Unlike conventional fertilizers that can harm beneficial soil organisms, Elm Dirt products work with nature to create living soil. Our formulas contain diverse beneficial microbes that help plants access nutrients, resist disease, and withstand drought. We focus on soil health as the foundation for plant health, rather than just feeding the plant directly.

Our products are also 100% organic, sustainably sourced, and safe for children, pets, and pollinators. You'll never find harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients in any Elm Dirt product.

Yes! All Elm Dirt products are 100% organic and eco-friendly. We use only natural, sustainable ingredients and beneficial microorganisms in our formulations. Our products are safe for the environment, good for pollinators, and will not contribute to water pollution through runoff like many synthetic fertilizers. All of our soils are also peat free!

We're committed to sustainable practices throughout our business, from sourcing to packaging. Many of our ingredients are locally sourced to reduce our carbon footprint.

Absolutely! All Elm Dirt products are safe for use around pets, children, and wildlife when used as directed. Our products contain only natural ingredients and beneficial microorganisms that pose no harm to your family members, furry or otherwise.

While our products are safe, we still recommend washing hands after handling any garden products and keeping concentrated products out of reach of children as a general safety practice.

Most orders placed Monday through Friday before 12pm CST will ship the same day. Orders placed after 12pm CST or on weekends will ship the next business day. During peak seasons (spring and early summer), processing may take 1-2 additional business days.

Once shipped, most orders arrive within 2-5 business days depending on your location. You'll receive tracking information via email once your order ships.

Yes! We offer free standard shipping on all orders over $30 within the continental United States. Orders under $30 incur a flat shipping fee of $9.95.

For customers in Hawaii, Alaska, or international destinations, additional shipping charges may apply. Please contact our customer support team for more information about shipping to these locations.

We stand behind our products with a 180-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase for any reason, simply email our support team at support@elmdirt.com within 180 days of your purchase, and we'll make it right.

We may ask for photos or additional information to help us understand your experience, but we're committed to ensuring you're happy with your Elm Dirt products.

Dechlorinated water is water that has had the chlorine removed. Most municipal tap water contains chlorine, which is added to kill harmful bacteria. However, this chlorine can also kill the beneficial microbes in our Plant Juice and Bloom Juice products, reducing their effectiveness. Tap water in most areas will still work with our products although we do recommend dechlorinated water for best results.

To dechlorinate water, you can:

• Let tap water sit in an open container for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate
• Use well water, rain water, or distilled water, which don't contain chlorine
• Purchase dechlorinated water at garden centers or pet stores
• Use a water filter that removes chlorine

Using dechlorinated water ensures that all the beneficial microbes in our products remain active and can work their magic in your soil.

To maintain maximum effectiveness of Elm Dirt products:

• Liquid Products (Plant Juice & Bloom Juice): Store in a cool, dark place between 40-80°F (4-27°C). Avoid freezing or prolonged exposure to high temperatures though the microbes will remain effective after freezing and up to 120°F. Once opened, these products are best used within one year, though they can remain effective longer if stored properly.
• Soil Products (Ancient Soil, Bloomin' Soil & Worm Castings): Store in a cool, dark place in the original packaging or in a sealed container to preserve microbial activity. Keep dry and avoid direct sunlight. These products have a longer shelf life of approximately two years.

All products should be kept out of reach of children, though they are safe and non-toxic when used as directed.

Yes, Elm Dirt products are designed to benefit nearly all types of plants with a few exceptions. Our products are excellent for:

• Houseplants (except for cacti and some succulents)
• Vegetables and herbs
• Flowers and ornamentals
• Trees and shrubs
• Lawns and turf grasses

The main exceptions are cacti and desert-adapted succulents, which prefer more mineral-based, low-organic matter soil. For these plants, we recommend using our products at half strength or less.

Additionally, some acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons may benefit from specialized acidic fertilizers in addition to our products.

Plant Juice is our all-purpose microbe-rich liquid fertilizer designed for all stages of plant growth. It contains over 250 species of beneficial bacteria and fungi that create a living ecosystem in your soil. These microorganisms work underground to strengthen your plants' root systems, help them access nutrients, and protect them from diseases.

Key benefits of Plant Juice include:

• Microbes that pull nitrogen from the air and unlock typically unavailable nutrients
• Promotes explosive growth of roots, stems, and leaves
• Helps plants withstand drought and use less water
• Naturally improves resistance to pests and diseases
• Safe for all plants except desert cacti and some succulents

Plant Juice works differently than synthetic fertilizers because it focuses on building soil health rather than just feeding the plant directly, resulting in stronger, more resilient plants over time.

For best results, we recommend the following application schedule:

• Houseplants: Apply every 7-14 days during the growing season (spring through fall), and every 3-4 weeks during winter dormancy.
• Vegetable gardens: Apply weekly during active growing season for maximum production.
• Outdoor ornamentals and perennials: Apply every 10-14 days during the growing season.
• Trees and shrubs: Apply every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Lawns: Apply every 2-3 weeks during active growth periods.

