Comparison: Best All Purpose Organic Compost (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re on the hunt for the best all-purpose organic compost, you’re not just gardening—you’re building life from the ground up. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Is one brand really better than another? Do price and texture matter as much as nutrient content? We’ve dug into the dirt so you don’t have to, testing top contenders to see which ones deliver lush growth, rich soil structure, and real value. Let’s find the compost that turns good gardens into great ones—naturally.
- Best for low-odor power: R&M Organics Premium Organic Compost
- Best for balanced ocean blend: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits
- Best for fast compost starter: Jobe’s Organics Fast Acting Granular Fertilizer Compost Starter
- Best for classic compost aid: Espoma Organic Compost Starter; All-Natural Composing Aid Helps Break Down Organic Matter to Make Rich Compost for Organic Gardening. 4 lb. Bag; Pack of 1
- Best for seafood myco boost: Espoma Organic Land and Sea Gourmet Compost with Lobster & Crab Meal; the Best of Both Worlds! Gourmet Planting Mix for Vegetables
- Best for container harvest mix: Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Container Mix with Natural and Organic Ingredients
- Best for pure manure compost: Premium Organic Compost Screened 2 lbs
- Best for trace mineral power: Organic Plant Magic – Truly Organic™ Fast-Acting Water Soluble Plant Food – All-Purpose Fertilizer Concentrate for Flower
- Best for omri soil builder: Ribbon Organics OMRI Certified Organic Compost Size: 7.9 Gallons
- Best for odor-free boost: Charlie’s Compost – Odor Free Organic Fertilizer for Home Gardens
Product Comparison: Best All Purpose Organic Compost
R&M Organics Premium Organic Compost
- All-purpose fertilizer. Derived from 100% dairy cow manure, our compost helps improve your soil by bringing needed nutrients that are often depleted after your harvests. Ideal for fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, oranges, peaches, avocados, lemons, etc.), flowers (roses, tulips, orchids, marigolds, sunflowers, etc.), Lawns, and trees.
- Quarter inch, it’s a cinch. Thanks to the compost’s high nutrient value, all it takes is roughly a quarter inch layer to the base of existing gardens, plants, or lawns for results to show. If you have new projects like replanting you can add slightly more to mix in with new soil.
- Low odor. Our organic compost goes through a complete composting process. During the composting process, the compost is getting aerated constantly helping burn out bad bacteria and potential weed seed from making its way through. The end result is an earthy and soily scent making it ideal for indoor use.
- Moisture retention. The compost helps lock in and keep your plants or gardens moist for longer periods of time. This will help reduce the amount of times you will need to walk out and water, potentially saving you time and money.
- Bag size. Our 10lb bag may sound small, but it packs a big punch. The bag size will make it convenient to move around, store for future use, or use in one application.
True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs – 4lb Bag Covers 87 sq. ft.
- Balanced Nutrition for All Plants: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food promotes abundant organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and foliage with a well-rounded formula.
- Prevents Soil Depletion: Contains 5% nitrogen (3.75% slow-release), 4% phosphate, 5% potash, 4% calcium, and 1% sulfur to nourish plants and enrich soil.
- Exclusive Organic Blend: Includes seabird guano, shrimp and crab shell meal, soybean meal, and fish bone meal for a nutrient-packed, eco-friendly fertilizer.
- Versatile and Easy to Apply: Ideal for in-ground and container plants, this fertilizer is simple to apply monthly during the growing season for optimal growth.
- Flexible Sizing for Any Garden: Available in 4lb (covers 87 sq. ft.), 4.5lb shaker jug (97 sq. ft.), 8lb (174 sq. ft.), 12lb (261 sq. ft.), and 25lb (544 sq. ft.) bags to fit gardens of any size.
Jobe’s Organics Fast Acting Granular Fertilizer Compost Starter, Easy Plant Care Compost Accelerator, 4 lbs Bag
- Organic compost starter speeds up the composting process and is ideal for outdoor compost piles
- Compost accelerator is formulated with a 4-4-2 NPK to provide vegetables, plants, and flowers nutrients they need for a high yield and vibrant foliage
- Jobe’s organic compost starter contains no synthetic chemicals and is OMRI listed for organic gardening by the USDA
- Compost starter is easily applied and should be used every 4-6 weeks or as needed
- Jobe’s Organics provides a wide variety of plant fertilizer and soil amendments to give gardens the right amount of nutrients without over fertilizing
Espoma Organic Compost Starter; All-Natural Composing Aid Helps Break Down Organic Matter to Make Rich Compost for Organic Gardening. 4 lb. Bag; Pack of 1
- FOR USE ON: Add to the compost pile or tumbler to make rich compost, nature’s original soil conditioner
- CONTAINS: Contains ingredients specially cultured to speed the decomposition of difficult to compost organic matter. These are combined with the proper energy sources and pH balancers to assure composting success.
