Eco-Life vs Ecothrive Living Soil: What’s Changed and Why?

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about our new Ecothrive Living Soil, so here’s a quick explanation of what’s changed—and why we made the switch.

Eco-Life: Our Legacy Living Soil

Eco-Life was the UK’s first premium living soil crafted at scale, originally launched back in 2018 in collaboration with Indoor Organics. Based on a UK-adapted version of the well-known ‘Coots mix’, it combined 40% peat, 20% coco, 20% vermicompost (worm castings) and 20% pumice. It was packed with slow-release organic nutrition and delivered strong results for years.

But the growing world is always evolving—and so are our standards—and regulations. With the UK peat ban on the horizon and fresh insights from soil testing and field trials, it was time to investigate an improved living soil formula.

The New Ecothrive Living Soil: Built From the Ground Up

After more than two years of research and development, we’re proud to introduce the next-generation version: Ecothrive Living Soil.

It’s not just about removing the peat—it’s fundamentally better.

• Coco coir base – high-quality washed and buffered sustainable coco coir
  
  
• Biochar added – nutrient retention and biological catalyst
  
  
• Upgraded nutrient profile – more calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen
  
  
• Staggered Nitrogen Release - uses four different nitrogen sources to ensure a steady short, medium and long term supply
  
  
• Trace Elements - organically chelated micronutrient mix for improved plant health
  
  
• Improved consistency – every batch is lab-tested
  
  
• Enhanced structure and aeration – for strong roots and better moisture management
  
  
• Easier Watering - improved water absorption and re-wetting
  
  
• Rich microbial base – with frass, worm castings, alfalfa, seaweed and humic substances
  
  
• Designed for re-use – mix in Soil Food Re-Gen between cycles

It’s a true living soil—just more refined, easier to use and more adaptable to modern growing environments.

Why It Matters

We didn’t just swap peat for coco and call it a day. This soil is built around the specific traits of coco coir. That means extra calcium sources, more immediately available nitrogen and precisely the right organic materials to support nutrient cycling without lockouts or imbalances.

So far, every grower who’s trialled it has said the same thing: “This stuff just works.”

Rest assured, we are using the same high-quality vermicompost, pumice and coco coir that was in Eco-Life, we have just worked out how to remove the peat while improving results.

And when it comes to feeding—our new Soil Food range (Grow, Bloom and Re-Gen) was made to work seamlessly with the new soil, but it’s just as effective with Eco-Life and other living soils.

Want More Detail?

If you’re into soil chemistry and want the full story of how this soil was developed, including all the trials, setbacks and breakthroughs along the way, check out our blog: My Living Soil Journey.

For everyone else—just know this:

The new Ecothrive Living Soil is the best we’ve ever made. It’s ready to go with no added peat—and built to deliver incredible results.