For seedlings and young plants, start with half-strength applications (1 oz per gallon) weekly, then increase to full strength as plants mature.

The distinctive earthy smell of Plant Juice is a sign of its potency and rich biological activity! The aroma comes from the diverse beneficial microorganisms and natural organic ingredients that make our product so effective. These include organic compost, worm castings, and various beneficial bacteria and fungi.

The good news is:

• The smell dissipates quickly after application
• It won't linger in your home or garden
• The stronger the smell, the more active the beneficial microbes
• It's completely natural and non-toxic

Many of our long-time customers tell us they've come to appreciate the smell as a sign of "the good stuff" working for their plants!

While both Plant Juice and Bloom Juice contain beneficial microorganisms, they serve different purposes in your plants' life cycle:

• Plant Juice is formulated for overall growth and vegetative stages, with a focus on root, stem, and leaf development. It contains more nitrogen-fixing bacteria and has a higher concentration of microbes that support general plant health.
• Bloom Juice is specifically designed for the flowering and fruiting stages of plants. It contains over 150 microbes particularly suited to trigger blooming and break down nutrients needed for flower and fruit production.

Think of Plant Juice as building the foundation and structure of the plant, while Bloom Juice helps the plant channel energy into creating beautiful flowers and abundant fruits. For best results, use Plant Juice during early growth stages, then switch to Bloom Juice when you want your plants to flower or produce fruit.

The ideal time to switch from Plant Juice to Bloom Juice depends on the type of plant:

• Flowering ornamentals: Switch to Bloom Juice about 2-3 weeks before the expected bloom time.
• Vegetables and fruits: For tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting plants, switch to Bloom Juice when the first flower buds appear.
• Houseplants: For flowering houseplants like orchids, African violets, or peace lilies, switch to Bloom Juice about 3-4 weeks before you want them to flower.
• Perennials: Start with Plant Juice in early spring, then switch to Bloom Juice about a month before typical flowering time.

Many experienced gardeners maintain a cycle of using Plant Juice for 2-3 weeks to build strong growth, then Bloom Juice for 2-3 weeks to encourage flowering, repeating throughout the growing season for maximum results.

While Bloom Juice is formulated primarily for flowering and fruiting plants, it can benefit non-flowering plants in certain situations:

• For foliage plants that don't flower, Plant Juice is generally the better choice for regular feeding.
• However, Bloom Juice can be beneficial for non-flowering plants during periods when you want to encourage bushier growth or when the plant might be stressed and needs extra phosphorus and potassium.
• For ornamental foliage plants, occasional applications of Bloom Juice (once every 1-2 months) can help develop stronger stems and more vibrant coloration.

If you're growing plants primarily for their foliage (like many houseplants, ferns, or leafy greens), we recommend using Plant Juice as your primary fertilizer and only occasionally supplementing with Bloom Juice.

Ancient Soil is our premium soil amendment containing a powerful blend of organic ingredients that create truly living soil. Unlike conventional potting mixes that focus only on providing basic nutrients, Ancient Soil introduces beneficial soil biology that creates a thriving ecosystem for your plants.

Key components that make Ancient Soil special include:

• Organic Worm Castings: Nature's perfect soil probiotics, packed with beneficial microorganisms
• Sea Kelp: Contains over 70 vital minerals and vitamins that boost plant immunity
• BioChar: Increases soil moisture retention and creates habitat for beneficial microbes
• Bat Guano: Provides slow-release nutrients and encourages rapid growth
• Azomite: Volcanic rock dust that remineralizes soil with trace elements

These ingredients work synergistically to create a soil environment where plants thrive with stronger root systems, better nutrient access, and improved resistance to environmental stress.

For best results, we recommend mixing Ancient Soil with your base potting medium:

• Use 20% Ancient Soil mixed with 80% of your preferred base medium (coco coir, potting soil, etc.)
• For #3 pots (approximately 1 gallon), use 2 lbs of Ancient Soil
• For #5 pots (approximately 2 gallons), use 2.5 lbs of Ancient Soil
• For #7 pots (approximately 3 gallons), use 4 lbs of Ancient Soil

You can also use Ancient Soil as a top dressing for established plants. Simply spread a 1/2-inch layer on top of the existing soil and water it in. The beneficial microbes will gradually work their way down into the root zone.

For seedlings and delicate plants, you can create a lighter blend using 10% Ancient Soil mixed with your regular starting medium.

The beneficial microbes and slow-release nutrients in Ancient Soil remain active for approximately 4-6 months in container plantings. However, this can vary based on:

• The size of the container (larger containers maintain biological activity longer)
• Watering frequency (consistent moisture helps maintain microbial life)
• Temperature (microbes are most active between 65-85°F)
• Plant type and growth rate (faster-growing plants may deplete nutrients more quickly)

For continued benefits after the initial 4-6 months, we recommend:

• Top dressing with additional Ancient Soil every 4-6 months
• Supplementing with Plant Juice or Bloom Juice to "feed" the soil biology
• Repotting annually with a fresh mix containing Ancient Soil for long-term container plants

In garden beds, the benefits of Ancient Soil can last even longer, particularly when combined with regular applications of our liquid products.