- WHEN TO USE: Add Compost Starter any time you are adding organic materials to the compost maker. Use a simple ratio of one cup per 16 cubic feet of material to compost
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
- MADE IN THE USA: Product of the Espoma Company. The leader in natural organics since 1929
Espoma Organic Land and Sea Gourmet Compost with Lobster & Crab Meal; the Best of Both Worlds! Gourmet Planting Mix for Vegetables, Flowers, Trees & Shrubs. 1 Cubic Foot Bag
- FOR USE: Use when planting or transplanting to improve native soil. Add to planters and window boxes to invigorate container mixes
- CONTAINS: This organic soil mix for all plants & vegetables is a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enriched with both lobster and crab meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae
- WHEN TO USE: Any time planting in the garden or in containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Container Mix with Natural and Organic Ingredients, Feeds Container Grown Vegetables, Flowers and Herbs for up to 3 Months, 1 cu. ft.
- Organic Goodness: Grow vibrant flowers, herbs, and veggies with Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Container Mix made with organic and natural ingredients, like aged compost, for the spectacular results you expect
- Bountiful Harvests: Get twice the bounty versus unfed plants for more container-grown vegetables, flowers, and herbs
- How to Use: Perfect for all your indoor and outdoor container gardening, simply fill your favorite pots with this potting soil and watch your flowers, vegetables, and herbs thrive
- Nourish: This premium organic container soil provides continuous plant nutrition for up to 3 months, helping your potted plants flourish
- Trusted Results: Grow confidently with this OMRI Listed container mix that gives you the Miracle-Gro results you love with the organic and natural ingredients you want
Premium Organic Compost Screened 2 lbs
- Manure Compost
Organic Plant Magic – Truly Organic™ Fast-Acting Water Soluble Plant Food – All-Purpose Fertilizer Concentrate for Flower, Vegetable, Herb, Fruit Tree, Garden & Indoor Houseplants [One 1/2 lb Bag]
![Organic Plant Magic - Truly Organic™ Fast-Acting Water Soluble Plant Food - All-Purpose Fertilizer Concentrate for Flower, Vegetable, Herb, Fruit Tree, Garden & Indoor Houseplants [One 1/2 lb Bag]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510yaUo8LZL._SL500_.jpg)
- New Package – Same Amazing Product that Plants & Customers LOVE!
- EASY & ALL PURPOSE – Simply grow healthy plants and beautiful gardens… Just add directly to seed, soil, transplant roots, existing plants, or mix with normal watering. Works for everyone, every plant, everywhere, every time!
- A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY – 1/2 lb bag makes 32+ gallons or treats up to 1,000 sf of soil or plants. Provides benefits of compost and advanced nutrition that builds healthy nutritious living soil and feeds plants continuously on-demand.
- AMAZING GROWTH, COLOR, & FLAVOR – Empower your plants to express their full genetic potential. Get intense leaf, flower, fruit, veggie and herb production. Grow more vibrant color and flavor than ever before.
- BIOLOGY OVER CHEMICALS – This unique versatile powder is packed with every essential plant nutrient, plus 55+ trace minerals, amino acids, humic acids, kelp, and beneficial GroBiotics including mycorrhizae proven to provide everything your plants need to naturally grow their best!
Ribbon Organics OMRI Certified Organic Compost Size: 7.9 Gallons, 32-35 Pound Bag
- Improves soil structure & aeration
- Promotes water retention
- OMRI Certified for Organic Use
- Safe for use at any concentration
- Pairs wonderfully with worm castings & other soil builders
Charlie’s Compost – Odor Free Organic Fertilizer for Home Gardens, Raised Beds, Containers, Seed Starting Mix, Natural Soil Amendment with Biochar 10lb
- ENRICHED SOIL CONDITIONER: Our compost is a perfect soil amendment, adding essential nutrients and improving soil structure for healthier plant growth. Also works great for your seed starting mixes.
