NEHERP - Horticultural Substrates

★ This page is organized w/Potting Soils first & aggregates second ★

Potting Soil: Happy Frog

One of our favorite ready to use soils for plants

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NEHERP Staff Description:
Rich with beneficial mycorrhizal fungi and humic acid, this ready to use potting soil is absolute top-shelf in quality. Free from worrisome ingredients, we use this mix as a starting point for many freshly propagated plants at NEHERP. For most houseplants, it's a perfect starting point "as is". For propagation, we'll modify the mix slightly depending on a specific plant's needs. Ultra-sensitive freshly propagated plants might have some basic perlite/peat potting soil added-in. This drains fairly well, but plants which do best with quick-draining soil often have a little Fir Bark or perlite blended into the mix. Overall, this is a super versatile mix that we've been using a lot of in 2022+. After 2-6 months (plant-dependent) or when the soil's nutrients have been utilized by the plants, we'd recommend a topical nutrient boost using Happy Frog Fertilizer. Choosing between Happy Frog or Ocean Forest can be a tough choice, as they both perform exceptionally well for us. One difference seems to be that Happy Frog is slightly less airy, and is advertised to contain mycorrhizal fungi & humic acid. (Direct comparisons on our end are difficult, since we often tweak soils w/aggregates!) Ingredients: Composted forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, earthworm castings, bat guano, humic acid, oyster shells, and dolomitic lime for pH adjustment.

Manufacturer Description:
Your potted plants deserve the best. Their roots can’t seek out nutrition in the ground, so you have to bring it to them. That’s why Happy Frog® Potting Soil is amended with soil microbes that can help improve root efficiency and encourage nutrient uptake. Between the earthworm castings, bat guano, and aged forest products, your plants have never felt so good. For additional nutrition, blend in our Happy Frog® Fertilizer. Then sit back and enjoy the results.

~~$17.99/ea 12qt Bag~~
NEW LOWER PRICE:
$12.99

20% Off!
$10.39/ea 12qt Bag

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Inventory is low, but we are expecting a shipment to arrive within 3-5 business days. Order now, and we'll ship as soon as we're able!

Larger 1.5CF bags available in our Connecticut walk-in showroom

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Potting Soil: Ocean Forest

The best selling potting soil we offer

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This slightly lighter, nutrient rich soil is the best selling all-around potting mix. With a mix of land + sea based natural nutrients, we use this mix as a starting point for many freshly propagated plants at NEHERP. For most houseplants, it's a perfect starting point "as is". For propagation, we'll modify the mix slightly depending on a specific plant's needs. Ultra-sensitive freshly propagated plants might have some basic perlite/peat potting soil added-in. Plants requiring fast-draining soil will do well with Fir Bark or perlite blended into the mix. Overall, this is a super versatile mix that has replaced two previous brands we no longer carry. After 2-6 months (plant-dependent) or when the soil's nutrients have been utilized by the plants, we'd recommend a topical nutrient boost using Happy Frog Fertilizer. As for which potting soil to start with (this or Happy Frog), they are both awesome and it's a toss-up. Ocean Forest seems to contain a broader list of nutrient-rich ingredients, but both perform well overall in our grow rooms. Ingredients: Composted forest humus, sphagnum peat moss, Pacific Northwest sea-going fish emulsion, crab meal, shrimp meal, earthworm castings, sandy loam, perlite, bat guano, granite dust, Norwegian kelp, and oyster shell (for pH adjustment).

Manufacturer Description:
Our most popular potting soil, Ocean Forest® is a powerhouse blend of aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, fish emulsion, and crab meal. Aged forest products, sandy loam, and sphagnum peat moss give Ocean Forest® its light, aerated texture. Start with Ocean Forest® and watch your plants come alive! For additional nutrition, blend in our Happy Frog® Fertilizer. Then sit back and enjoy the results.

~~$17.99/ea 12qt Bag~~
NEW LOWER PRICE:
$12.99

20% Off!
$10.39/ea 12qt Bag

Sold Out

Larger 1.5CF bags available in our Connecticut walk-in showroom

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Charcoal (Fine Grade)

Organic fine grade charcoal

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NEHERP Staff Description
Our fine grade dry hardwood charcoal is an excellent horticultural aggregate. A recommended additive for growing media that requires decent oxygen retention & porosity. Charcoal chunk sizes range from 1/8in to 1.25in, with the average piece being around 1/2"-3/4" or so. To keep prices lower, this option is not pre-rinsed. We recommend rinsing it thoroughly before use to cut down on dust.

$10.99/ea Gallon

20% Off!
$8.79/ea Gallon

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Coir / Coconut Fiber

Fine Grade Organic Coconut Fiber

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NEHERP Staff Description:
An all-natural, organic, recyclable, sustainable substrate that you can feel good about using. Coir is a great growing media choice for it's quick water absorption, near-neutral pH (5.5-6.8), rich natural potassium level, and it's higher level of micronutrients in comparison to peat. We suggest mixing coir with other aggregates to allow for extra drainage capability in the soil, since coir alone is capable of holding a fair amount of water.

