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Description
Make premium water only soil for a fraction of the price buying it.
The KiS Nutrient Pack is the nutrient and mineral concentrate inside every bag of KiS Water Only and Biochar Soil. Sold separately so growers who can source peat, pumice, and compost locally don't pay to ship those heavy, bulky ingredients across the country. The Large bag (42 lbs) makes 12 cubic feet - that's 100 gallons - of fully loaded water-only living soil.
Three uses: build new living soil from scratch, re-amend existing soil between cycles, or top-dress a deficient plant mid-grow. No manures, no guano, no synthetic chemicals, no fillers. CDFA registered, OMRI listed, WSDA approved, and heavy metal tested.
CDFA Registered OrganicOMRI ListedWSDA ApprovedHeavy Metal Tested
Free shipping on orders over $49
30-day returns on all orders
Serving growers since 2006
Three ways to use it
Build, re-amend, or rescue
Use 1 - Build new water-only soil from scratch
For: Growers starting fresh who want the KiS formula without paying to ship pre-made soil across the country. What you source locally: Sphagnum peat moss (~50%), aeration like pumice or perlite (~33%), and high-quality compost or earthworm castings (~17%). The Nutrient Pack provides all the nutrition, minerals, and microbiology - you supply the structure. Large bag covers: 12 cu ft (100 gallons) of finished soil.
Use 2 - Re-amend living soil between cycles
For: Reloading nutrition in existing KiS soil or any living soil between grow cycles.
Rate: 1 cup per 10 gal of soil + 3-4 gal quality compost per yard. Mix in, water to field capacity, rest 7-14 days. Large bag covers: 3 yards (81 cu ft) of existing soil.
Use 3 - Top-dress a deficient or depleted soil
For: Correcting deficiency or adding fertility to a depleted mix mid-grow.
Rate: 1 cup per 10 gal for containers; ½ cup per sq ft for beds. Scratch lightly into the surface and water in. Tip: Mixing in (vs. surface-only) gets nutrients to the root zone faster.
What the Large bag (42 lbs) gets you
100 gal
Finished water-only soil from one Large bag when building from scratch
3 yards
Of existing soil re-amended and reloaded for another full grow cycle
~$8
Cost in Nutrient Pack to re-amend a single 10-gallon pot for the next cycle
Free Shipping*
Ships from our Buffalo, NY warehouse. Small additional fee may apply for some western states.
What's in it
The nutrient and mineral profile - ingredient by ingredient
KiS Microbe Catalyst + Mycorrhizae + Beneficial Microbes Lab-tested biology
The Microbe Catalyst has been in KiS's compost tea program for over a decade - it directly feeds and amplifies microbial activity. Mycorrhizae extends the root zone's reach for water and nutrients. Together these are what turn a blend of dry amendments into a living, cycling soil rather than a slow-release fertilizer.
Nitrogen from four organic sources - fast, medium, and slow release
Alfalfa meal (fast, plus triacontanol growth hormone), fish meal (fast), fish bone meal (medium, also high phosphorus), and crustacean meal (slow, plus chitin for pest suppression). The spread across release rates prevents the nitrogen from peaking and crashing over the cycle.
Rock dust + basalt - re-mineralisation for depleted or recycled soil Trace mineral spectrum
Glacial rock dust and basalt are the trace mineral backbone of the formula. Finely ground rocks decompose slowly over years, providing a long-term reservoir of 70+ trace elements. Particularly valuable for recycled soil that has had its mineral content drawn down by previous crops.
Four minerals that together provide calcium, phosphorus, and sulfur while self-regulating pH - similar to the buffering mechanism in the pre-made KiS soils. The combination keeps nutrients plant-available across the grow without active pH management.
Neem cake + karanja cake - pest suppression built into the soil No spray needed
Neem and karanja cakes are the pressed residue left after oil extraction. Both contain compounds that kill fungal pathogens and certain soil-dwelling pests systemically - studies have shown synergistic effects when used together on aphids and mites. They act as a passive IPM layer in the root zone from day one.
No manures, no guano, no fillers - and no need to flush
Because all nutrients are organically bound (not ionic salts), there's no salt buildup and no flush protocol. Tap water, well water, or RO water all work. This is the same reason KiS soils don't require pH adjustment - the mineral buffering, not salt avoidance, is doing the pH work.
Specs
Numbers and details
Large Bag Weight
42 lbs
Soil Build Coverage
12 cu ft (100 gallons)
Re-amend Coverage
3 yards of soil
Top-Dress Rate (Containers)
1 cup per 10 gallons of soil
Top-Dress Rate (Beds)
½ cup per sq ft outdoors
Cook Time (New Soil)
7–14 days to ambient temp
Certifications
CDFA · OMRI · WSDA
Shipping
Free* - ships from Buffalo, NY
Full Ingredient Disclosure
KiS Organics Microbe Catalyst, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Organic Fish Bone Meal, Organic Crustacean Meal, Organic Kelp Meal, Organic Fish Meal, Glacial Rock Dust, Basalt, Soft Rock Phosphate, Oyster Shell Flour, Neem Cake, Karanja Cake, Gypsum, Natural Calcite, Mycorrhiza, and Beneficial Microbes.