- ODOR-FREE COMPOST: Experience hassle-free composting with our specially formulated low-odor compost. n Perfect for urban gardeners, apartment dwellers, our compost allows you to nourish your plants without worrying about strong odors. Whether you’re using it indoors or in a compact outdoor garden, you can maintain a fresh and clean environment while enriching your soil naturally.
- ORGANIC COMPOSTER BOOST: Enhance your home composter’s efficiency with our organic compost, rich in microorganisms that break down organic matter quickly.
- VERSATILE USE: Ideal for garden beds, potted plants, and lawns, our compost is a versatile addition to any gardening regimen, ensuring robust plant health.
- COMPOST TEA READY: Create nutrient-rich compost tea with our compost; it’s the perfect liquid fertilizer for a natural, sustainable boost to your garden’s vitality.
- CONTINUOUS NUTRIENT RELEASE: Charlie’s Compost provides a slow, steady release of nutrients, ensuring your plants have a consistent supply for optimal growth.
- EASY-TO-USE: Our compost comes in a convenient 10lb bag, making it easy to apply directly to your soil or compost bin without any mess.
- FAST-ACTING FORMULA: With a specially formulated blend, our compost works quickly to enrich your soil, ensuring your plants get the benefits sooner.
- ODOR-REDUCED COMPOSTING: Enjoy a more pleasant composting experience with our low-odor compost, making it suitable for urban and small-space gardeners.
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 choose the right bag size for my garden?
Consider the square footage you need to cover and the recommended application depth for each product. Smaller 4‑10 lb bags are handy for container gardening or spot‑treating, while larger 25 lb bags provide better cost efficiency for full‑yard beds. Check the product label for coverage rates to match your garden size.
What are the key differences between dairy‑based compost and sea‑derived blends?
Dairy‑based composts, like R&M Organics, supply high levels of nitrogen and improve moisture retention, making them ideal for vegetable beds and lawns. Sea‑derived blends, such as True Organic and Espoma’s lobster & crab meal mix, add calcium, potassium, and trace minerals from marine sources, which benefit flowering plants and fruit production. Both are organic, but the nutrient profiles cater to slightly different plant needs.
Which product offers the best value per pound for all‑purpose use?
True Organic All Purpose Plant Food provides the lowest cost per pound when purchased in the 25 lb bag, covering over 500 sq ft. R&M Organics’ 10 lb bag is more expensive per pound but includes a low‑odor formula and a convenient size for smaller gardens. For pure value on large plots, the larger True Organic bag is the most economical.
How important is odor control for indoor or balcony gardening?
Odor can be a deciding factor for indoor growers; R&M Organics highlights a low, earthy scent, making it suitable for indoor use. Charlie’s Compost also markets an odor‑free formula, which is ideal for apartments and small balconies. Products without a specific odor claim may still be low‑smell, but those that advertise it give added confidence for confined spaces.
Do any of these composts include mycorrhizae or other soil microbes?
Espoma’s Organic Land and Sea Gourmet Compost contains a proprietary Myco‑Tone blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae to enhance root uptake. Miracle‑Gro Performance Organics lists OMRI‑certified organic ingredients, which typically include beneficial microbes, though it does not specify mycorrhizae. If microbial inoculation is a priority, the Espoma blend is the most explicit choice.
How do nutrient contents compare for fruit‑bearing plants vs. lawns?
True Organic provides a balanced 5‑4‑5 N‑P‑K ratio with added calcium and sulfur, supporting fruiting cycles and vigorous foliage. R&M Organics focuses on nitrogen‑rich dairy manure, which excels at promoting leafy growth for lawns and vegetable greens. For fruit‑heavy gardens, a formula with higher phosphorus and potassium, like True Organic, generally yields better results.
Can I use these products as a starter for my own compost pile?
Yes, both Espoma Organic Compost Starter and Jobe’s Organics Fast Acting Compost Starter are formulated to accelerate decomposition in DIY piles. They contain microbial cultures and a modest N‑P‑K blend to jump‑start the process. R&M Organics and True Organic are finished composts, so they are better suited for direct soil amendment rather than as a starter.
Which options are OMRI‑certified and suitable for organic certification?
R&M Organics, True Organic, Espoma’s Land and Sea Gourmet, Miracle‑Gro Performance Organics, and Ribbon Organics all carry OMRI certification, confirming compliance with organic standards. Jobe’s and Espoma’s Compost Starter are also OMRI listed, making them safe for certified organic gardens. Always verify the certification label on the packaging before purchase.