Comparison: Best Burpee Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
We’ve dug into the details, tested the textures, and watched how plants respond to bring you an honest, side-by-side comparison. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in a raised bed, we’ll help you pick the potting mix that’s worth every penny—and every seed.
- Best for root aeration: Burpee Organic Horticultural Add to Potting Soil | Ideal for Seed Starting
- Best for peat-free blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water balance: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhiza boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for coco coir starter: Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix
- Best for large scale mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for value bundle: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for indoor bundle: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhiza rich: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
Product Comparison: Best Burpee Organic Potting Mix
Burpee Organic Horticultural Add to Potting Soil | Ideal for Seed Starting, Water Retention and Plant Propagation | 100% Natural | 8 Quart, 1-Pack, Vermiculite (8qt)
- LOOSEN HEAVY SOIL: Use organic vermiculite for plants to promote better aeration and root growth or as a component in synthetic planting media. This natural, sterile matter is perfect for storing begonia, canna, caladium and dahlia bulbs before planting.
- IMPROVE MOISTURE RETENTION: This fine grade lightweight soil amendment enhances water retention, binds nutrients and facilitates nutrient exchange promoting faster seedling and transplant root growth. Great addition to potting soil for indoor and outdoor plants.
- ADD TO POTTING MIX: Vermiculite improves drainage and aeration in potting mixes for container gardens, leading to healthier plants and lush blooms. Helps to condition the soil and promote water retention, which in turn fuels growth of vegetables, flowers, herbs and more.
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED: OMRI Listed for organic gardening use. Burpee Vermiculite is 100% natural and pure. It’s the perfect soil amendment for growing an organic vegetable garden, herb garden or naturally beautiful flower garden. Safe and multi-purpose. 8-quart bag.
- 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. Loved by gardens and trusted by gardeners, Burpee has been introducing fresh garden breakthroughs since 1876. Burpee offers only the highest quality, non-GMO seeds, hand-picked by expert horticulturalists.
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.
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)
Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, Protects Against Over and Under Watering, for Indoor Container Plants, Houseplants and Starter Plants, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
- Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix protects indoor plants against over and under watering
- This organic container mix is made with responsibly sourced sphagnum peat moss (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers), coir, and quick-start natural fertilizer
- Use this potting medium with all types of indoor container plants, including houseplants and herbs; also great for seed starting
- To plant seeds, fill container with potting mix, follow seed package planting directions, and water; To use with transplants, partially fill container, place plant after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix pressing lightly, and water
- One 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- FORMULATED FOR INDOOR USE: Our Potting Mix contains organic yucca extract that aids in retaining moisture in the soil whichs keeps your indoor plants happy and healthy
- ROOT-BOOSTING MYCORRHIZAE: This beneficial soil component provides your plants with a natural, organic way to boost their root development and nutrient uptake
- ORGANIC AND PEAT-FREE: Our indoor potting mix helps reduce greenhouse emissions and environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for conscious consumers
- BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: Balances the alkalinity and acidity levels of the soil, which ensures that your plants receive the necessary nutrients from the potting mix to grow healthy and strong
- SAFE FOR PETS AND PEOPLE: Made without bark or compost, this potting mix is less prone to indoor gnats and pests, making it a worry-free option for your indoor gardening needs
Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart
- ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally-friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic.
- IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb & more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants.
- EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants – indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more!
- NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds.
- 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes & gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 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 25 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10-inch containers (amount may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- 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
- This bundle includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix; each fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, Protects Against Over and Under Watering, for Indoor Container Plants, Houseplants and Starter Plants, OMRI Listed, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix protects indoor plants against over and under watering
- This organic container mix is made with responsibly sourced sphagnum peat moss (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers), coir, and quick-start natural fertilizer
- Use this potting medium with all types of indoor container plants, including houseplants and herbs; also great for seed starting
- To plant seeds, fill container with potting mix, follow seed package planting directions, and water; To use with transplants, partially fill container, place plant after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix pressing lightly, and water
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix; each bag fills two 8-inch containers (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 2 Cubic Foot bag. Pack of1
- FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Any time planting containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. Plants require regular re-potting and fresh planting soil for optimum growth
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What key factors should I consider when picking an organic potting mix?
Look for a blend that balances moisture retention, drainage, and nutrient content. Certified organic ingredients such as peat, coir, vermiculite, or mycorrhizae indicate quality, while added natural fertilizers can reduce the need for supplemental feeding. Also check the mix’s intended use—indoor, outdoor, seed starting, or container gardening—to ensure it matches your plant type.
How does Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Seed Starting Mix compare to Back to the Roots organic mixes?
Burpee’s coconut coir is a renewable, peat‑free material that expands from a compact brick to 16 quarts, offering excellent moisture retention and aeration for seed germination. Back to the Roots mixes use upcycled plant matter and wood fines, also peat‑free, but they focus on a broader all‑purpose formula with yucca extract for moisture control. If you need a dedicated seed‑starting medium, Burpee’s coir is typically more specialized, while Back to the Roots provides a versatile, eco‑friendly option for general planting.
Which product gives the best value for large outdoor container gardens?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix in the 25‑quart bag fills three 10‑inch containers and includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, making it cost‑effective for big projects. The larger bundle of two 16‑quart bags from Miracle‑Gro also offers good value, but the single 25‑quart bag reduces packaging waste and often has a lower price per quart.
Are there peat‑free options that are still high‑performing?
Yes, both Back to the Roots 100 % Organic Potting Mixes (indoor and outdoor) are peat‑free, using upcycled plant material, wood fines, and yucca extract to improve moisture control. Burpee’s Coconut Coir Seed Starting Mix is another peat‑free choice, providing a lightweight, renewable medium that holds water well while allowing ample airflow for roots.
How important is it that a potting mix includes an organic fertilizer?
An organic fertilizer gives seedlings and container plants an immediate nutrient boost, which can shorten the time to vigorous growth. Mixes like Miracle‑Gro’s Organic Outdoor and Indoor blends contain quick‑release natural fertilizers that feed plants for up to two months, reducing the need for frequent top‑ups. If you prefer to control feeding yourself, a fertilizer‑free mix such as Back to the Roots still performs well but may require supplemental feeding.
What are the benefits of adding vermiculite versus coconut coir to my potting soil?
Vermiculite improves aeration and water retention while also helping to bind nutrients, making it ideal for heavy soils or for conditioning a potting mix for bulbs and root crops. Coconut coir, on the other hand, is a lightweight, renewable substrate that holds moisture evenly and provides excellent root oxygenation, especially useful for seed starting. Choosing between them depends on whether you need extra drainage (vermiculite) or a more sustainable, peat‑free medium (coir).
How do indoor potting mixes differ from outdoor mixes in terms of moisture management?
Indoor mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix and Back to the Roots Indoor Mix, often contain additives like yucca extract or coir to retain moisture longer, preventing the rapid drying that occurs in indoor environments. Outdoor mixes prioritize drainage and structure, using peat, perlite, or vermiculite to handle rain and irrigation cycles without becoming waterlogged. Selecting the right mix helps avoid over‑watering indoor plants while ensuring outdoor containers stay well‑drained.