Plant Juice Guide | Elm Dirt Organic Plant Food

Plant Juice Guide
All-purpose organic plant food for vibrant, healthy growth
Our microbe-rich Plant Juice feeds all indoor and outdoor plants naturally. The beneficial bacteria and fungi create a thriving soil ecosystem that helps plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Shop Plant JuiceIn This Guide
What It Does

Visible results after using Plant Juice for 4 weeks
Plant Juice is our all-purpose organic plant food, designed to provide complete nutrition and beneficial microbes to all types of plants. Unlike conventional fertilizers that can damage soil health over time, Plant Juice works with nature to build a living soil ecosystem.
Key Benefits
- Strengthens roots and stems for healthier overall growth
- Enhances natural growth processes through beneficial microorganisms
- Increases drought tolerance and stress resistance
- Improves soil health with each application
- Safe for all plants, pets, and people
- No synthetic chemicals, salts, or harmful ingredients
The "Underground" Network
Plant Juice contains over 250 species of beneficial bacteria and fungi that form a secondary root system using fungi called mycorrhizae. This network allows plants to absorb up to 20-30 times more nutrients compared to their normal root system alone!
How It Works
Our unique formula delivers balanced nutrition through multiple pathways:
- Immediate Nutrients - Plants can access readily available nutrients right away
- Microbial Activity - Beneficial microbes break down organic matter into plant-available forms
- Root Enhancement - Special compounds stimulate root growth and function
- Soil Building - Each application improves soil structure and biological activity
Dilution Chart
Always shake the bottle well before using. For maximum microbial activity, use dechlorinated water (tap water left to sit for 24 hours, well water, or rain water).
Measurement Conversions
Measurement | Equivalent |
---|---|
0.5 ounce | 1 tablespoon |
1 ounce | 2 tablespoons |
1 gallon | 128 ounces |
1/2 gallon | 64 ounces |
1/4 gallon | 32 ounces |
Coverage Information
One 32 fluid ounce bottle of Plant Juice diluted to 1 ounce per gallon of dechlorinated water covers approximately 2,500 square feet.
What is Dechlorinated Water?
Dechlorinated water is water without chlorine, which can harm the beneficial microbes in Plant Juice. You can create dechlorinated water through these methods:
- Let tap water sit in an open container for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate
- Use collected rainwater
- Use well water
- Use distilled or filtered water

Diluting Plant Juice with dechlorinated water
Application Instructions
Indoor & Outdoor Plants and Gardens
Standard dilution: 2 oz of Plant Juice per gallon (128 oz) of dechlorinated water (4 tablespoons)
Apply directly to soil during normal watering schedule every 7-14 days.
Roses, Shrubs and Lawns
Standard dilution: 3 oz of Plant Juice per gallon (128 oz) of dechlorinated water (6 tablespoons)
For roses and shrubs: Apply directly to soil every 10-21 days
For lawns: Evenly coat using a hose end sprayer once a year
Trees
Standard dilution: 1 cup Plant Juice per inch of tree diameter, per 1 gallon (128 oz) of dechlorinated water
Apply directly to soil twice a year (spring and fall is ideal)
Using a Hose End Sprayer
For larger areas like lawns, gardens, or multiple trees, a hose end sprayer is the most efficient application method:
- Fill the reservoir with undiluted Plant Juice
- Set the sprayer to 2 oz per gallon (most of our hose end sprayers are pre-set to this dilution rate)
- Spray evenly over the target area
- Rinse the sprayer thoroughly after use
Application Tip
For best results, apply Plant Juice in the early morning or late afternoon/evening when temperatures are cooler. This allows microbes to establish before potential heat stress during the day.
Plant-Specific Usage
While Plant Juice is beneficial for all plants, here are some specific recommendations for common plant types:
Houseplants
Leafy Houseplants (Pothos, Philodendron, Peace Lily, etc.)
Dilution: 2 oz per gallon of dechlorinated water
Application: Apply every 2 weeks during active growth (spring/summer) and monthly during dormant periods (fall/winter)
Tips: For plants in small pots (under 6"), use half the standard dilution ratio
Vegetable Gardens
Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale)
Dilution: 2 oz per gallon of dechlorinated water
Application: Apply weekly during growing season
Tips: Great for seedling development; use a gentle shower or sprinkler can for even distribution
Fruiting Vegetables (Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers)
Dilution: 2 oz per gallon of dechlorinated water
Application: Apply weekly during early growth stages, then switch to Bloom Juice when flowers begin to form
Tips: Can be alternated with Bloom Juice throughout growing season for balanced nutrition
Trees & Shrubs
Fruit Trees
Dilution: 1 cup per inch of trunk diameter, mixed with 1 gallon of dechlorinated water
Application: Apply in early spring before bud break and again in fall after harvest
Tips: Apply in a ring around the tree at the drip line (edge of canopy) where feeder roots are concentrated
Ornamental Shrubs
Dilution: 3 oz per gallon of dechlorinated water
Application: Apply monthly during growing season
Tips: Great for newly planted shrubs to establish strong root systems
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 Plant Juice
- Consistency is key: Regular applications at recommended intervals will build up soil health over time
- Start early: Begin applications early in the growing season to establish strong root systems
- Pair with good watering practices: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth
- Use with Ancient Soil: For new plantings or repotting, combine with Ancient Soil for optimal results
- Transition to Bloom Juice: When plants begin to form flower buds, alternate with or switch to Bloom Juice
Storage Instructions
- Store in a cool, dark place between 40-80°F (4-27°C)
- Keep bottle tightly sealed when not in use
- Do not expose to freezing temperatures
- Use within 1 year of purchase for maximum effectiveness
Pro Tip: Active Microbes
You might notice some sediment at the bottom of your Plant Juice bottle - that's normal! Those are beneficial microbes and organic materials. Just shake well before each use to distribute them evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plant Juice safe for edible plants?
Absolutely! Plant Juice is 100% organic and safe for use on all edible plants including vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. There are no synthetic chemicals or harmful ingredients, making it perfect for organic gardening.
Can I use Plant Juice on seedlings and young plants?
Yes, but with a lighter touch. For very young seedlings, use Plant Juice at half strength (1 oz per gallon instead of 2 oz). Wait until seedlings have their first true leaves before applying, and gradually increase to full strength as plants mature.
How does Plant Juice differ from conventional fertilizers?
Conventional fertilizers typically provide only NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and may contain synthetic chemicals that can harm soil life over time. Plant Juice delivers a complete spectrum of nutrients plus beneficial microorganisms that build soil health while feeding plants.
Will Plant Juice burn my plants?
No, when used as directed, Plant Juice will not burn plants. The organic formulation releases nutrients gradually, eliminating the risk of fertilizer burn that comes with synthetic options. Always follow the recommended dilution rates for best results.
Can I mix Plant Juice with other fertilizers?
We recommend using Plant Juice alone or with other Elm Dirt products for best results. You can use Plant Juice with synthetic fertilizers to boost the effect of the synthetic fertilizer and reduce fertilizer runoff. Do not use with fungicides. If you do use fungicides, apply them at least 1 week apart from Plant Juice applications.
What's the shelf life of Plant Juice?
Plant Juice remains effective for up to 1 year when stored properly in a cool, dark place with the bottle tightly sealed. The living microbes in the formula are most active within the first year.