While both Ancient Soil and Bloomin' Soil are premium soil amendments containing beneficial microorganisms, they're formulated for different purposes:

• Ancient Soil is our all-purpose soil amendment focused on overall plant health, root development, and vegetative growth. It's ideal for establishing new plants and promoting strong, healthy foliage.
• Bloomin' Soil is specifically designed to enhance the flowering and fruiting phases of plants. It contains slow-release essential nutrients that help blooms last longer and grow larger.

Think of Ancient Soil as the foundation builder for your plants, while Bloomin' Soil is the bloom maximizer. For best results with flowering plants, start with Ancient Soil when establishing the plant, then top dress with Bloomin' Soil as it approaches flowering time.

Bloomin' Soil can be used in several ways to enhance your flowering plants:

1. As a top dressing: Apply a 1/2 to 1-inch layer of Bloomin' Soil on top of the existing soil around established plants about 3-4 weeks before expected bloom time. Water thoroughly after application.
2. In new potting mix: When potting flowering plants, mix up to 20% Bloomin' Soil with other potting materials like coco coir or standard potting soil.
3. In planting holes: Add 1/2 cup of Bloomin' Soil to each planting hole when installing new flowering plants in your garden.

For container plants, we recommend refreshing with a new layer of Bloomin' Soil every 3-4 months during the growing season to maintain continuous blooming.

For best results, pair Bloomin' Soil with regular applications of Bloom Juice, which provides complementary nutrients in liquid form.

Bloomin' Soil is specifically formulated to benefit any flowering or fruiting plants. Some plant types that show particularly dramatic results include:

• Flowering perennials: Roses, dahlias, peonies, daylilies, and other garden favorites
• Annual bedding plants: Petunias, marigolds, zinnias, and other seasonal color
• Flowering houseplants: Orchids, African violets, peace lilies, and anthuriums
• Edible crops: Tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, blueberries, and other fruiting vegetables and berries
• Flowering shrubs: Hydrangeas, camellias, azaleas, and rhododendrons

Many customers report that Bloomin' Soil is particularly effective for extending the bloom period of seasonal flowers and increasing the number and size of blooms on perennials like roses and hydrangeas.

Our Regenerative and Sustainable Lawn Care line takes a completely different approach from conventional lawn fertilizers:

• Microbe-focused: Rather than just feeding your grass with synthetic nutrients, our products build up beneficial soil microbes that create healthier soil and stronger grass naturally.
• Seasonally formulated: Each seasonal formula (Spring Revive, Summer Strength, Fall Rally, and Winter Prep) is specifically designed to address the unique needs of your lawn during that time of year.
• People, pet, and planet safe: Unlike chemical fertilizers that can harm children, pets, and pollinators, our lawn products are 100% organic and safe for your entire family to enjoy the lawn immediately after application.
• Reduces water needs: By improving soil health and root development, our lawn care products help your grass develop deeper roots that require less frequent watering.
• No risk of fertilizer burn: Our natural ingredients won't burn your lawn even in hot weather, unlike high-nitrogen synthetic fertilizers.

Over time, our lawn care products build a true living soil underneath your lawn, making the grass more resilient against drought, heat, cold, pests, and diseases.

Applying our lawn care products is simple:

1. Shake well before using to ensure the beneficial microbes are well-distributed.
2. Fill a hose-end sprayer with the product (our hose-end sprayer attachment is recommended and automatically sets the correct dilution rate).
3. Spray evenly across your lawn, aiming for consistent coverage.

Application tips:

• Set your sprayer to 2-3 oz per gallon of water for optimal results.
• Each 32 oz bottle covers approximately 2,000 square feet of lawn.
• Apply in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
• Water lightly after application if no rain is expected within 24 hours.
• Apply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for best results.

For maximum benefit, follow the seasonal application schedule with the appropriate formula for each time of year.

While our lawn care products don't contain herbicides, they help control weeds naturally through several mechanisms:

• Healthier grass outcompetes weeds: By promoting thicker, denser turf growth, our products help your lawn naturally crowd out many weeds.
• Stronger root systems: Enhanced root development allows your grass to access more water and nutrients, giving it a competitive advantage over weeds.
• Soil microbiome development: The beneficial microbes in our products create a soil environment that favors grass over many common weeds.

Many customers report significantly fewer weeds after using our lawn care system for 1-2 seasons. For the healthiest lawn with minimal weeds:

• Mow at the proper height for your grass type (generally 3-4 inches for most varieties)
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth
• Apply the seasonal lawn care formulas consistently throughout the year
• Overseed thin areas in fall to establish thick turf

Remember that building a naturally weed-resistant lawn takes time as the soil biology improves, but the results are longer-lasting and more sustainable than chemical approaches.