Comparison: Best Vigoro All Purpose Potting Soil (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re on the hunt for the best Vigoro all-purpose potting soil, you’re not alone—gardeners everywhere swear by its affordability and performance. We’ve dug into the details, tested different blends, and compared ingredients, moisture retention, and root support to help you make the smartest choice.
- Best for organic peat-free: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for slow-release boost: Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control
- Best for quick-release outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for vibrant growth blend: Premium All Purpose Potting Soil
- Best for worm castings power: Harris All Purpose Premium Potting Soil Mix with Worm Castings and Other Nutrients
- Best for moisture retaining mix: Michigan Peat 20 Pound Bag of Garden Magic General Purpose Moisture Retaining Potting Soil Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Planting
- Best for all-natural nutrient: LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix – Organic Houseplant Soil – Natural Potting Mix for Indoor & Outdoor Plants – Potting Soil for Gardening – Ideal for Rooting Cuts & Germinating Seeds (0.5 Cu Ft)
- Best for ocean forest blend: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for aquacoir moisture: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Vigoro All Purpose Potting Soil
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA

- 100% Organic and Peat-Free: Our potting mix is 100% organic and peat-free—made from upcycled plant matter and wood fines from across the U.S. No imported peat, just better soil with a lighter carbon footprint.
- All-Purpose: Our premium potting mix is versatile and well-suited for herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers. It caters to all your gardening needs, and is proudly made in the USA.
- Better Moisture Control and pH Balance: Our premium soil blend incorporates yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balancing.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Not satisfied? Let us know. Our support team will get you growing with a replacement or refund—no questions asked.
- GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden and we’ll donate a Kids Grow Kit and STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice.
Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A

- A slow-release complete fertilizer is added to give plants a strong start
- Made with Canadian sphagnum peat moss with worm castings, forest humus, and pumice
- This product is made in United States
- Now with MultiCote controlled release fertilizer
- A multi purpose, nutrient rich mix that’s ideal for all plants
- Now with MultiCote controlled release fertilizer
- A multi purpose, nutrient rich mix that’s ideal for all plants
- For house plants
- Hanging baskets
- Patio containers
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.

- Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix contains a quick-release natural fertilizer and also feeds plants for up to 2 months
- This potting mix is made with responsibly sourced peat (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers)
- Use this organic potting mix with all types of outdoor container plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials
- To plant in pots, fill the container partially full with potting mix, place the plant in the pot after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix and water thoroughly
- One 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Premium All Purpose Potting Soil, 1.5 cu. ft. Bag, Black

- This professional-grade blend from Proven Winners comes in a 1.5 cu.’. Bag.
- Blend of 50-60% Canadian sphagnum peat Moss, processed softwood bark, perlite, dolomite lime, a controlled release fertilizer, and a wetting agent.
- Specially formulated to produce vibrant flowers and strong growth
- Medium-weight mix with excellent air porosity and drainage
- Use for all outdoor gardening needs
Harris All Purpose Premium Potting Soil Mix with Worm Castings and Other Nutrients, 4 Quarts

- All Purpose Potting Mix – Use indoors and outdoors for container gardening, flower boxes, hanging baskets and more
- Contains Worm Castings – A plant superfood, worm castings provide essential nutrients to plants including iron, sulfur, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
- Fast Drainage – Contains pumice and perlite to promote aeration of roots and fast drainage
- Formulated with Coco Coir – A sustainable resource that helps maintain moisture for vibrant flowers, vegetables and herbs
Michigan Peat 20 Pound Bag of Garden Magic General Purpose Moisture Retaining Potting Soil Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Planting

- Garden magic potting soil
- A general purpose mix that is ready to use out of the bag for indoor and outdoor planting
- Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat and other materials
- Retains sufficient moisture to sustain active plant growth during moderately dry periods
LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix – Organic Houseplant Soil – Natural Potting Mix for Indoor & Outdoor Plants – Potting Soil for Gardening – Ideal for Rooting Cuts & Germinating Seeds (0.5 Cu Ft)

- ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS: LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix is crafted from composted forest products, wood fines, perlite, sphagnum peat moss, and a mix of beneficial microbes, providing optimal nutrition for indoor and outdoor plants, including houseplants, vegetables, and herbs.
- VERSATILE USE: This premium potting soil mix is ideal for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Whether you’re planting flowers, shrubs, or trees, rooting cuts, or germinating seeds, LGM Soil provides an ideal growing medium for all types of plants and garden soil for outdoor plants.
- PROMOTES HEALTHY GROWTH: The inclusion of chicken manure, volcanic ash, gypsum, feather meal, soy meal, and kelp meal in LGM Soil ensures strong root development and robust plant health. Ideal for indoor plant soil, potting soil for indoor plants, and outdoor potting soil for flowers and vegetables.
- RETAINS MOISTURE: LGM Soil’s unique blend conserves water by reducing moisture loss due to evaporation, making it an excellent choice for indoor potting soil for house plants, indoor plant soil, & outdoor potted plants. Your plants stay hydrated longer, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- READY TO USE: This all-purpose potting soil is pre-moistened and ready to use straight out of the bag. It comes in a convenient small bag size, making it easy to handle and ideal for potting soil indoor plants small bag needs, as well as for indoor and outdoor gardening, from houseplants to vegetables.
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 12qt – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture (12 Quart (1 Pack))

