[June 2019] Back in 2019, we realised that sourcing components to make the perfect blend for our houseplant collection was a right faff! Having to use so many companies to get all the different components from was time consuming, why couldn’t there be one place for plant collectors like us to get our dirt from, whether it’s pre mixed or just the plain old ingredients?
[24th May 2020] After months of researching the properties of each component and working with experts about how healthy soil ecosystems mean healthy plants, we were finally confident in our final specialist formulas! Despite having a rough time during the first lock down which delayed launch plans, we said ‘Muck it! Let’s just get this thing going!’. The next morning we got down and dirty for the first time preparing the very first orders.
After months of trying to cram in all the jobs into 24 hours, we decided that mixing all day then writing emails late into the evening was getting a little too much! So we took on experienced Houseplant collector and customer service extraordinaire; Amy, to help us and our growing community in the way we originally planned. Amy had been with us since day one helping with product development and creative direction.
[October 2020] Our house was only half renovated when we started Soil Ninja, making the downstairs a perfect production space. Things got real busy! After a few months, loads of orders and a completely wrecked shell of a living room, it was time to move the mixing to a brand new warehouse. With the extra space, we were able to start producing higher volumes along with supplying wholesale to shops and garden centres and even getting new components to add to the range!
[March 2021] With order volume growing every day, it was time to train up a couple more Ninjas! Introducing the mixing masters that create, bag and box all your Soil.Ninja orders – Connor and George! After originally starting out through the government Kickstarter job scheme, they have stayed with the team long term to continue to deliver the best quality bags of soil around. If you have to thank anyone, it's these guys
Throughout 2021 we went out to plant markets & festivals across the country to show our mixes to the public and meet some of our regulars! A nice break from the warehouse and a great chance to gather feedback!
In mid 2021 we needed to bring on close friend, graphic design genius and original creator of Soil.Ninja logo and packaging; Jamie. Now with us full time to help out with all things Soil.Ninja!
Introducing the Super-Ninja Leanna. She joined us in late 2021 to help with production, and now is the turbo engine that drives the warehouse process. You can thank her for those next day dispatches!
Following a year of planning, early 2022 saw the launch of our brand new, super durable, 100% recyclable and just as iconic packaging. As much as we miss the original packaging, this latest version has allowed us to give customers what they are wanting; resealable, recyclable bags with the additional 10L option! We reviewed all the feedback we had over the past 18 months, spoke with other enthusiasts and collectors and confirmed it was time for us to adjust the mixes, improving the formulas and rolling them out to our customers with a fresh look.
[May 2022] We were ecstatic to be invited to the RHS Chlesea Flower show by Sarah [The Plant Rescuer] and Mark [Happy Houseplants] to help create a Soil Bar in their Plant Clinic concept. Thanks to the hard work of Sarah and Mark, as well as Ben [Worcester Terrariums] and Ian [Liquid Gold Leaf] the Plant Clinic earnt Gold in the Houseplant Studio category!
[Feb 2023] Finally, after months of planning, we launched our second location in the Netherlands! The opening of this warehouse means we can supply dirt to many countries across the EU and are already in stockists across the continent.
[Feb 2024] Founders Jack and Lev have been working hard at our EU base and after a successful first year setting up shop in the Netherlands, we have new customers and stockists all over Europe and are now growing our team in the Netherlands. With more work going on behind the scenes and with continual growth we're in for another exciting year.