Maya soil origins

Eyra Bojorquez Borbon
Sep 5
3 min read

For over three years, we ran an indoor plant shop—and there was always that familiar frustration: soggy, compacted peat-based soils that stayed wet far too

long, choking delicate root systems. But even more troubling was what we discovered behind the bag: the environmental cost of peat harvesting.

The Hidden Cost of Peat Moss

Peat moss has long been marketed as a gardener’s best friend, valued for its ability to hold water and improve soil texture. The truth, however, is less friendly. Peatlands take thousands of years to form, making them effectively non-renewable on human timescales. When peat is harvested, these fragile wetlands release stored carbon, adding to climate change. They are also critical habitats for unique plants, birds, and insects—biodiversity that is lost when peat is stripped away.

In recognition of these impacts, governments are beginning to phase out peat. In the UK, for example, bans are already underway on retail sales of peat for home gardeners. The momentum is clear: the world needs alternatives that protect ecosystems while still supporting plant health.

Why We Chose a Different Path

At Maya, we made a choice: no peat, ever. Instead, our mixes are designed to give plants everything they need to thrive while keeping ecosystems intact.

100% peat-free: Protecting wetlands and the carbon they store.
Enriched with worm castings: A natural, nutrient-dense amendment.
Crafted for healthy roots: Light, aerated, and moisture-balanced.

The Power of Worm Castings

Worm castings—or vermicompost—are often called “black gold” for a reason. They deliver a wide spectrum of nutrients in plant-available forms, including nitrates, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Just as important, they introduce beneficial microbes that enhance root uptake, improve soil structure, and suppress certain plant diseases.

Unlike chemical fertilizers that can wash away or build up salts, worm castings nourish soil life as well as the plant itself. For indoor gardeners, this means stronger roots, lusher growth, and a living soil that continues to give over time.

Closing the Loop: From Food Waste to Plant Food

Another powerful benefit of worm castings is their role in upcycling food waste. Instead of sending organic scraps to landfills—where they generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas—worms transform that waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost. What might have been discarded becomes a valuable soil amendment, creating a cycle where yesterday’s leftovers fuel tomorrow’s growth.

By incorporating worm castings into our mixes, we’re not just feeding plants—we’re participating in a larger cycle of sustainability: keeping organic waste out of landfills, reducing emissions, and turning waste into abundance.

A Simple Philosophy: Step by Step

We’ve built our soil blends around a mindful process that anyone can follow:

Notice what your plants need. Roots need air as much as they need water.
Choose materials that honor those needs. Use ingredients like coir, bark, and worm castings that improve drainage and support microbial life.
Grow a future worth rooting for. Every bag you choose is a vote for thriving plants and thriving ecosystems.

Final Thoughts

Choosing peat-free soil is more than a gardening decision—it’s an environmental commitment. Every pot filled with sustainable blends helps preserve carbon-rich peatlands, protect biodiversity, and ensure that our indoor jungles don’t come at the expense of the world’s wild ones.

When you nurture your plants with the right soil, you’re also nurturing the planet they—and we—all depend on.