Comparison: Best Natural Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re on the hunt for the **best natural potting soil**, you’re not alone—gardeners everywhere are ditching synthetic mixes for something cleaner, greener, and closer to nature. But with so many options boasting “organic” and “eco-friendly” labels, how do you know which one truly delivers?
- Best for quick-feed outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for gold standard mix: Natural & Organic Potting Mix
- Best for pet-safe indoor: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for mycorrhiza rich: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for acid-loving premium: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants Azalea
- Best for coco coir boost: 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 big-bag outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose power: LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix – Organic Houseplant Soil – Natural Potting Mix for Indoor & Outdoor Plants – Potting Soil for Gardening – Ideal for Rooting Cuts & Germinating Seeds (0.5 Cu Ft)
Product Comparison: Best Natural 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 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.
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants Azalea, Rhododendron & Berries – Premium Planting Soil w/Composted Manure, Sphagnum Peat Moss – Low pH, Enhanced Drainage (20 Qt)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: This specifically crafted organic compost blend has a low pH premium formulation that is naturally lightweight and contains just the right ingredients ensuring healthy growth and beautiful results.
- READY TO USE ORGANIC COMPOST: Coast of Maine Planting Organic Soil for Acid-Loving Plants improves and revitalizes plants that thrive in lower pH soils like rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies, blueberries, strawberries, ferns, fuchsias, camellias, dogwoods, and conifers.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Indoor and Outdoor Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants is formulated to balance moisture retention and drainage, making it perfect add-in to revitalize soil for beautiful blossoms and fruit.
- EARTH FRIENDLY COMPOST FOR SOIL: OMRI listed for organic use, our organic potting soil for acid loving plants reflects Coast of Maine’s commitment to nature-conscious, responsible gardening practices.
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our indoor and outdoor gardening 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.
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 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)
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)
LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix – Organic Houseplant Soil – Natural Potting Mix for Indoor & Outdoor Plants – Potting Soil for Gardening – Ideal for Rooting Cuts & Germinating Seeds (0.5 Cu Ft)
- ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS: LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix is crafted from composted forest products, wood fines, perlite, sphagnum peat moss, and a mix of beneficial microbes, providing optimal nutrition for indoor and outdoor plants, including houseplants, vegetables, and herbs.
- VERSATILE USE: This premium potting soil mix is ideal for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Whether you’re planting flowers, shrubs, or trees, rooting cuts, or germinating seeds, LGM Soil provides an ideal growing medium for all types of plants and garden soil for outdoor plants.
- PROMOTES HEALTHY GROWTH: The inclusion of chicken manure, volcanic ash, gypsum, feather meal, soy meal, and kelp meal in LGM Soil ensures strong root development and robust plant health. Ideal for indoor plant soil, potting soil for indoor plants, and outdoor potting soil for flowers and vegetables.
- RETAINS MOISTURE: LGM Soil’s unique blend conserves water by reducing moisture loss due to evaporation, making it an excellent choice for indoor potting soil for house plants, indoor plant soil, & outdoor potted plants. Your plants stay hydrated longer, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- READY TO USE: This all-purpose potting soil is pre-moistened and ready to use straight out of the bag. It comes in a convenient small bag size, making it easy to handle and ideal for potting soil indoor plants small bag needs, as well as for indoor and outdoor gardening, from houseplants to vegetables.
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 should I look for when choosing a natural potting soil?
Focus on the soil’s ingredient list, looking for organic, responsibly sourced components like peat, coco coir, or composted forest products. Check for added nutrients such as natural fertilizers, mycorrhizae, or kelp meals that promote root health. Also consider the intended use—indoor versus outdoor—to ensure the mix has the right moisture retention and drainage properties.
How do indoor and outdoor organic mixes differ in performance?
Indoor mixes, like Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, often include coir and quick‑release fertilizers to prevent over‑watering and provide steady nutrients for houseplants. Outdoor mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, are formulated with peat and slower‑release fertilizers to support a wider range of container plants exposed to the elements. Choosing the correct type helps maintain optimal moisture levels and nutrient availability for the plant’s environment.
Is peat‑free soil a better environmental choice?
Peat‑free options, like Wonder Soil’s coco coir blend, reduce pressure on peat bogs and lower greenhouse‑gas emissions. These mixes still provide excellent water retention and aeration, often supplemented with worm castings and mycorrhizae for nutrition. If sustainability is a priority, a peat‑free product can offer comparable plant performance with a smaller ecological footprint.
Which product gives the best value for larger container gardens?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix in the 25‑qt bag fills three 10‑inch containers, making it cost‑effective for extensive outdoor planting. In contrast, smaller bags like the 12‑qt Back to the Roots indoor mix are better suited for indoor hobbyists. Compare the price per cubic foot and the number of containers each bag can fill to determine the most economical option for your garden size.
Do any of these soils help reduce pest problems like fungus gnats?
Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix is formulated without bark or compost, which lowers the risk of indoor gnats and other pests. Similarly, LGM Soil’s all‑purpose mix includes beneficial microbes that can suppress harmful insects. Selecting a soil with pest‑reducing attributes can lessen the need for chemical controls.
What added nutrients should I look for in an organic potting mix?
Key additives include mycorrhizal fungi, which improve root absorption, and kelp or seaweed meals that supply micronutrients. Products like Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix contain earthworm castings, alfalfa, and kelp meals for a balanced nutrient profile. These organic boosters support vigorous growth without synthetic chemicals.
Are any of these potting soils safe for pets and children?
Both Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix and Wonder Soil label their blends as pet‑ and child‑safe, avoiding harmful chemicals and heavy metals. Miracle‑Gro’s organic mixes also use responsibly sourced peat and natural fertilizers, which are generally non‑toxic when used as directed. Always verify that the product is certified OMRI‑listed or explicitly states it is safe for household use.