Enterthedeals Elm Dirt Ancient Soil Organic Nutrient Blend
Introduction
The Elm Dirt Ancient Soil Organic Nutrient Blend (model EDAS2) is a small-batch organic humus soil amendment sold as a 2 lb package (listed price: $35.98). Marketed by Elm Dirt as a concentrated, natural soil blend, it is intended for gardeners, houseplant enthusiasts, and hobby growers who want to enrich potting mixes, top-dress containers, or boost soil biology in small-scale applications. This review examines the product’s composition, appearance, practical use cases, strengths and weaknesses to help potential buyers decide whether it fits their needs.
Product Overview
Manufacturer: Elm Dirt
Product name: Elm Dirt Ancient Soil Organic Nutrient Blend (EDAS2)
Category: Organic humus / soil amendment / nutrient blend
Intended use: Mix-in amendment for potting soil, top-dressing containers, small bed amendments, soil booster for indoor and outdoor plants.
Appearance and Materials
Out of the bag, the Ancient Soil blend presents as a dark, crumbly humus with a fine-to-medium texture. The color is deep brown to near-black, typical of well-decomposed organic material. There is an earthy, forest-floor scent (not chemical). Visually, the material appears to be mostly fine humic matter and small particulate organics rather than large bark chips or inorganic additives — it does not resemble a traditional potting mix with visible perlite or vermiculite.
The “ancient soil” branding suggests the product is formulated to mimic nutrient-rich forest soils; the package and product name emphasize organic and natural components. The 2 lb format is convenient for small-scale projects, houseplants, and trial use, though it is a relatively small quantity for large garden beds.
Key Features & Specifications
- Product model: EDAS2 (2 lb size)
- Price (as listed): $35.98 for 2 lb
- Type: Organic humus / natural soil blend (marketed as an organic nutrient blend)
- Texture: Fine-to-medium humus; crumbly and dark
- Intended uses: Potting mix amendment, top-dressing, small bed or container soil enrichment
- Primary benefits claimed: Improved soil structure, increased nutrient-holding capacity, support for soil biology (microbes/beneficial organisms)
- Suitable for: Indoor houseplants, container gardening, seedling-stage boost (in moderation), small outdoor plots
Using Elm Dirt Ancient Soil — Practical Experience
The following notes summarize practical use-cases and what to expect when incorporating this product into different gardening scenarios.
1. Houseplants and Container Gardens
– Recommended approach: Blend 10–30% Elm Dirt Ancient Soil into existing potting mix or use a thin top-dress layer (1/4″–1/2″) around established plants.
– Observations: The fine humus mixes readily with standard potting mixes and improves moisture retention and crumb structure without dramatically increasing compaction. Houseplants tend to benefit from the added organic matter—soil holds moisture a bit longer and drains slightly more evenly.
2. Seedlings and Cuttings
– Recommended approach: Use sparingly in seed-starting mixes; a light incorporation (5–10%) can add beneficial organics, but avoid using as the sole medium since it is richer and may retain too much moisture for some seedlings.
– Observations: When diluted into a typical seed mix, it provides a gentle nutrient boost and improves texture. For very sensitive seedlings, mix with sterile seed-starting medium to avoid potential pathogen risks from non-sterile humus.
3. Succulents & Cacti
– Recommended approach: Use very conservatively (5–10%) and offset with extra inorganic drainage (perlite, pumice) because succulents require fast-draining substrates.
– Observations: If overused, the blend can retain too much moisture for drought-tolerant plants. When used minimally, it contributes nutrients without overly compromising drainage.
4. Small Outdoor Beds and Soil Top-Dressing
– Recommended approach: For small vegetable beds or flower borders, work into the top 2–4 inches or use as a top-dress around plants; for larger areas, the 2 lb size is only sufficient for spot treatment or trial applications.
– Observations: It helps fine-textured soils and sandy soils by increasing organic matter and water retention. For heavier clay soils, repeated applications may be required to see long-term structural improvement.
Practical Tips
- Pre-mix the blend thoroughly with your potting mix to avoid concentrated pockets of rich material.
- Rehydrate if the humus is extremely dry before use to reduce dust and improve mixing.
- Store in a cool, dry place and keep the bag sealed to preserve microbial activity and prevent contamination.
- Consider combining with perlite/pumice for better drainage in container mixes, especially for succulents and cacti.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-quality, humus-rich appearance and texture that integrates easily into potting mixes.
- Marketed as an organic nutrient blend — attractive to organic gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts.
- Small 2 lb size is convenient for trial, specialty uses, and small collections of plants.
- Improves moisture retention and soil structure when used appropriately.
- Neutral, earthy scent and visually consistent material (no large woody debris).
Cons
- Price per pound is relatively high ($35.98 for 2 lb), making it expensive for large-scale gardening projects.
- 2 lb quantity is small — frequent repurchasing will be necessary for medium/large gardens.
- Labeling and product literature may lack detailed nutrient analysis or guaranteed microbial counts (buyers seeking exact N-P-K or microbial data may need more information).
- Not a complete fertilizer for heavy-feeding plants — supplemental feeding may still be necessary.
- May retain too much moisture for drought-tolerant plants unless used sparingly or combined with drainage amendments.
Conclusion
The Elm Dirt Ancient Soil Organic Nutrient Blend (EDAS2) is a well-presented, humus-rich soil amendment that does what its name implies: it adds organic matter, improves soil texture, and supplies a gentle nutrient and biological boost to small-scale gardening projects. Its dark, crumbly texture and earthy aroma indicate a high content of decomposed organic material, and it mixes smoothly into potting media.
That said, the product is positioned as a premium, small-quantity item. At $35.98 for 2 lb, it is best suited for hobbyists, houseplant collectors, and growers who want a targeted organic amendment rather than those managing large beds or landscapes. Buyers who need large volumes should plan on mixing this product with bulk composts or other amendments to control costs. Additionally, gardeners seeking precise nutrient metrics or a certified microbial inoculant may find the product information limited.
Overall impression: a high-quality, organic humus blend ideal for enriching potting mixes and improving soil structure in small applications. Recommended for indoor plant enthusiasts and gardeners doing specialty or focused work; less cost-effective for large-scale soil rehabilitation.
Product details quick reference: Elm Dirt Ancient Soil Organic Nutrient Blend — EDAS2, 2 lb — Price: $35.98
