DIRECTIONS
How to use your Ashes to Earth™ planting kit
Thank you for choosing a living memorial. Your Ashes to Earth™ planting kit transforms cremated remains into healthy, balanced soil that nourishes plants and supports long-term growth.
This kit is compatible with all plant species. Use it to create a memorial garden, plant with potted plants, or spread in a meaningful place in nature.
🌳 Memorial Garden
What you'll need:
Your Ashes to Earth™ planting kit
Garden space (existing bed or new planting area)
Shovel or garden trowel
Plant(s) of your choice (optional — you can also add to an existing garden)
Water
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Your planting kit comes ready to use.
Open the cotton satchel and the clear inner bag. Inside, you'll find the blended memorial soil, ready for your garden.
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Choose a special place in your garden.
If choosing an existing garden:
Using a garden trowel, create a shallow trough or groove in the soil at your chosen place.If planting a new plant:
Choose a plant at a local garden centre or nursery. For suggestions on types and species, see our plant recommendations.Dig a hole to the required depth and plant according to the instructions from the garden centre or on the plant's tag.
Once planted, use your shovel to create a shallow trough or groove in the soil around the base of the plant. Leave space between the trough and the plant's roots — as the nutrients need time to become available.
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Gently spread the cremation soil along the trough in your chosen place. You may either use your hands (the soil is safe to handle), pour from the satchel, or use a garden trowel.
Some families may add flower petals or a note on biodegradable paper. The satchel itself is also biodegradable.
Cover with natural mulch and water the area well. Wash hands when finished.
🪴 Potted Plants
What you'll need:
Your Ashes to Earth™ planting kit
Planter(s) — see Size Guide below
Potting soil (standard indoor or outdoor potting mix) — see Size Guide
Plant(s) of your choice
Water
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Half Size Kit (3kg - for half ashes)
Planter: minimum 30cm x 30cm (12” x 12”)
Potting soil required: 12 litresFull Size Kit (6kg - for all ashes)
Planters: 2-4 large planters
Potting soil required: 25 litres -
Select quality planters with drainage holes.
See above size guide to ensure proper soil ratios and healthy plant growth.
Divide the cremation soil evenly between planters.
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Your funeral director has already prepared your Ashes to Earth™ kit — so it is ready to use.
Open the cotton satchel and inner bag. Pour the cremation soil into your planter(s). Fill to a maximum of one-fifth (20%) the planter's volume.
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Add your chosen plant to each planter, and fill planters with standard potting soil. Leave enough space at the top for watering.
Water well. For ongoing care, follow the standard instructions for your chosen plant.
Soil ratio guideline: Use at least a 1:3 ratio of memorial soil to potting soil. More potting soil is always better than less.
🌲 Spreading in Nature
What you'll need:
Your Ashes to Earth™ planting kit
A meaningful outdoor location
Time (minimum 3 months before spreading)
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Important: When spreading in nature, Ashes to Earth™ needs a minimum of three months after preparation to ensure the formula works effectively when spread.
Mark your calendar for at least three months from the date your planting kit was prepared. If you are unsure of the date, your funeral director will let you know.
Store your planting kit closed and at room temperature until you are ready.
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Choose a natural place that holds meaning — such as a favourite trail, a shoreline, a forest, or somewhere else that feels significant.
In Canada, spreading cremated remains is permitted on:
Private property (with owner's permission)
Provincial and National Parks
Crown Land
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When you're ready, open the cotton satchel and inner bag. Gently spread the memorial soil on the ground.
You may use your hands (the soil is safe to handle), pour from the satchel, use a garden trowel, or transfer to a decorative scattering tube.
If possible, create a small groove in the earth and choose a space protected from wind. Cover the memorial soil with leaves or mulch to provide natural shelter and help it integrate with the ecosystem.
Some families may add flower petals or a note on biodegradable paper.
Wash hands when finished.
🌿 Plant Recommendations
Ashes to Earth™ is compatible with any plant species.
That said, the varieties below have been thoughtfully selected by landscaping experts for their resilience, beauty, and symbolism across Canadian planting zones.
Choosing your plant: Check your planting zone and sunlight levels for compatibility. Choose healthy plants from a local nursery or greenhouse. After planting, follow standard watering and care instructions.
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Maple (Acer)
Zones 5-8 | ☀️ 🌥 Range of sun needs | 3-25m tall depending on variety
Colourful and classic, in many styles and sizes.
Symbolizes: Strength, perseverence, freedomSawara Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)
Zones 3-7 | 🌤 Full to part sun | 3-6m tall
Baby blue evergreen with feathery foliage.
Symbolizes: Eternal life, protection -
Hydrangea (Hydrangea)
Zones 3-9 | 🌤 Part sun | 1-3m tall
Low maintenance with long-lasting flowers.
Symbolizes: Heartfelt emotion, gratitudeWhite Spirea (Spiraea betulifolia)
Zones 4-8 | ☀️ Full sun | 1-1.5m tall
Hardy native shrub that is pollinator-friendly.
Symbolizes: Victory over adversity, natural beauty, new hopeConeflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Zones 3-8 | ☀️ Full sun | 60-90cm tall
Easy to grow, drought-tolerant.
Symbolizes: Healing, strengthWeigela (Weigela florida)
Zones 4-8 | ☀️ ⛅ Full sun to part shade | 1.5-2.5m tall
Colourful, hardy shrub.
Symbolizes: Love, devotionRose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Zones 5-9 | ☀️ ⛅ Full sun to part shade | 2-3m tall
Long-blooming, low maintenance.
Symbolizes: Immortality, resilienceBaneberry (Actaea)
Zones 3-7 | ⛅ ☁️ Part to full shade | 60-90cm tall
Shade-loving native with striking berries.
Symbolizes: Protection, transformation -
Perfect for keeping your loved one with you as part of daily life, and through future moves.
ZZ Zenzi (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Level: Entry level
Low to bright indirect light. Low water needs (drought-tolerant), average to dry air.
Symbolizes: Prosperity, steadfast friendshipPeperomia 'Hope' (Peperomia tetraphylla)
Level: Entry level
Bright indirect light. Moderate water (allow soil to dry between waterings), average humidity. Pet-friendly.
Symbolizes: Good fortune, luckSatin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Level: Novice
Low to bright indirect light. Moderate water (allow soil to dry between waterings), average to slightly humid air. Heart-shaped leaves, air-purifying.
Symbolizes: Perseverance, determinationJade (Crassula ovata)
Level: Entry level
Bright light (some direct sun tolerated). Low water needs (succulent), dry air preferred.
Symbolizes: Good luck, prosperity, friendshipPeace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Level: Novice
Low to bright indirect light (no direct sun). Moderate to high water needs, prefers humid air. Elegant blooms.
Symbolizes: Peace, hope, renewalMaidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Level: Intermediate
Bright indirect light (no direct sun). High water needs (keep soil moist), requires humid air. Delicate, shade-loving.
Symbolizes: Discretion, sincerity
A note on plant health: Plants are living things, and their health depends on growing conditions, care, and environment. We cannot assume responsibility for plant lifespans — However, many garden centres offer warranties on their plants, so ask when purchasing. If your plant does not thrive, memorial soil can always be carefully transplanted with a new plant.
Questions?
Questions about local scattering or cremation regulations? Your funeral director can guide you through what's permitted in your area and suggest meaningful local places for spreading ashes.
Questions about your kit or the planting process?
Contact us at info@awakecanada.com — we're here to help.