Building water-only soil from scratch - the KiS recipe
1
Gather your base ingredients
Source locally: ~50% sphagnum peat moss, ~33% aeration (pumice preferred; perlite works), ~17% high-quality compost or earthworm castings. The Large Nutrient Pack makes 12 cu ft - scale your base accordingly. Mixing on a tarp, slab, or in a kiddie pool makes this much easier.
2
Mix dry ingredients first
Combine peat, aeration, and Nutrient Pack dry before adding compost. Spread the Nutrient Pack evenly - use a watering can to dampen slightly and reduce dust, but don't add much water yet. Break up any clumps. Add compost last and mix thoroughly.
3
Water to field capacity
Add water gradually and mix as you go. You've reached field capacity when a squeezed handful releases only a drop or two. Target 80–120 mbar on a Blumat meter. Don't over-saturate - anaerobic conditions kill the biology you're building. Pile the soil tall to speed up the cook.
4
Cook for 7–14 days, then plant
Turn the soil every other day to redistribute moisture and add oxygen. Soil temperature will rise (don't let it exceed 160°F / 71°C or you risk killing beneficial organisms). It's ready when it cools to ambient temperature and holds steady. Plant into a seed-starting pocket, not directly into the mix.
In the bag
Large bag contents - and which size fits your setup
Large bag includes
42 lbs of concentrated nutrient + mineral blend
Full N-P-K spectrum across fast, medium, and slow-release sources
Complete trace mineral stack - glacial rock dust, basalt, kelp
Shipping weight. A 1.5 cu ft bag of KiS Water Only Soil weighs 42 lbs and makes enough for one 10-gallon pot. The same 42 lbs of Nutrient Pack makes 100 gallons of finished soil - because peat, pumice, and compost (which make up roughly 80% of a pre-made soil by volume) are bulky and cheap to source locally. If you can find sphagnum peat, perlite or pumice, and quality compost within driving distance, the Nutrient Pack is the dramatically more economical path.
Three things: sphagnum peat moss (~50% of final soil volume), an aeration amendment like pumice or perlite (~33%), and high-quality compost or earthworm castings (~17%). The compost is the most important sourcing decision - it must be biologically active to seed the soil food web. Cheap bagged compost from a big box store often isn't. Look for compost with visible fungal threads or a rich earthy smell, or use quality worm castings. KiS recommends their Lane Ocean Rich Compost or SeaCoast Compost if you want a reliable option.
Yes - and planting too early is the most common mistake with this product. When you first mix the amendments, the microbial population explodes as it starts consuming the organic nutrients. Soil temps rise, nitrogen spikes, and the mix is genuinely too hot for seedlings. The 7–14 day cook period lets the biology stabilize, temperatures drop back to ambient, and available nitrogen moderate. If you test the temperature and it's still elevated after 14 days, wait. Don't exceed 160°F/71°C during the process or you'll damage the biology you're building.
Yes - this is the intended re-amendment product for both KiS soils. After harvest, remove or chop-and-drop the root ball, then apply 1 cup of Nutrient Pack per 10 gallons of soil plus 3-4 gallons of quality compost per yard. Mix in, water to field capacity, and wait 7-14 days before replanting. Cost is typically around $8 per 10-gallon pot. The biochar in the Biochar Mix doesn't need replacing - it's permanent and improves each cycle.
Not in most cases. The mineral buffering stack handles pH without active management. Tap water, well water, and RO water all work. If your water is above pH 7.4, bring it down slightly. RO water works best when you add a small amount of your tap water back in for buffering. Removing chlorine with a charcoal filter is best practice, but there's enough organic matter in the soil that it's not a hard requirement.
Email a photo of any damage to help@happyhydro.com and we'll make it right - replacement or refund, your call. Change-of-mind returns accepted within 30 days on items in new condition. Not sure this is right before ordering? Call us at 716-217-0353.
Happy Hydro has been selling growing equipment and amendments since 2006. We carry KiS because the formulas are tested and documented - Tad Hussey spent two years trialing this at a local horticulture college before bringing it to market. Call 716-217-0353 or email help@happyhydro.com.
Questions? We're easy to reach. Happy Hydro has been serving growers since 2006. Call or email us before you order, after you order, or any time something comes up. When you're happy, we're happy.
We ship fast from Buffalo, NY. Most orders land at your door in 3-5 business days. Free standard shipping on orders $49+, plain-box packaging, and real humans ready to help if anything goes sideways.
