Comparison: Best Coast Of Maine Soil Stonington Blend (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever stood in the garden center staring at bags of potting mix, wondering which one truly delivers, you’re not alone. We put Best Coast of Maine’s Stonington Blend to the test—because let’s face it, not all soils are created equal. But does it live up to the hype? We dug in (literally) to compare it with top competitors and see if it’s worth every penny for your garden beds and containers.
- Best for starter pack duo: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for family pack four: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for lobster nutrient boost: Coast of Maine Stonington Lobster & Kelp Plant Food
- Best for compact 4-lb boost: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food
- Best for six-bag bulk: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for versatile bar harbor: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil – Organic Soil w/Perlite for Enhanced Drainage & Aeration – for Flowers
- Best for eight-bag supersoil: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for calcium-rich mix: Coast of Maine (4lb) Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food with Lobster
- Best for ten-bag max: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for in-ground cobscook: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Cobscook Blend In-Ground Garden Soil – Multi-Use In Ground Garden Soil with Compost & Sphagnum Peat Moss – Annual & Perennial Flower Beds
Product Comparison: Best Coast Of Maine Soil Stonington Blend
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 2) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
- Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 2) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 4) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
- Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 4) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
Coast of Maine Stonington Lobster & Kelp Plant Food, Organic Granular Fertilizer
- Granular fertilizer with uniform size for consistent release of nutrients (no dust in the bag), making it ideal for premium indoor plants. Plant food stays in the soil and releases with each watering, unlike liquid nutrients.
- OMRI listed for organic use, which many growers and consumers demand for health, taste and quality.
- Made with lobster & crab shell meal, fish, and kelp meal plus worm castings and other natural amendments and micronutrients. Very low-odor, does not smell when used with indoor plants or in grow tents.
- 5-2-4 NPK Promotes leafy green growth, budding flowering and fruiting. Lots of calcium to help boost plant vigor and immunity, which is important for supporting large buds and blooms.
- Easily spreadable and quickly works into the top layers of soil, compost or other growing medium.
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food, 4 lb.
- OMRI Listed
- Organic
- 5-2-4 Blend
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 6) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
- Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 6) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil – Organic Soil w/Perlite for Enhanced Drainage & Aeration – for Flowers, Herbs & Veggies, Floral Baskets & Container Gardening (16 QT)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Formulated with sphagnum peat moss, compost, perlite, lobster and crab shell meal, and kelp meal, this high-quality, multipurpose organic potting soil provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth. Specifically formulated to encourage root development and sustained plant growth, promoting healthy, vibrant plants throughout their lifecycle.
- VERSATILE: Bar Harbor Blend is the potting soil for vegetables, indoor plants, fruits, and herb gardens that they love. With a nutrient-rich base, it’s ideal for encouraging growth when using hanging baskets, raised beds, window boxes, or any container garden.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Bar Harbor Blend revitalizes and improves soil structure by promoting the perfect balance of moisture retention, aeration, and drainage, minimizing the need for frequent watering and fertilizing.
- SUITABLE FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR PLANTS: Made with natural slow-release nitrogen, this earth friendly potting soil provides consistent nourishment over time. It’s approved for organic gardening and perfect for both indoor and outdoor plants
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, planet-friendly solution for enriching garden soil. Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 8) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
- You will receive 8 (1.5 cu ft) bags per order
- Premium Super Soil for Containers – Designed for high‑performance growing in large pots and 15 gal containers.
- All‑Natural Oceanic Ingredients – Includes lobster & crab shell compost, worm castings, kelp meal, fish bone and alfalfa meal.
- Mycorrhizae‑Enhanced Root Development – Contains active mycorrhizal fungi to support strong root absorption.
- Balanced Texture, Drainage & Moisture – Coir, peat, perlite and compost deliver ideal aeration and retention.
- OMRI Listed and Nutrient‑Complete – Certified organic and formulated to sustain plants for a full season with just water.
Coast of Maine (4lb) Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food with Lobster, Kelp and Worm Castings – OMRI Listed
- Coast of Maine Stonington Blend Organic Plant Food, 4lb
- Stonington Blend Plant Food ( 5-2-4 )
- Coast of Maine Organic Products Stonington Organic Plant Food is an exceptional granular organic fertilizer that will supercharge the biology of container gardens.
- It is made with lobster, crab, fish and kelp meal, plus worm castings and other natural ingredients. It is also high in calcium which helps promote plant vigor. It can be mixed into the soil for new beds or used to top dress existing plantings.
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 10) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Cobscook Blend In-Ground Garden Soil – Multi-Use In Ground Garden Soil with Compost & Sphagnum Peat Moss – Annual & Perennial Flower Beds, or Lawn Care (2 cu ft)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Cobstock Blend In-Ground Garden Soil is formulated with sphagnum peat moss, compost, and aged bark to deliver robust, nutrient-rich soil for healthy plant growth in lawns and in-ground garden beds.
