Comparison: Best Top Soil And Compost Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)

Peat‑based blends like Michigan Peat’s 40‑lb topsoil provide excellent moisture retention and a familiar texture for many gardeners, while peat‑free options such as Back to the Roots’ 12‑quart mix use upcycled plant material and have a lower carbon footprint. Consider your priority: if you need a soil that holds water well for dry periods, peat may be advantageous; if sustainability and a lighter blend are more important, the peat‑free formula is a better fit.

Biochar blends, exemplified by Wakefield’s Premium Biochar Blend, add humic acid and carbon‑rich biochar that improve root health, nutrient absorption, and long‑term fertility. Traditional mixes like Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix focus on quick‑release fertilizers for fast growth, whereas biochar soils provide steady nutrient release and better aeration, making them ideal for both raised beds and container gardening.

A compost‑and‑manure blend such as Michigan Peat’s Compost and Manure Mix supplies a rich source of organic nutrients and improves soil structure, which is especially beneficial for raised beds that need a fertile base. Standard topsoil like Scotts Proom Top Soil offers a lighter, more neutral medium for leveling and filling holes, but may lack the immediate nutrient boost that a compost blend provides.

Balancing moisture retention and drainage is crucial; mixes with perlite and sand, like Michigan Peat’s General‑Purpose Topsoil, allow excess water to escape while keeping enough moisture for steady growth. Products such as Wakefield’s Biochar Blend also incorporate smart water‑control technology, ensuring roots stay hydrated without becoming waterlogged, which is ideal for containers that dry out quickly.

When measuring value, consider both price and the amount of usable soil. The 40‑lb Michigan Peat bags cover roughly 0.75 cu ft, providing a cost‑effective option for large garden beds, while Back to the Roots offers a 12‑quart (≈0.33 cu ft) bag at a premium price for its peat‑free, organic composition. For pure volume, the larger Michigan Peat bags generally deliver the lowest cost per cubic foot.

Yes—peat extraction has a higher environmental impact, so products like Back to the Roots and Old Potters Organic Compost, which are peat‑free and made from recycled plant material, reduce carbon footprints. Conversely, blends that contain responsibly sourced peat, such as Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, mitigate some impact by using certified peat producers, but still carry a larger ecological load than fully peat‑free alternatives.

Many of the listed mixes are versatile enough for both settings; Michigan Peat’s Indoor/Outdoor Topsoil and Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix are formulated to work in containers, raised beds, and garden beds. However, blends with stronger drainage, like the Wakefield Biochar Blend, excel in outdoor containers where excess rain can be an issue, while peat‑rich indoor mixes provide the consistent moisture levels indoor plants often require.