A next-generation living soil developed in a Taranaki backyard has been named Germany’s Garden Product of the Year 2024–25.
Herbi SOIL – Living Soil Growing mix – for growing inside and out – was created by passionate New Zealand soil specialist and hobby grower Frank Lachmann in his family’s Urenui backyard. His unique formula for the award-winning Herbi SOIL, which activates soil and plant microbiology for healthier plants and produce – without synthetics or pesticides – has proved an international success.
Herbi SOIL was named Germany’s Garden Product of the Year 2024–25 in national business awards run by Baumarktmanager, a leading German DIY and gardening magazine.
Judges were impressed with Herbi SOIL’s sustainable, all-natural growing mix that can be reused season after season — producing strong, healthy plants without synthetic chemicals.
Husband and wife, Frank and Michelle Lachmann, are owner-operators of Herbi NZ, now based in Waikato, and were ecstatic about the award, saying it confirmed their vision and belief in Herbi’s unique growing philosophy. Herbi’s range of next-gen soil and plant food was developed for healthier plants, produce and people – enabling happy growing, they say.
“This award is the cherry on top after a whirlwind past 10 years for Michelle and me, Herbi Managing Director Frank says.
“We’ve run a gauntlet – under-going intense research, studying scientific papers, forming our own growing philosophy, developing and testing next-generation soil and plant food then starting a business, while raising our two sons and losing both our dads to cancer, in the middle of Covid lockdowns, and a recession,” says Frank.
“It’s been intense, but exciting because it validates our vision to enable smart growing – doing more with less to grow the best, naturally and sustainably. It’s about healthier soil, plants and people, with exceptional results,” says Michelle, Herbi Director.
The award follows the Lachmanns’ recent partnership with Floragard — one of the world’s largest producers of potting mixes and soil substrates — to distribute Herbi’s next-generation soil across Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Austria and the United Kingdom. Of course, Herbi SOIL is also sold around New Zealand – see our list of retailers.
The company name Herbi honours Michelle’s late father, Warren “Herbi” Sutton, and his enthusiasm for their fledgling business before he died of cancer in 2019.
NOTES:
Germany’s Product of the Year Award, by Baumarktmanager: https://www.baumarktmanager.de/floragard-herbis-living-soil-27092024