- VERSATILE: Mix into sandy, compacted, or clay soils to improve soil quality or top-dress established beds to reduce weeds and enrich nutrients. It’s also ideal for new plants— simply blend with native soil, water well, and support healthy root growth.
- PROMOTES HEALTHY GROWTH: Our dynamic blend of ingredients provides excellent water retention, aeration, and drainage, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
- MULTI USE SOIL: The Cobstock Blend In-Ground Garden Soil is the ideal living formulation to support a wide array of vegetables, plants, and flowers planted directly into the ground. It’s the perfect enriched soil for in-ground organic gardening of produce, roses, annuals, perennials, or supporting grass seed for a lush green lawn.
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for enriching garden soil. Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
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
How do I decide which Stonington Blend pack size (2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 bags) is right for me?
Consider the volume of containers you plan to fill and how often you will need to replenish the soil. Larger packs offer a lower cost per cubic foot and are ideal for avid gardeners with many pots or raised beds, while smaller packs are convenient for occasional use or limited storage space. Also factor in shipping weight and handling; a 10‑bag order can be heavy but saves trips to the store.
What are the main differences between the Stonington Blend and the Bar Harbor Blend?
Stonington Blend is formulated for large container plants and includes mycorrhizal fungi, lobster and crab shell meal, and a balanced 5‑2‑4 NPK ratio, while Bar Harbor Blend adds perlite and focuses on a broader range of vegetables, herbs, and indoor plants. Bar Harbor also emphasizes moisture retention and aeration for hanging baskets and raised beds. Both are OMRI‑listed, but Bar Harbor’s ingredient mix provides slightly higher drainage, making it better for plants that prefer drier roots.
Should I use the Stonington Blend organic plant food (granular) instead of the soil mix for indoor gardening?
The granular plant food is designed to be mixed into existing soil or used as a top‑dress, delivering a steady release of nutrients with each watering. If you already have a quality potting mix, adding the 5‑2‑4 fertilizer can boost growth without replacing the entire soil. For beginners, the pre‑mixed Stonington Blend soil offers a ready‑to‑plant solution that already contains nutrients and mycorrhizae.
Why does OMRI listing matter when choosing between these products?
OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) certification guarantees the product meets organic standards, which is important for growers who sell organic produce or want to avoid synthetic chemicals. Certified products like Stonington Blend and Bar Harbor Blend also tend to have lower environmental impact and are safer for indoor use due to reduced odor and toxicity. This certification can add value for health‑conscious consumers and may be required for organic certification of your garden.
What benefits do the mycorrhizal fungi in the larger Stonington Blend packs provide?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, extending the root network and improving water and nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus. This leads to faster establishment, stronger plants, and better resistance to stress. The fungi are most effective when the soil is not overly sterilized, making the organic blend a good match.
How does the Coast of Maine Lobster & Kelp Plant Food differ from the Stonington Blend plant food?
Both fertilizers share a 5‑2‑4 NPK ratio and use oceanic ingredients, but the Lobster & Kelp formula is granular and designed for uniform nutrient release with minimal dust, ideal for indoor containers and grow tents. The Stonington Blend plant food is sold as a 4‑lb bag and can be mixed directly into soil, offering a slightly higher calcium content for bud and flower development. Choose Lobster & Kelp if you prefer a clean, easy‑to‑apply granular product.
Is there a cost advantage to buying the larger Stonington Blend packs?
Yes, the price per cubic foot drops noticeably as you move from the 2‑bag to the 8‑ or 10‑bag options, making larger purchases more economical for high‑volume growers. Additionally, bulk orders often qualify for free shipping, further reducing overall expense. However, ensure you have adequate storage space to avoid waste from moisture or compaction.
Which Coast of Maine product is best for in‑ground garden beds versus container gardening?
For in‑ground beds, the Cobscook Blend provides a robust mix of peat, compost, and aged bark that improves soil structure and works well when mixed with native soil. For container gardening, the Stonington Blend or Bar Harbor Blend are superior because they include perlite for drainage and mycorrhizae for root health in confined spaces. Pairing either blend with the appropriate granular fertilizer maximizes nutrient availability.
How does the 5‑2‑4 nutrient ratio affect plant growth stages?
The 5‑2‑4 ratio offers a balanced supply of nitrogen for leafy growth, moderate phosphorus for root development, and potassium to support flowering and fruiting. The lower phosphorus helps prevent excessive vegetative growth at the expense of blooms, while the higher potassium promotes strong stems and disease resistance. This ratio is versatile for most vegetables, herbs, and ornamental plants throughout their life cycle.