- ALL-IN-ONE POTTING SOIL SOLUTION: FoxFarm ocean forest potting soil is a blend designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive. Ideal for container plants, this planting soil provides optimal nutrient and soil aeration
- MOISTURE-LOCKING NUTRIENT BLEND: This organic potting soil for plant is packed with aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, each ingredient enhances moisture retention and nutrient uptake
- TOP-NOTCH SOIL FOR EVERY PLANT: From roses and shrubs to seedlings and trees, this garden soil supports vigorous growth and branching. This outdoor & indoor plant soil’s pH-adjusted blend promotes healthy, lush foliage for all plant varieties
- YOUR GO-TO SOIL FOR ALL MEDIUMS: Our potting soil mix is perfect for container gardens, houseplants, and outdoor setups. Ocean plant versatile blend provides a balanced environment for robust growth, ensuring your plants thrive in any setting
- CONVENIENT SOIL READY TO USE: This houseplant potting soil is ready to use out of the bag, no additional ingredients are needed. Use for planting or top-dressing, with the optional pairing of FoxFarm liquid fertilizers for enhanced growth all season
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Protects against Over- and Under-Watering, 8 qt., 2-Pack

- Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix feeds plants for up to 6 months and Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs unfed plants)
- This potting medium protects against over and under watering; also absorbs up to 33% more water than basic potting soil* with exclusive AquaCoir Formula (*soil that does not contain sphagnum peat moss, coir, and wetting agent)
- Use this gardening product with all types of container plants, including flowers, vegetables, annuals, perennials, and shrubs
- To use this potting soil, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; place your plant in the pot and cover with more mix
- This bundle comes with two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix; each fills two 8-inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending on the size of the root ball)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I consider when choosing an all‑purpose potting soil?
Look at the mix’s ingredients, such as peat, coco coir, perlite, and any added nutrients, to ensure good drainage and moisture retention. Check whether the blend is organic or contains synthetic fertilizers, depending on your gardening philosophy. Finally, compare bag size and price per cubic foot to gauge overall value.
How do organic mixes like Back to the Roots and LGM Soil differ from conventional blends?
Organic options use upcycled plant material, composted forest products, and natural amendments like kelp or chicken manure, avoiding synthetic chemicals. They often include peat‑free components such as coco coir, which reduces the carbon footprint. Conventional blends may rely on peat moss and added slow‑release fertilizers for quick nutrient availability.
Which product offers the best value for larger containers?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix provides a 16‑quart bag that fills a 12‑inch pot, giving a solid amount of soil for the price. Sun Gro’s 8‑quart Black Gold also includes a multi‑purpose controlled‑release fertilizer, making it cost‑effective for medium‑size containers. For the biggest volume, the 1.5 cu ft. Proven Winners Premium All‑Purpose Soil delivers a larger quantity in a single bag.
How important are added fertilizers or worm castings in a potting mix?
Fertilizers give an immediate nutrient boost, which is useful for fast‑growing vegetables and annuals. Worm castings act as a natural super‑food, supplying a balanced mix of macro‑ and micronutrients over time. Choosing a mix with both can reduce the need for supplemental feeding, especially for beginners.
Is peat‑free soil better for the environment and plant health?
Peat‑free blends, such as Back to the Roots and Harris All‑Purpose Soil, use sustainable ingredients like coco coir and wood fines, lowering the environmental impact of peat extraction. They still provide excellent water‑holding capacity and aeration, so plant health isn’t compromised. For eco‑conscious gardeners, peat‑free options are a strong choice.
What are the benefits of moisture‑control formulas such as Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control?
Moisture‑control mixes contain wetting agents and coir that can hold up to 33 % more water than standard soils, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. They also include a slow‑release fertilizer that feeds plants for up to six months, reducing the frequency of feeding. This makes them ideal for busy gardeners or those new to container growing.
How do specialty blends like FoxFarm Ocean Forest compare for indoor vs outdoor use?
FoxFarm Ocean Forest combines aged forest products, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, delivering a nutrient‑dense, pH‑balanced medium suitable for both indoor houseplants and outdoor containers. Its light, aerated texture promotes strong root development, while the organic amendments support vigorous growth across a wide range of species. Because it’s ready‑to‑use, it eliminates the need for additional amendments for most applications.
