Comparison: Best Kellogg Raised Bed Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)

Espoma focuses on a blend of earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal and a proprietary Myco‑Tone mycorrhizae inoculant, while FoxFarm uses aged forest products, peat moss, and a fertilizer mix that includes oyster shell and dolomite lime. Coast of Maine adds biochar, green sand, lobster and crab shell meal, and a richer mycorrhizal blend for extra mineral diversity. All three are ready‑to‑use, but the ingredient emphasis varies: Espoma leans toward organic nutrients, FoxFarm toward balanced pH and drainage, and Coast of Maine toward biodiverse, mineral‑rich soil.

The CarbonBoost™ biochar creates a porous structure that holds up to 50 % more water, reducing irrigation frequency while still allowing excess moisture to drain. Its probiotic and mycorrhizal inoculants boost nutrient uptake, meaning plants can access fertilizer more efficiently than with standard peat‑based mixes. The formula is also carbon‑negative, offering an environmentally friendly advantage over conventional soils.

Worm castings and live eggs are ideal for gardeners who want a self‑sustaining soil ecosystem that continuously adds organic matter and improves aeration as the worms work. Mycorrhizal‑rich mixes are better for plants that need enhanced root symbiosis for nutrient uptake, especially in heavier or less fertile soils. If you have a new raised bed and want long‑term soil health, combining both approaches can give the best of both worlds.

Miracle‑Gro’s organic mix is peat‑free and includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, offering convenience for beginners. However, FoxFarm and Black Gold typically provide higher organic matter content and more diverse mineral amendments, which can translate to better long‑term fertility. For cost‑conscious shoppers, Miracle‑Gro’s two‑bag bundle often undercuts the per‑cubic‑foot price of the premium brands, but the trade‑off is a simpler nutrient profile.

Peat‑free soils reduce reliance on non‑renewable peat bogs, supporting sustainable gardening practices and often improving drainage in heavy soils. Miracle‑Gro Organic Raised Bed Soil, the Michigan Peat Garden Magic blend (despite the name, it is peat‑free), and the Coast of Maine Castine Blend are all marketed as peat‑free. Choosing these options helps lower the environmental footprint of your garden while still delivering good moisture retention.

A 4 × 8 ft raised bed at 12 in depth requires roughly 4 cubic feet of soil. The Soil Builder Raised Bed Mix comes in three 40‑lb bags (about 1 cubic foot each) and offers a low price per bag, while FoxFarm’s 1.5 cubic‑foot bag and Miracle‑Gro’s two‑bag 1 cubic‑foot bundle provide convenient larger volumes. Calculating the total cost per cubic foot shows Soil Builder and FoxFarm often deliver the best value for larger projects.

Miracle‑Gro Raised Bed Plant Food supplies a balanced blend of calcium, micronutrients, and natural ingredients that can extend the feeding window of any organic mix up to three months. When paired with a nutrient‑rich base such as Espoma or Coast of Maine, the plant food boosts early growth and fruit set without over‑fertilizing. It’s especially useful for intensive vegetable gardens where rapid, consistent nutrition is critical.

Wakefield’s Biochar Blend advertises a carbon‑negative formula, meaning its production captures more carbon than it emits, which is a strong sustainability credential. Coast of Maine highlights regenerative practices and the use of renewable marine shell meals, while Espoma and FoxFarm focus on organic certification but do not specifically claim carbon neutrality. If minimizing environmental impact is a priority, choosing Wakefield or Coast of Maine gives the clearest eco‑friendly assurances.