Living Soil stands for living soil, healthy plants, and more intense flavors. However, for the system to truly work, proper preparation and mixing are crucial. In this post, we'll show you step-by-step how to optimally incorporate Living Soil Base, what to look out for, and how to build a stable, active Living Soil substrate from it.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower – here you'll get tried-and-tested knowledge that will provide you with better results in the long run.
Why Living Soil isn't just "soil + fertilizer"
Microbes are the engine, not the additive
Living Soil doesn't work like traditional fertilization systems. Instead of directly adding nutrients, you create an ecological soil environment where:
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microorganisms make nutrients available
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plants self-regulate what they absorb
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soil life remains stable throughout the entire grow
The Living Soil Base is not a fertilizer, but a soil amendment that forms the basis for this system.
The right base: Which soil is suitable for Living Soil?
Before mixing in Living Soil Base, the choice of soil is crucial. Ideal soils are:
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peat-based or peat-reduced soils without mineral fertilizer
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loose structure with good water retention
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not heavily pre-fertilized substrates
❌ Not suitable are mineral pre-fertilized soils or substrates with slow-release fertilizer – they disrupt the microbial balance.
Mixing Living Soil Base correctly (basic recipe)
Dosage for soil mixture
➡ 1–5 % Living Soil Base per liter of soil
➡ corresponds to 10–50 g per 1 liter of soil
Example:
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10 L soil → 100–500 g Living Soil Base
How to proceed step by step
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Loosely prepare soil in a large container
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Sprinkle Living Soil Base evenly over it
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Mix thoroughly (no clumps!)
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Lightly moisten substrate – not wet
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Let it rest loosely covered
👉 The goal is even distribution so that microorganisms can work everywhere.
Resting phase: Why your Living Soil needs time
After mixing, you should let your substrate rest for at least 7–14 days. During this time:
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microorganisms activate
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conversion processes begin in the soil
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soil life stabilizes
💡 Tip: Keep the soil slightly moist and loose – never let it dry out.
Preparing Living Soil "bait" – the crucial fine-tuning
A well-prepared Living Soil thrives on microorganisms constantly finding food. Therefore, it is recommended:
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regular light moistening
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organic mulch material (e.g., plant residues)
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no digging after planting
- use of compost tea
This creates a self-sustaining soil system that supplies your plants for weeks.
Care during ongoing grow: Less is more
Living Soil loves peace. Avoid:
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frequent repotting
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mineral additives
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aggressive pH corrections
Instead, you can use topdressing if needed:
➡ 1–2 g Living Soil Base per liter of pot volume
➡ lightly incorporate or sprinkle every 3–4 weeks
Common mistakes when starting Living Soil (and how to avoid them)
❌ Too wet soil → lack of oxygen
❌ Impatience → microorganisms need time
❌ Too much input → Living Soil regulates itself
✔ Patience
✔ Even moisture
✔ Fewer interventions
Conclusion: Making your own Living Soil is worth it
Those who prepare Living Soil correctly benefit from:
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healthier plants
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stable nutrient supply
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better taste & aroma
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less effort in later grow
With the Living Soil Base, you lay the foundation for a functional biological soil system – provided you give the soil what it needs: time, rest, and life 🌱
