Comparison: Best Soil For Outdoor Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
Whether you’re planting flowers, veggies, or shrubs, understanding what makes soil truly great helps your plants dig in and flourish. Let’s break down the best soil options for outdoor plants, so you can make smart, confident choices that nurture strong roots and vibrant growth.
- Best for six-month feed: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic quick-release: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose topsoil: Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes
- 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 aquacoir control: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for versatile feed: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for premium ocean blend: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for compressed coco-coir: WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings
- Best for gnat-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
Product Comparison: Best Soil For Outdoor Plants
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16. qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds container plants for up to 6 months so you get more blooms for more color (vs. unfed plants)
- How to use: To use this potting medium, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix, place your plant in the soil, and fill the rest of the pot, pressing lightly
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch container (exact amounts may vary based on root ball size)
- Where to Use: Use this home gardening product with all types of container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- This potting soil mix Grows Plants Twice As Big (vs. unfed plants)
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)
Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes, White
- Ready-to-Use for All Planting Needs: This general-purpose potting mix is ready to use out of the bag, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor planting without any additional preparation
- Optimal Moisture Retention & Drainage: Designed to allow excess water to drain effectively while retaining moisture, promoting healthy plant growth during dry seasons
- High-Quality Soil Blend: Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat, perlite, and sand, offering the best conditions for plant health and soil structure
- Perfect for All Gardeners: Developed for both new and experienced home gardeners, this soil mix enhances plant growth in various environments and gardening projects
- Improves Soil Quality: Ideal for loosening heavy clay soils and enhancing moisture in light soils, making it perfect for use as a top dressing to fill holes in lawns and garden beds
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
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)
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 Potting Mix, For Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Shrubs, Annuals, and Perennials, Feeds Up to 6 Months, 8 qt.
- Feeds all potted plants: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds all types of potted plants, including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, annuals, and perennials for up to 6 months
- Promotes growth: This potting soil Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs. unfed plants)
- Boosts color: Get more blooms for more color (vs unfed plants)
- Application: To apply this potting medium, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix, place your plant in the soil, and fill the rest of the pot, pressing lightly; water thoroughly
- Coverage: Each 8 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix fills two 8 inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending on the size of the root ball)
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
WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings, Perlite
- NUTRIENT RICH & INDOOR/OUTDOOR FAST GERMINATION… Wonder Soil Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix is the only dry compressed coco coir mix with added amendments of worm castings, mycorrhizae, kelp, perlite and more! Grow your plants faster with stronger roots! Peat free, all natural, family and pet safe!
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT… your little BIG bag of compressed indoor potting soil & garden soil for outdoor plants expands to 4 TIMES THE SIZE when mixed with water; easy to carry & saves vital shed space.
- PRE-MIXED & READY TO USE ORGANIC POTTING MIX … Pre-mixed and ready to use organic potting soil and garden soil mix to help make your gardening or hobby growing a breeze. Simply transplant your desired plants into their new container and add our soil mix or pour our soil mix and plant your seeds.
- WATER RETENTION & DRAINAGE… Coco coir has excellent water retention with dependable drainage and aeration in the root zone. Save up to 50% of water, fertilizer, and seed!
- HEAVY DUTY RESEALABLE BAG… Use what you need and save the rest for later! Keeping your planting soil dry and safe!
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- Recommended for growing beautiful indoor houseplant varieties like Pothos, Spider Plants, Monstera, Philodendron, English Ivy and more
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats, thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss that’s just right
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as a quality product in compliance with industry standards
- A single 4-qt bag fills an 8-inch container; for even more spectacular results, start regular feedings with Miracle-Gro Plant Food 30 days after planting
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 look for in a potting mix for outdoor container plants?
Focus on a blend that offers good moisture retention, drainage, and built‑in nutrients. Look for ingredients like peat, coir, perlite, or organic amendments that balance water holding capacity with aeration. A mix with a slow‑release fertilizer can reduce the need for frequent feeding, while a peat‑free formula may be better for eco‑conscious gardeners.
How does Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control compare to the standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix?
Moisture Control uses an AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33% more water and includes a wetting agent, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. The standard mix provides a quick‑release fertilizer for up to six months but lacks the advanced water‑management technology. If you often forget watering schedules, Moisture Control may give you more consistent results.
Is an organic potting mix worth the extra cost for outdoor gardening?
Organic mixes like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor and Back to the Roots use natural fertilizers and peat‑free ingredients, which can improve soil health over time and reduce chemical runoff. They typically feed plants for a shorter period (about two months) compared to synthetic mixes that last six months, so you may need to re‑fertilize more often. The trade‑off is a greener footprint and potentially healthier, tastier produce.
Which product is best for improving heavy clay soil in my garden beds?
Michigan Peat’s Garden Magic blends (both 40‑lb and 20‑lb versions) contain peat, perlite, and sand, which loosen compacted clay and boost moisture retention. Adding this top‑dressing to clay soil improves root penetration and drainage without needing a full soil replacement. It works well as a supplemental amendment rather than a standalone potting mix.
How does FoxFarm Ocean Forest differ from the Miracle‑Gro blends?
FoxFarm Ocean Forest is an all‑organic, nutrient‑rich blend that includes aged forest products, bat guano, and fish emulsion, providing a broader spectrum of micronutrients. Miracle‑Gro mixes rely on synthetic, quick‑release fertilizers for rapid growth but may not offer the same long‑term soil biology benefits. Ocean Forest is ideal for gardeners seeking a more natural, soil‑building approach.
Can I use a single potting mix for both indoor houseplants and outdoor containers?
While many mixes are versatile, indoor plants often benefit from lighter, well‑aerated soils like Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Mix, which reduces gnats and provides a balanced pH. Outdoor containers typically need higher water‑holding capacity and stronger nutrient support, such as the standard Miracle‑Gro or Moisture Control blends. Using a dedicated mix for each environment can optimize growth and reduce pest issues.
What are the advantages of a coir‑based mix like Wonder Soil over peat‑based options?
Coir is a renewable, peat‑free material that offers excellent water retention while providing superior drainage and aeration compared to traditional peat. Wonder Soil also includes worm castings, kelp, and mycorrhizae, which enhance nutrient availability and root development. For gardeners concerned about sustainability and root health, coir blends can be a compelling alternative.
How do I determine the right bag size for my container garden?
Most product descriptions note how many standard‑size containers a bag will fill; for example, a 16‑qt bag of Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor fills one 12‑inch pot, while an 8‑qt bag of Moisture Control fills two 8‑inch pots. Measure your container’s diameter and depth, then calculate the volume to match the recommended coverage. Buying a slightly larger bag gives you extra mix for top‑dressing or future projects.