Big Soil Comparison – Ingredient Breakdown, Lab Tests & Organic Standards | BuildASoil

BuildASoil: Big Soil Comparison // Ingredient Breakdown, Lab Tests & Organic Standards

In this long-awaited video, we’re diving deep into The Big Soil Comparison, combining both ingredient reviews and lab analysis into one comprehensive educational experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grower, this episode reveals why ingredient transparency and ethical sourcing are more important than flashy labels or marketing claims.

We start by reviewing our soil sample collection process, explaining why we chose the brands we did, many of which were most requested by our Patreon supporters. You’ll see us open and analyze popular soil brands, exposing hidden issues in some big box mixes and setting expectations for what living soil should offer.

From there, we break down our scoring system, walk through the lab results in detail, and discuss how to interpret soil tests, including CEC, organic matter, micronutrients, and even rhizophagy and endocytosis in the mulch layer. We also highlight problematic ingredients you’ll want to avoid and contrast them with BuildASoil’s sourcing standards.

This episode is packed with value for growers who want to stop guessing and start growing smarter with science-backed soil insights and a focus on long-term soil health.


Disclaimer:
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. BuildASoil is dedicated to teaching the art and science of soil-based growing. Always follow your local laws and regulations.


Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro
00:15 – The Big Soil Comparison Begins + What to Expect in This Video
01:30 – Soil Sample Collection Process & Why Ingredient Transparency Matters
05:01 – Most Requested Soil Brands from Patreon + Why Big Box Organics Can Mislead New Growers
08:00 – Opening & Sampling 10+ Popular Potting Soils for Lab Testing
22:55 – What’s Next After Sending Samples to the Lab
24:35 – The Big Soil Comparison - Part 2 + Why Ingredients Matter
27:05 – Full Lab Test Breakdown & Scoring System Transparency
32:50 – Ingredient Discussion & Soil Test Paradigm Shift
39:18 – Soil Ingredient Standards, Living Soil Philosophy & Ethical Sourcing Concerns
45:39 – Avoid These Ingredients Discussion
57:57 – Soil Test Discussion
01:06:40 – Understanding CEC, Organic Matter, Micronutrients & Mulch Layer Biology (Endocytosis & Rhizophagy)
01:29:55 – Soil Report Card Breakdown
01:47:34 – Deep Dive Into Soil Ingredients, Misleading Labels & BuildASoil’s Ethical Standards
02:18:52 – Final Thoughts: Why Living Soil Wins + BuildASoil’s Organic Gardening Philosophy

Links:
BuildASoil Internal Scoring Guide: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_BuildASoil_Internal_Scoring_Guide.pdf?v=1754677677

BuildASoil Internal Soil Scorecard:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_BuildASoil_Internal_Score_Card_Blank.pdf?v=1754677677

Fox Farm Ocean Forest: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Fox_Farms_Ocean_Forest.pdf?v=1754677677

Ocean Forest + Happy Frog 50/50:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Ocean_Forest_Happy_Frog_50-50.pdf?v=1754677677

Bio 365 Flower:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_BIO365_Flower.pdf?v=1754677677

Coast of Maine Stonington Blend:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Coast_Of_Maine_Stonington_Blend.pdf?v=1754677677

Black Gold:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Black_Gold.pdf?v=1754677677

Kellog Organics:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Kellog_Organics.pdf?v=1754677677

Near Source Organic:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Near_Source_Organics.pdf?v=1754677677

Gaia Green:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Gaia_Green.pdf?v=1754677677

Roots 707:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Roots_707.pdf?v=1754677677

Miracle Grow Organic:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_Miracle_Grow_Organic.pdf?v=1754677677

BuildASoil Light Recipe:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_BuildASoil_Light_Recipe.pdf?v=1754677677

BuildASoil 3.0 Recipe:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0248/9641/files/The_Big_Soil_Comparison_-_3.0_Recipe.pdf?v=1754677677


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Music: Rebel by LionRiddims