Comparison: Best Organic Potting Soil Without Fertilizer (Updated | Nov 11th)
We’ve dug into the details, tested popular brands, and compared ingredients, texture, and performance to help you choose wisely. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide cuts through the noise to spotlight the top contenders that let your plants thrive naturally.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for bulk outdoor mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for expandable super soil: Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden
- Best for dual bag value: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor 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 mycorrhizae enriched: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for citrus-optimized soil: GARDENWISE Organic Lemon Tree Soil – Citrus Potting Mix with Organic Fertilizer – Ideal for Potted Lemon Trees
- Best for gnat-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
Product Comparison: Best Organic Potting Soil Without Fertilizer
Quick-Release Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Peat-Free Blend
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Back to the Roots
- 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.
Bulk Outdoor Mix
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Expandable Super Soil
Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden, Plants & Vegetables – Expands 4x When Mixed with Water – Indoor or Outdoor Use – Plant Food Mix Derived from Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer
Organic Plant Magic
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT – Easy to use compressed soil granules quickly expand up to 4X and make up to 3 gallons of soil. Light, compact, easy to carry, resealable bag saves space.
- NOURISH & SEE THEM FLOURISH – Packed with every essential nutrient plus 55+ trace minerals, this concentrated super soil feeds and grows strong beautiful vibrant plants better than ever!
- FAST ACTING & LONG LASTING – Easy to wet and stays moist 3X longer. Living soil gets water, air and nutrients to roots on demand. Perfect for all seeds, starts, transplants, containers, raised beds and gardens!
- TRULY ORGANIC YOU CAN TRUST – 100% natural ground coconut coir, worm castings, compost, humic acids, amino acids, kelp and beneficial GroBiotics including mycorrhizae give your soil, flower, vegetable, herb, fruit, tree, shrub, raised bed, outdoor or indoor potted house plants and more a super-boost.
- EASY to USE – Just add water 1:1 to compressed soil to expand up to 4X. Use 1 tsp for small seeds, 1 tbsp for large seeds, 1/4 cup per seedling, 1 cup per small plant, and 4 cups per gallon plant. Use expanded soil straight or blend 1:2 with other soil. Prevents overwatering, re-wets easily, and stays moist 3X longer. As mulch or top dress, apply 1/4 inch expanded soil or spread compressed soil and water. A 2 lb bag covers up to 20 sq ft.
Dual Bag Value
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Water-Guard Indoor
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
- 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)
All-Purpose Topsoil
Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes, White
Garden Magic
- 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
Mycorrhizae Enriched
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
Espoma
- 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.
Citrus-Optimized Soil
GARDENWISE Organic Lemon Tree Soil – Citrus Potting Mix with Organic Fertilizer – Ideal for Potted Lemon Trees, Meyer Lemons & Citrus Plants – Chunky, Indoor & Outdoor (3 QUARTS)
GARDENWISE
- Enriched with Organic Fertilizer – This lemon tree fertilizer provides nutrients for up to 6 months, so your citrus trees stay healthy and productive with minimal upkeep.
- Superior Drainage & Aeration – Our citrus potting soil includes extra perlite and coarse sand to ensure excellent drainage, preventing waterlogged roots and promoting strong root development.
- Optimized pH for Citrus Plants – The mix maintains an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, creating the perfect acidic environment for lemon trees, Meyer lemons, and other citrus plants.
- Rich in Essential Micronutrients – Balanced with iron, magnesium, and manganese, this citrus soil supports lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and flavorful fruits.
- Ready-to-Use for Potted Citrus Trees – Perfect for potted lemon trees and citrus plants, this mix is light, breathable, and easy to use. Just repot and watch your lemon tree flourish!
Gnat-Resistant Mix
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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 when choosing an organic potting soil that doesn’t contain added fertilizer?
Focus on ingredients like peat‑free compost, coconut coir, wood fines, and natural amendments such as worm castings or mycorrhizae. Look for certifications that confirm the mix is 100 % organic and free of synthetic nutrients, and check the label for pH balance and moisture‑retention properties that match your plant type.
How does a peat‑free blend like Back to the Roots compare to a peat‑based mix such as Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor?
Peat‑free blends use upcycled plant matter and coir, giving them a lighter carbon footprint and often better drainage, while peat‑based mixes provide excellent water retention but rely on harvested peat. The Back to the Roots mix also includes yucca extract for moisture control, whereas Miracle‑Gro adds a quick‑release natural fertilizer that may not be desired for organic‑only gardening.
Is a compressed super‑soil like the one from Gardenwise a good value for indoor containers?
Compressed soil expands up to four times, delivering a high nutrient density with 55+ trace minerals, which can reduce the need for separate fertilizers. Because it’s lightweight and compact, you can buy smaller quantities for tight indoor spaces, making it cost‑effective compared with larger bags of traditional potting mix.
What are the benefits of a potting mix that includes mycorrhizae, such as Espoma Organic Potting Soil?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, and enhancing drought tolerance. This biological boost can lead to healthier growth without the need for added chemical fertilizers, adding long‑term value to the soil.
How do I determine the right bag size for my container garden?
Check the product’s coverage claim: a 16‑qt bag typically fills one 12‑inch pot, while a 25‑qt bag may cover three 10‑inch containers. Calculate the total volume of your containers and add a safety margin of 10‑15 % to ensure you have enough soil for repotting and top‑dressing.
Can I use an outdoor organic mix like Miracle‑Gro for indoor houseplants?
While outdoor mixes are formulated for harsher conditions and include quick‑release fertilizers, indoor plants often benefit from a lighter, well‑draining medium without added nutrients. Using an indoor‑specific blend, such as Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix, helps prevent over‑fertilization and reduces the risk of fungal gnats.
What makes a potting soil with added perlite or coarse sand, like the Gardenwise Lemon Tree Soil, valuable for specific plants?
Perlite and coarse sand improve aeration and drainage, which is crucial for plants with sensitive root systems such as citrus trees. This structure prevents waterlogging, reduces root rot risk, and creates a more stable environment for nutrient uptake, offering better long‑term performance than a dense, peat‑heavy mix.