Comparing Living Soils: Why We’re Making a Change for 2027

Not all soil is created equal—and what’s inside the bag is only part of the story. In this episode of The Compost Pile, we’re comparing some of the specialty soils we’ve relied on for years with products from The Ground Up, a Texas soil company that played an important role in our own soil journey. We take a closer look at Heirloom Soils Veggie & Herb vs. The Ground Up Veggie & Herb, along with The Works Potting Mix vs. My Bohemian Potting Soil. We break down ingredients like compost, coco coir, expanded shale, biochar, worm castings, and mycorrhizal fungi—and discuss why those ingredients matter for drainage, soil biology, and long-term soil health. But this isn't about declaring one bag of soil "good" and another "bad." It's about why we're preparing to make a change in the products we carry as we head toward spring 2027. For us, choosing a soil supplier means more than looking at an ingredient list. We want to know the people behind the product, understand how it's made, have opportunities to learn and provide feedback, and feel confident recommending it to gardeners here in Southeast Texas and Zone 9. Most importantly, remember this: the soil you buy is only the starting point. Soil changes over time, and with the right knowledge, amendments, biology, and management, you can continue building better soil year after year. In this video: • Comparing two veggie & herb soil blends • Comparing two premium potting mixes • What makes a soil a "living soil" • Mycorrhizal fungi and soil biology • Biochar, worm castings, expanded shale & coco coir • Why we like peat-free mixes for Southeast Texas • Why relationships with soil producers matter to us • Our move toward The Ground Up for spring 2027 • Why great soil is something you build—not just something you buy The Compost Pile — Breaking down how to grow in Zone 9a.