Free shipping on orders over $49
Plain-box discreet packaging
Serving growers since 2006
What to expect
When you order from Happy Hydro
Fast & Free on Orders $49+
Free standard shipping to the lower 48. Most orders ship same or next business day from our Buffalo, NY warehouse via UPS Ground or USPS Ground Advantage. Expedited options available at checkout. * Soils may incur added fees for Western US delivery * Some products ship direct from the vendor's warehouse to keep prices lower and get your order there faster
Every order ships in a plain brown box with no branding or logos. Your purchase stays 100% private. We can also ship to your local UPS Store on request.
Specs
Shipping details at a glance
Delivery time
3-5 business days
Default carrier
UPS Ground or USPS
Signature required
Orders over $500 only
Free shipping threshold
$49+ to the lower 48
International
Canada only Email help@happyhydro.com your address & a screenshot of your cart for a quote
Returns
30 days on most orders Exceptions apply — orders over $400, multi-box shipments, and some vendor items may incur return shipping charges. Full policy
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Shipping
Check the order confirmation sent to your email or phone after checkout — it includes a tracking link. If you use the Shop App, you can track your order there too.
Most orders arrive in 3-5 business days. Expedited options (2-day, overnight) are available at checkout if you need it sooner.
Signature is only required on orders over $500. For added privacy, we can ship to your local UPS Store so you pick it up on your own schedule — just ask.
We default to UPS Ground or USPS Ground Advantage. Select an expedited option at checkout and we'll use the appropriate carrier for that service.
P.O. boxes: Yes, for small and lightweight items.
International: Canada only. Email help@happyhydro.com your address and a screenshot of your cart for a shipping quote.
APO/FPO: Not currently available.
For Canadian orders, import duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility. You'll complete payment using your tracking number at UPS.com when your package arrives.
Title and risk of loss pass to you once we hand off to the carrier, but that doesn't mean we leave you hanging. Email help@happyhydro.com and we'll work overtime to track it down and make it right.
Payment
We accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, Coinbase, and Happy Hydro gift cards. Your card is charged immediately at checkout.
Double-check your billing address and card number. For larger purchases, your bank may have flagged it — a quick call to authorize the transaction usually sorts it out.
Promotions
Enter your code in the "Promo code" box at checkout and click Apply. One code per order, but you can combine a gift card with a promo code if you have both.
Subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive discounts and early access to sales. You can sign up at the bottom of any page on our site.
Returns & Cancellations
Email help@happyhydro.com within 30 days of delivery and we'll get you a refund or replacement, your choice. Items must be in original packaging with all parts in resalable condition. Multi-light orders, grow tents, orders over $500, and multi-box shipments may incur return shipping charges. AK, HI, and international buyers are responsible for return and warranty shipping. Some vendor-specific policies may apply — check the product page for details.
Refunds are processed through Shopify within 10 business days. Most customers see the credit back in about 5 days.
Reply to your order confirmation email or email help@happyhydro.com as soon as possible. Canceled orders may incur a processing fee depending on your payment method:
Credit/debit card: 2.9%
PayPal or Venmo: 3.5%
International PayPal: 4.0%
American Express: 4.1%
Shop Pay Installments / PayTomorrow: 6.5%
Support & Policies
Call or chat with our grower support team at 716-217-0353, Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm EST. You can also email help@happyhydro.com any time and we'll get back to you quickly.
Happy Hydro began as a pipe dream in a garage and has grown into something built almost entirely on word of mouth and repeat customers. Rather than focusing on raising margins and obsessing over profits, we've always believed that the right combination of competitive prices, superior products, and world-class customer service speaks for itself. Our philosophy will never change: when you're happy, we're happy.
Our commitment
What you can expect from Happy Hydro
Real People, Real Growers
Our grower support team isn't a call center. They know the products because they're passionate about growing. Reach us Monday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm EST at 716-217-0353 or help@happyhydro.com, before you order or after.
Hand-Picked by Growers, for Growers
Every brand we carry was chosen by our founders because it performs. We only stock premium brands we believe in, and every item is inspected before it leaves our warehouse.
Fair Prices and Free Shipping
We work hard to keep our prices as low as manufacturers allow, and we include free shipping on orders over $49 so there are no surprises at checkout. Find a lower price anywhere and we'll match it.
Authorized for Every Brand We Carry
We're an authorized dealer for every manufacturer on our site. That means you get the full manufacturer's warranty on every purchase. No grey market, no expired stock.
30-Day Returns on Most Orders
Hard to commit to a product you haven't tried. Return most items within 30 days in original condition and we'll take care of it. Read the full policy.
Secure Shopping, Private Data
Every transaction is SSL encrypted. We don't store payment information and we will never sell your data to anyone, ever.
Volume and Commercial Pricing
If you're a commercial grower or putting together a large order, reach out before you buy. We have pricing available that we can't advertise publicly. Call 716-217-0353 or email help@happyhydro.com and we'll take care of you.
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Payment & Security
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
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