Comparison: Best All Natural Organic Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
We’ve dug into the dirt—literally—testing and comparing top-rated organic potting soils to find the best that nourish your plants without harmful chemicals. Whether you’re growing tomatoes on the patio or nurturing houseplants, we’ll help you choose a mix that’s healthy, sustainable, and genuinely organic from the ground up.
- 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 premium organic mix: Natural & Organic Potting Mix
- Best for indoor root boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for all-purpose organic: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for coco coir power: 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 water balance guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for extended nutrient feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for raised bed ready: Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
Product Comparison: Best All Natural Organic Potting Soil
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)
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.
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- FORMULATED FOR INDOOR USE: Our Potting Mix contains organic yucca extract that aids in retaining moisture in the soil whichs keeps your indoor plants happy and healthy
- ROOT-BOOSTING MYCORRHIZAE: This beneficial soil component provides your plants with a natural, organic way to boost their root development and nutrient uptake
- ORGANIC AND PEAT-FREE: Our indoor potting mix helps reduce greenhouse emissions and environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for conscious consumers
- BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: Balances the alkalinity and acidity levels of the soil, which ensures that your plants receive the necessary nutrients from the potting mix to grow healthy and strong
- SAFE FOR PETS AND PEOPLE: Made without bark or compost, this potting mix is less prone to indoor gnats and pests, making it a worry-free option for your indoor gardening needs
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.
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 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)
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 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 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)
Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
- FOR USE: Ideal for raised garden beds and outdoor containers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil mix for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Use to fill new raised beds or to enhance soil in existing beds. Ready to use
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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 whether to buy an indoor or outdoor organic potting mix?
Indoor mixes are formulated to retain moisture longer and often contain additives like yucca extract to prevent over‑watering, while outdoor blends focus on drainage and may include quick‑release fertilizers for faster growth. Look at the plant types you’ll grow and the container environment; houseplants benefit from a mix that balances water retention, whereas garden containers need a soil that drains well under sun and rain. Checking the product label for intended use will help you match the right mix to your needs.
What are the main differences between Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix and Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix?
Miracle‑Gro uses responsibly sourced peat and includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, making it a fast‑acting option for outdoor containers. Back to the Roots is peat‑free, made from upcycled plant material, and adds yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, appealing to eco‑conscious gardeners. The former tends to be slightly heavier, while the latter offers a lighter carbon footprint and a satisfaction guarantee.
Is a peat‑free potting soil better for the environment?
Peat extraction releases stored carbon, so peat‑free mixes like those from Back to the Roots reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions and preserve peatland ecosystems. These blends use recycled plant matter and wood fines, which also lower the overall carbon footprint. While peat‑based soils can provide excellent water retention, many peat‑free alternatives now match performance with a greener profile.
How important are added mycorrhizae and organic fertilizers in a potting mix?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and drought resistance, which can lead to healthier, faster‑growing plants. Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, reducing the risk of burn and supporting long‑term soil health. Products that combine both, such as Espoma’s mixes, often deliver a more balanced growth environment compared to mixes without these biological additives.
What bag size gives the best value for my container garden?
A 16‑quart bag typically fills a 12‑inch pot, while a 25‑quart bag can cover three 10‑inch containers, so calculate the total volume of your planting space before buying. Larger bags usually have a lower cost per quart, but only purchase what you can use within a growing season to avoid nutrient degradation. Consider the mix’s shelf life and storage options when deciding on bulk versus smaller packages.
Are any of these organic potting soils safe for pets and children?
Most of the listed mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Mix and Back to the Roots Indoor Mix, are formulated without synthetic chemicals, making them generally safe around pets and kids. However, some blends contain natural fertilizers or kelp meals that could cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts. Always keep soil out of reach of curious animals and wash hands after handling.
How does moisture retention compare between coco coir‑based mixes and peat‑based mixes?
Coco coir, used in Wonder Soil, holds water well while providing excellent aeration, often retaining up to 50% more water than peat and reducing the need for frequent watering. Peat‑based mixes, like Miracle‑Gro’s formulas, also retain moisture but can dry out faster in hot climates and may require more regular watering. Choose coco coir if you want a lightweight, water‑saving option; choose peat if you prefer a traditional feel and slightly faster drainage.
What should I look for in terms of guarantees or return policies when buying organic potting soil?
A clear satisfaction guarantee, like the one offered by Back to the Roots, indicates confidence in product performance and gives you recourse if the soil doesn’t meet expectations. Look for vendors that provide easy return shipping or replacement options without lengthy paperwork. Reading customer reviews can also reveal how responsive the brand is when issues arise.