Comparison: Best Organic Potting Soil For Herbs (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever wondered why your basil keeps wilting or your thyme just won’t thrive, the answer might be hiding right beneath the leaves—your potting soil. Not all soils are created equal, especially when it comes to growing flavorful, healthy herbs at home. That’s why we’ve dug deep (literally) to compare the best organic potting soils tailored for herbs. From nutrient-rich blends to perfect drainage, we’ll help you find the ideal match to turn your windowsill into a fragrant, flourishing herb garden you can trust.
- Best for peat-free blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for 2-month fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhizae boost: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for water guard mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for chemical-free drainage: Doter Organic Potting Soil Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Small Containers Including Herbs
- Best for feather meal rich: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. for Organic Gardening
- Best for biochar living soil: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
- Best for extended living soil: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
Product Comparison: Best Organic Potting Soil For Herbs
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 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)
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 1
- 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.
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 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)
Doter Organic Potting Soil Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Small Containers Including Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers 1 qt
- 【All Nature & Chemical-Free】Features an all-natural mixture of peat moss, perlite, coconut coir, and worm castings. A great combination of ingredients to encourage health and new growth
- 【Proper Aeration】Gives your container plants the ability to draw the optimal amount of air and oxygen so that they can develop and turn into strong flowers, flavorful herbs, and juicy vegetables
- 【Good Drainage】These naturally-occurring perlite expands when exposed to heat. They are added to potting soil to improve breathability and water drainage
- 【Wide Usage】Whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. It is specially formulated for growing your indoor herb garden and works great for small planters and pots
- 【Enjoy Home-grown Herbs】Growing delicious herbs at home make cooking gourmet dishes easier and give you healthy flavors to your food
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. for Organic Gardening, 4qt. Bag. Pack of 1
- 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.
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 4qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 4 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 2-3 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 8qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny organic soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 8 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 4-6 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
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 key attributes should I prioritize when choosing an organic potting soil for herbs?
Look for a blend that balances moisture retention with good drainage, contains organic nutrients, and includes beneficial microbes or mycorrhizae. Ingredients like coconut coir, perlite, and worm castings help keep roots aerated while providing steady nutrition. A pH‑balanced formula ensures herbs stay healthy and flavorful.
How does Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix compare to Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Mix for growing herbs?
Back to the Roots uses a peat‑free blend of upcycled plant matter and wood fines, plus yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, making it lighter on carbon footprint. Miracle‑Gro Indoor includes responsibly sourced peat, coir, and a quick‑start natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months. Both are organic, but Back to the Roots emphasizes sustainability while Miracle‑Gro focuses on immediate nutrient release.
Is a peat‑free soil better for herbs than a peat‑based mix?
Peat‑free mixes, like Back to the Roots, reduce the environmental impact and often provide a lighter texture that improves aeration. However, peat‑based soils, such as Miracle‑Gro’s blends, can hold moisture well, which is useful for herbs that prefer consistent humidity. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize sustainability or moisture retention for your specific herb varieties.
Which product gives the best value per quart for indoor herb gardening?
Back to the Roots offers a 12‑quart bag at a competitive price and includes a satisfaction guarantee, making it a strong value for larger herb collections. Miracle‑Gro Indoor also provides a 16‑quart bag with quick‑release fertilizer that can feed herbs for two months, offering good bang for the buck if you need extra nutrients. Compare the price per quart and consider the added features like moisture control or fertilizer when deciding.
How do mycorrhizae and worm castings benefit herb growth?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and improving stress tolerance, which is especially helpful for delicate herbs. Worm castings add a rich source of organic matter, beneficial microbes, and slow‑release nutrients that promote vigorous leaf production. Products like Espoma and Doter include both mycorrhizae and worm castings for optimal herb health.
Can I use the same potting mix for both indoor and outdoor herb containers?
Yes, many of the listed mixes are versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use. Espoma and Doter specifically label their soils as suitable for both environments, providing a balanced blend of peat, perlite, and organic amendments. Just ensure the container has proper drainage and adjust watering frequency based on indoor humidity versus outdoor exposure.
What advantages do added nutrients like yucca extract or quick‑release fertilizer provide for herbs?
Yucca extract, found in Back to the Roots, helps regulate moisture levels and can reduce the risk of over‑watering, which is crucial for herbs that dislike soggy roots. Quick‑release natural fertilizers, such as those in Miracle‑Gro mixes, supply an immediate nutrient boost that supports rapid leaf growth during the early stages. Both additives aim to simplify care and improve overall herb vigor.
How can I tell if a potting mix offers good drainage and moisture control for herbs?
Check the ingredient list for components like perlite, coconut coir, or wood fines, which create air pockets and improve drainage. Products that mention moisture‑control technologies, such as yucca extract in Back to the Roots or balanced peat‑coir blends in Miracle‑Gro, indicate they are formulated to prevent both waterlogging and excessive drying. Proper drainage is essential to avoid root rot and keep herbs thriving.