Comparison: Best Potting Mix For All Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all soils are created equal, and choosing the **best potting mix for all plants** can feel overwhelming with so many options on the shelf. But don’t worry—we’ve dug into the dirt so you don’t have to. Let’s explore the top contenders that deliver real results, no guesswork needed.
- Best for water‑smart mix: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for gnat‑resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for growth‑boost mix: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic outdoor blend: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for peat‑free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for coir‑rich indoor: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all‑purpose growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for water‑balance organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for seed‑starter formula: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Best for fast‑drain succulent: Miracle-Gro Cactus
Product Comparison: Best Potting Mix For All Plants
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 Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- Recommended for growing beautiful indoor houseplant varieties like Pothos, Spider Plants, Monstera, Philodendron, English Ivy and more
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats, thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss that’s just right
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as a quality product in compliance with industry standards
- A single 4-qt bag fills an 8-inch container; for even more spectacular results, start regular feedings with Miracle-Gro Plant Food 30 days after planting
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16. qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds container plants for up to 6 months so you get more blooms for more color (vs. unfed plants)
- How to use: To use 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
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch container (exact amounts may vary based on root ball size)
- Where to Use: Use this home gardening product with all types of container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- This potting soil mix Grows Plants Twice As Big (vs. unfed plants)
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.
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Blended for a Variety of Houseplants, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix feeds houseplants for up to 6 months and is designed to be less prone to gnats (contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
- This potting mix contains coconut coir, which holds and releases water and helps soil re-wet
- Where to use: Blended for a wide variety of indoor container plants, including climbing, foliage, flowering, and tropical plants
- How to use: To use, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; add more mix after placing your plant in the pot
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch containers (exact amount may vary based on the root ball size)
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)
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 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)
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 consider when choosing a potting mix for both indoor and outdoor plants?
Look at moisture retention, nutrient content, and whether the mix is formulated for indoor or outdoor use. Indoor mixes often emphasize aeration and pest resistance, while outdoor mixes may include slower‑release fertilizers and tougher textures for harsher conditions. Also check if the product is organic or synthetic, as that affects sustainability and feeding schedules.
How does Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix differ from the standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix?
Moisture Control uses an AquaCoir formula that holds up to 33% more water and includes a built‑in wetting agent, reducing the risk of over‑ or under‑watering. The standard mix provides similar nutrient feeding for up to six months but lacks the extra water‑holding technology. Both claim to grow plants twice as big, but the Moisture Control version is better for gardeners who want more forgiving watering needs.
Is an organic potting mix worth the extra cost compared to conventional blends?
Organic mixes like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor or Indoor Potting Mix contain natural fertilizers and responsibly sourced peat or coir, which appeal to eco‑conscious growers. They typically feed plants for 2‑6 months and may have slightly lower nutrient concentrations, so you might need supplemental feeding. If sustainability and reduced synthetic chemicals are priorities, the added price can be justified.
Which mix is best for preventing fungus gnats on houseplants?
Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix and the Indoor Potting Mix are formulated to be less prone to gnats because they avoid compost and bark, which gnats love. Both include perlite, sphagnum, and peat moss for good drainage and aeration. Using these mixes with proper watering practices further reduces gnat infestations.
How much coverage does each bag provide, and how does that affect value?
Eight‑quart bags typically fill two 8‑inch containers, while 16‑quart bags fill one 12‑inch container; larger bags give a lower cost per cubic foot. For example, the 2‑bag 16‑qt bundle of Miracle‑Gro Indoor Mix can fill two 12‑inch pots, offering good value for extensive indoor gardens. Compare the total volume needed for your planting plan to choose the most economical size.
What are the benefits of a peat‑free, upcycled organic mix like Back to the Roots?
It eliminates the environmental impact of peat extraction and uses recycled plant material, resulting in a lighter carbon footprint. The blend includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, making it suitable for a wide range of herbs, vegetables, and flowers. The product also comes with a satisfaction guarantee, adding confidence to the purchase.
Can I use a single potting mix for both seedlings and mature plants?
Seed Starting Potting Mix is specially formulated for rapid root development and is ideal for germinating seeds or cuttings. For mature plants, a mix with longer‑lasting nutrients—like the standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix or the Organic Indoor Mix—provides sustained feeding. Switching mixes after seedlings establish can give the best growth results.
Which potting mix is best for succulents, cacti, and citrus trees?
Miracle‑Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix offers a fast‑draining formula enriched with plant food, which prevents water‑logging—a common issue for succulents and citrus. Its texture promotes good aeration while still providing enough nutrients for vigorous growth. This mix works well both indoors and outdoors, making it versatile for a range of drought‑tolerant plants.