed starting mix
Application: Use this lighter mixture for starting seeds to provide nutrients without overwhelming delicate seedlings
Need Plant-Specific Advice?
Not finding guidance for your specific plant? Email us at support@elmdirt.com and we'll provide customized recommendations and add your plant to our guide!
Tips and Tricks
Getting the Most from Ancient Soil
- Mix thoroughly: Ensure Ancient Soil is well incorporated for even distribution of beneficial organisms
- Keep moist: Maintain consistent soil moisture to support microbial activity
- Apply when active: Add during the growing season when plants can best utilize the nutrients
- Pair with liquid nutrition: Use with Plant Juice or Bloom Juice for a complete feeding system
- Be patient: Some of Ancient Soil's benefits develop over time as the soil ecosystem matures
Storage Instructions
- Store in a cool, dark place in the original packaging
- Keep the bag sealed when not in use to maintain moisture and microbial activity
- Do not expose to extreme temperatures
- Use within 2 years of purchase for maximum effectiveness
Pro Tip: Tea Time
Create a nourishing soil drench by mixing 1 cup of Ancient Soil in 1 gallon of dechlorinated water. Let steep for 24-48 hours, then use the liquid to water plants that need a quick nutrient boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ancient Soil for all plant types?
Ancient Soil benefits nearly all plants, from houseplants to garden vegetables to trees and shrubs. The one exception is cacti and succulents, which generally prefer a much leaner soil with less organic matter. For these plants, we recommend using no more than 10% Ancient Soil in your mix.
How often should I apply Ancient Soil?
For most plants, apply Ancient Soil every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season. For slower-growing plants, applications at the beginning of the growing season and mid-season are usually sufficient. When repotting, always incorporate Ancient Soil into your fresh potting mix.
Can I use Ancient Soil in combination with other fertilizers?
Yes! Ancient Soil works beautifully with other organic fertilizers, especially our Plant Juice and Bloom Juice. The beneficial microbes in Ancient Soil actually help your plants utilize nutrients from other sources more efficiently. However, avoid using with fungicides, as they may harm the beneficial organisms in Ancient Soil.
How long does Ancient Soil remain effective in the soil?
The beneficial effects of Ancient Soil can last 4-6 weeks, with some of the longer-term soil improvements continuing beyond that timeframe. The microbes continue to reproduce and work as long as they have proper conditions (moisture, oxygen, organic matter). Regular reapplication helps maintain and build upon these benefits.
Is Ancient Soil safe for organic gardening?
Absolutely! Ancient Soil contains only natural, organic ingredients with no synthetic chemicals or additives. It's perfect for organic gardening and completely safe for use around children, pets, and wildlife.
Why do I see white filaments in my soil after using Ancient Soil?
Those white, thread-like structures are likely beneficial fungal hyphae (mycorrhizae) developing in your soil - a very positive sign! These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, dramatically increasing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This is one of the key benefits of using Ancient Soil.