Comparison: Best 8 Quarts Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
With so many options lining the shelves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Is one brand really better than another? We’ve dug into the dirt (literally) to compare top contenders, weighing ingredients, moisture control, and real garden results. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes on a patio, we’ll help you pick the perfect mix—no guesswork needed. Let’s find your potting soil match.
- Best for aquacoir boost: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for fast-root starter: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Best for succulent drain mix: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for organic indoor blend: Perfect Plants Indoor Plant Soil 8qt | Perfectly Balanced Potting Mix | Gardening Substrate for All Varieties of Live houseplants
- Best for eco indoor mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhizae enriched: Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil
- Best for aroid specialist: Soil Sunrise Aroid Plant Potting Soil Mix (8 Quarts) for Pothos Devil’s Ivy
- Best for living soil formula: 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 8 Quarts Potting Soil
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)
Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix, 8 Quarts (Pack of 2), For Use in Containers
- Specially formulated for fast root development
- Enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- Excellent for starting cuttings
- Use when starting from seed and with leaf, stem or root cuttings
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm and Citrus Potting Mix, for Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Great for Succulents, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix features a fast-draining formula and is enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- This fast-draining formula is blended to help promote successful growing of cacti, potted palms, citrus, and other succulents
- This cactus potting mix is designed for indoor and outdoor container plants, including cacti, palm plants, citrus trees, and succulents
- To use this succulent soil mix, fill a pot with a drainage hole 1/3 full of mix, top with more mix after placing plant, and press lightly
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, each able to fill two 8-inch containers (amounts may vary based on root ball size)
Perfect Plants Indoor Plant Soil 8qt | Perfectly Balanced Potting Mix | Gardening Substrate for All Varieties of Live houseplants
- ORGANIC MATERIALS- Keep your potted plants nourished with all natural ingredients such as pine bark, coco coir, perlite, sand, and garden lime
- MOISTURE MANAGEMENT- Will quickly drain water and protect roots, making watering more efficient while still providing for necessary airflow levels
- GREAT FOR ALL POTTED PLANT TYPES- Grow all types of popular plants indoors such as Monstera, Aloe, Spider Plants, and African Violets
- PROFESSIONALLY MIXED ON OUR USA FARM- Trusted in homes across the USA, Amazing in clay pots and starter planters
- PLANTING MADE EASY- Shipped in a heavy duty resealable bag this soil stays fresh and stores easily for future use
Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, Protects Against Over and Under Watering, for Indoor Container Plants, Houseplants and Starter Plants, OMRI Listed, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- 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
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix; each bag fills two 8-inch containers (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
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)
Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil, 8 Quart, Natural
- Soil comes in an 8 qt. bag, includes Pro-Moisture Hydrate, is OMRI listed, MycoApply certified and perfectly safe for both pets and people
- Formulated for both indoor and outdoor potting and container use, this soil is a perfect match for your herbs, vegetables, indoor gardens, all container plants and flowers
- You can use it as a soil amendment for the in-ground planting of trees, shrubs, bare roots, flowers and vegetables
- Soil is great for mulching, seed cover, indoor garden production, transplanting, compost use, soil Boosts and even clay soil applications
- Soil is loaded with quality organic ingredients and the welcome addition of TruBiotic soil microbes with both ecto and endo mycorrhizae
- Power source type: Corded Electric
Soil Sunrise Aroid Plant Potting Soil Mix (8 Quarts) for Pothos Devil’s Ivy, ZZ Plant, Chinese Evergreen, Dumb Cane Philodendron, Syngonium, Alocasia, Colocasia Etc.
- Perfect for Aroids: Ideal blend created for aroid plants including Monstera Deliciosa, Heartleaf Philodendron, Pothos Devil’s Ivy, ZZ plant, Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Flamingo Lily, Alocasia / Elephant Ear, Diffenbachia / Dumb Cane, and Chinese money plant
- All-Natural Blend: No chemicals, fertilizers, or additives; special blend mimics the natural jungle environment of Araceae plant family
- Benefits: Balanced drainage and moisture retention, nutrients from worm castings, filtration / air cleaning from charcoal, aeration from pine bark, perlite and charcoal; stops root rot, encourages growth
- Ingredients: Coconut coir, pine bark, perlite, worm castings, and Soil Sunrise horticultural charcoal
- Size: 8 quarts (enough for a big 12-inch pot)
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 factors should I consider when choosing an 8‑quart potting mix for my indoor houseplants?
Look for a blend that balances drainage and moisture retention, such as a mix of coco coir, perlite, and pine bark. Organic ingredients and added microbes can improve root health, while formulas with added fertilizer provide longer feeding periods. Also check if the product is peat‑free or certified organic if sustainability matters to you.
How does Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix differ from the Miracle‑Gro Seed Starting Mix?
Moisture Control uses an AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33 % more water and feeds plants for up to six months, making it ideal for established containers. The Seed Starting Mix is specially formulated for rapid root development and includes extra plant food for seedlings and cuttings. Choose Moisture Control for long‑term growth and Seed Starting for germination projects.
Which product is best for cactus, palm, or citrus plants that need fast drainage?
The Miracle‑Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix features a fast‑draining blend enriched with plant food, designed to prevent water‑logging in succulents and citrus. Its coarse texture promotes aeration, reducing the risk of root rot. This mix is suitable for both indoor and outdoor containers of those plant types.
Is there a fully organic option among the 8‑quart mixes, and what are its benefits?
Yes, the Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix and Perfect Plants Indoor Plant Soil are both made with natural ingredients like peat moss, coir, pine bark, and perlite. They avoid synthetic chemicals and provide a balanced nutrient profile, which is gentler on sensitive houseplants and the environment. Organic mixes also tend to support beneficial soil microbes.
How do value‑added features like mycorrhizae in Dr. Earth Gold Premium Soil affect plant health?
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and drought tolerance. Dr. Earth Gold includes both ecto‑ and endo‑mycorrhizae, along with Trubiotic microbes, which can boost overall vigor and disease resistance. These biological additives often justify a higher price by reducing the need for supplemental fertilization.
Can I use the same 8‑quart mix for both seed starting and mature plants?
While many mixes work for both stages, seed starting benefits from a finer, nutrient‑rich medium that encourages quick germination, like the Miracle‑Gro Seed Starting Mix. Mature plants often need a coarser blend with better drainage, such as the Moisture Control or Cactus mixes. Using a mix tailored to each stage can improve success rates.
How many pots can I expect to fill with one 8‑quart bag?
Manufacturers generally state that an 8‑quart bag fills two 8‑inch containers, though the exact number varies with root ball size and plant type. For larger pots (12‑inch), you may need 1.5 to 2 bags per pot. Always fill the container about one‑third with soil, place the plant, then top off to ensure proper coverage.
What storage tips will keep my potting soil fresh for future use?
Keep the bag sealed in a dry, cool place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which can dry out the mix. Resealable heavy‑duty bags, like those used for Perfect Plants Soil, help maintain moisture and prevent contamination. If the soil feels compacted after storage, gently fluff it before use to restore aeration.