Frequently Asked Questions - Soil Cremation Mixture

A Living Memorial Soil Blend  is a combination of cremation ashes (cremains) and a specially formulated soil mixture. Its purpose is to protect soil ecology from disruptions caused by the addition of cremation ashes. This blend enables the creation of a Living Memorial Tribute, allowing ashes to support new life and growth in a meaningful way. 

Please avoid doing this. Adding ashes directly to soil can drastically disrupt its composition and harm your plants. The high alkalinity levels (exceeding 11+ pH), excessive sodium content, and the release of heavy metals absorbed during the cremation process create an environment that many plants simply cannot tolerate. To ensure healthy growth, it's important to treat cremation ashes with a neutralizing blend, such as Aspiring Ashes, before incorporating them into soil.

Use a ratio of 1 to 2 cups of cremation ashes per 1 Share-pack of Aspiring Ashes. This blend will effectively neutralize the ashes, making them suitable for scattering after 90 to 120 day waiting period.

For Planting:

• Mix the resulting blend with 2 gallons of soil to create the perfect foundation for growth.
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For Ready-to-Use Potting Soil:

• This option is pre-mixed and designed to treat 1/2 cup of ashes, eliminating the need for additional additives. It’s ready to go for your planting needs.

No, we don’t sell trees or plants—and you don’t need us to! Your local nursery is the best resource for advice tailored to your growing environment, native soil type, and planting zone. They may recommend using a soil amendment like Bumper Crop to enhance the planting process. Rest assured, our additive blends seamlessly with other high-quality soil products to nurture healthy growth.

What you can plant depends entirely on your environment. Start by understanding your soil type, sunlight availability, and growing zone. Your local agricultural extension office or nursery can be fantastic resources for this. Once you know your environment, you’ll be ready to choose plants that will thrive.

As a tip, we encourage you to focus on plants that are native or well-suited to your climate and soil conditions—they’re often easier to maintain and more sustainable. And while those genetically altered flowers like roses may look stunning, they can sometimes be a bit finicky (little divas, if you will)

Full instructions are available HERE, but in summary:

• For in-ground burial, dig a hole 3 to 5 times larger than the root ball.

• Spread your Living Memorial Soil Blend, mixed with a quality compost soil (e.g., Bumper Crop), evenly across the bottom. Press firmly to create a stable base.

• Proceed to plant the tree as appropriate for your soil type and climate zone.

• Water thoroughly after planting.

• Consider staking the tree if necessary, but allow it time to develop natural strength against the wind.

Yes, our products can be used for pets or people. Cremains are cremains—there is no fundamental difference in the elemental composition of ashes from mammals. Whether furry, scaled, or feathered, your beloved companion can be honored with the same care and respect.

Yes and No. Our soil mix additives are a combination of organic matter enhanced with natural minerals, as are all other cremation soil mixes.  Natural minerals are inorganic therefore we do not meet the government criteria to be certified organic.  We do have the highest concentration of organic matter of any cremation ash soil mix additive. 

Seeds are generally not intended to grow in soil blends containing cremation ash soil mix and potting or composting soil. These blends are specifically formulated for mature plants and trees. While it is possible for seeds to germinate in the mix, successful growth to maturity is unlikely before 120 days. During this time, the soil must be thoroughly leached with water to ensure proper conditions for planting.

🚫 International Orders:

Please note that we cannot ship outside the USA due to customs restrictions.