Single Brick 3-Pack Brick
8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$4.99/ea Single Brick

15% Off!
$4.24/ea Single Brick

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Single Brick - Expands To 8 Quarts

Single Brick 3-Pack Brick
8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$10.99/ea 3-Pack Brick

15% Off!
$9.34/ea 3-Pack Brick

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3-Pack Brick - Expands To 24 Quarts

Single Brick 3-Pack Brick
8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$9.99/ea 8qt Bag

10% Off!
$8.99/ea 8qt Bag

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8 Dry Quarts

Single Brick 3-Pack Brick
8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$25.99/ea 24qt Bag This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

10% Off!
$23.39/ea 24qt Bag This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

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24 Dry Quarts

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Cypress Mulch

Top Quality Cypress Mulch

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NEHERP Staff Description:
Used as an all-natural soil aggregate to improve drainage & aeration of potting soils while acting as a natural insect repellant. Similar in appearance & function to pine mulch, but without the dangerous risks associated with pine oil & dust around Reptiles & Amphibians. Cypress has a slightly acidic pH rating (similar to peat), so keep that in mind if you are already using an acidic soil mix. A great add-in (or soil alone) for plants like Nepenthes! Note: Cypress must not to be confused with Cedar, which contains oils toxic to most Reptiles & Amphibians.

8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$8.99/ea 8qt Bag

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8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$27.99/ea 24qt Bag This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

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Orchid Bark - Fine Grade

Top Quality Fir Bark

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NEHERP Staff Description:
With fair levels of water-extractable phosphorus & potassium, and moderate levels of some micronutrients, it's no wonder that fir bark is one of the most commonly used bark aggregates in the horticultural industry. (It also has lower levels of beneficial calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.) With a more acidic pH, fir bark is very commonly used to plant Orchids as well as many other tropical plants. Fir bark is also commonly added to different soils to increase drainage, aeration, and to resist compacting. This particular blend is marketed towards pets and is also heat-treated for safety.
Note: Douglas Fir Bark must not to be confused with basic Pine Bark, which contains oils toxic to many Reptiles & Amphibians.

8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$8.99/ea 8qt Bag

This option sold out, others may be available

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8qt Bag 24qt Bag

$21.99/ea 24qt Bag This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

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Peat Moss

OMRI Organic Canadian Peat Moss

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NEHERP Staff Description:
What seems like one of the simplest substrate ingredients is actually one of the most complex & interesting! Peat is mostly made up of decayed plant matter (often Sphagnum), which has partially decomposed to a deep brown substrate. It's acidic (3.0-4.5pH), low in macronutrients, and has a bunch of different uses both in and out of our terrarium hobby. Below, we'll outline the most common terrarium specific uses!

As Terrarium Substrate:
Peat moss is not suitable for standalone use in a terrarium, but it's one of the ingredients in a popular terrarium substrate called ABG Mix. (Developed by Atlanta Botanical Gardens) The original ABG Mix recipe calls for 2 Parts Tree Fern Fiber, 1 Part Peat Moss, 1 Part Charcoal, 1 Part Sphagnum Moss, and 2 Parts Fir Bark.

As Horticultural Substrate:
A great deal of potting soils have peat moss as a primary ingredient, especially for acid-loving plants. We use Peat Moss in the overwhelming majority of potting mixes at NEHERP. For more info on this, check out our Horticultural Substrate page.

For Blackwater (Paludariums / Aquariums):
Enthusiasts caring for animals which benefit from tannin-rich, mildly acidic water conditions have used Peat Moss in a number of different ways. Amphibian keepers might prepare a "blackwater extract" or "tadpole tea" using peat or other ingredients, while aquarists have found ways to incorporate it into a filter system to simply add tannins & achieve the desired effect. There are numerous ways it can be used for this purpose, so it may be worth a Google search if you'd like to learn more.

1 Gallon 5 Gallons 15 Gallons

$4.99/ea 1 Gallon

25% Off!
$3.74/ea 1 Gallon

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1 Gallon 5 Gallons 15 Gallons

$18.99/ea 5 Gallons ($3.79/gal) This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

15% Off!
$16.14/ea 5 Gallons ($3.22/gal) This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

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1 Gallon 5 Gallons 15 Gallons

$39.99/ea 15 Gallons ($2.66/gal) This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

We always appreciate your business, but if you need a ton of this stuff, it may be worth checking a local Garden Center for organic, pesticide-free, fertilizer-free, "wetting agent" free, 100% pure Canadian peat moss. Shipping costs can add up, and you might save a few bucks buying in bulk and in person! ♥

5% Off!
$37.99/ea 15 Gallons ($2.53/gal) This product is too big and/or heavy to ship Express and must ship ground. (Default)

We always appreciate your business, but if you need a ton of this stuff, it may be worth checking a local Garden Center for organic, pesticide-free, fertilizer-free, "wetting agent" free, 100% pure Canadian peat moss. Shipping costs can add up, and you might save a few bucks buying in bulk and in person! ♥

This option has sold out!

Sold Out

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Sphagnum Moss

AAA-Grade New Zealand Sphagnum Moss

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the same ultra-high grade Sphagnum we've always been known for offering and using in-house. Sustainably harvested in New Zealand, and hand-packed by NEHERP staff. Each bag contains at least 0.15lbs of Sphagnum, as an economical option for those looking for a reasonable amount of top quality Sphagnum Moss without paying the premium price.

$7.99/ea Gallon Bag
(Approximately 0.15lb)

14% Off!
$6.87/ea Gallon Bag
(Approximately 0.15lb)

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Gallon Bag 0.15lb+

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Sphagnum Moss

AAA Grade New Zealand Sphagnum Moss

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the same brand of ultra high quality Sphagnum moss we use in-house. A perfect product for anyone looking for the absolute best Sphagnum around.
Manufacturer Description:
Our sustainably harvested, AAA-Grade Sphagnum moss has dozens of uses with thousands of different types of plants. Sphagnum moss is a versatile, long-lasting product renowned for its water holding capacity. Most commonly used by commercial growers and hobbyists for cultivating various orchid species, assisting with the growth of young plants, as a soil additive, and as a decorative enhancement and as a liner for hanging baskets.