Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Tomato Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
A lot of that comes down to one crucial factor: the potting mix. In this guide, we’ll break down the best potting mixes for tomatoes, comparing ingredients, drainage, and real garden results—so you can grow the juicy, sun-warmed tomatoes you’ve always wanted.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for quick-feed organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for carbonboost biochar: Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend – Organic Potting Soil for Vegetables
- Best for gnat-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for aquacoir moisture: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for six-month boost: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for biochar powerhouse: Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend – Organic Potting Soil for Vegetables
- Best for family pack growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for large-scale organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for balanced water indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for coir gnat-guard: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Tomato Plants
Quick-Feed Organic
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
CarbonBoost Biochar
Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend – Organic Potting Soil for Vegetables, Tomatoes & Gardens – Potting Mix Enriched with Humic Acid & CarbonBoost – Versatile Top Soil for Indoor & Outdoor Plants-4quarts
Wakefield Biochar
- Engineered for Superior Garden Performance: Wakefield’s premium potting soil with biochar, for outdoor plants with Humic acid, and our proprietary CarbonBoost technology, delivering optimal conditions for vibrant, sustained growth. Ideal for everything from raised beds to patio containers, this advanced formula supports healthy root systems whether you’re cultivating juicy tomatoes or leafy herbs.
- Enhanced Root Health and Nutrient Absorption: Formulated as a powerful soil amendment and effective soil conditioner, this advanced biochar blend supports healthy microbial ecosystems for optimized nutrient uptake and improved aeration. Whether you’re cultivating hardy vegetables or delicate herbs, it strengthens root development and enhances long-term fertility. Perfect for gardeners looking to elevate top soil for garden quality or enrich topsoil for vegetable garden beds.
- Smart Water Retention Meets Drainage Balance: Designed with advanced hydration control, this organic vegetable soil helps maintain ideal moisture levels while preventing overwatering. A great fit for container gardening and raised beds, it also works as a reliable soil mixer for sensitive environments. Use it indoor or outdoor, this blend functions beautifully as potting soil for plants.
- 100% Organic, Eco-Conscious Formula: Crafted without synthetic additives, this blend provides a sustainable, chemical-free base for clean cultivation. Ideal for anyone growing vegetables and herbs at home. It performs exceptionally as a gardening soil for vegetables and supports vibrant harvests. Whether you’re using it as a nutrient-rich indoor soil potting mix or as dependable outdoor potting soil, it delivers lasting results.
- Versatile, All-Purpose Growing Medium: From raised beds to balcony containers, this blend adapts effortlessly to diverse planting styles. Whether you’re cultivating with potting soil for outdoor plants, enriching topsoil in open plots, or managing delicate herbs indoors, Wakefield delivers consistent performance. It’s equally effective as indoor plant soil and supports lush growth in compact setups requiring high-quality indoor potting soil.
Gnat-Resistant Mix
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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
AquaCoir Moisture
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Protects against Over- and Under-Watering, 8 qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Six-Month Boost
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Shrubs, Annuals, and Perennials, Feeds Up to 6 Months, 8 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Biochar Powerhouse
Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend – Organic Potting Soil for Vegetables, Tomatoes & Gardens – Potting Mix Enriched with Humic Acid & CarbonBoost – Versatile Top Soil for Indoor & Outdoor Plants-2quarts
Wakefield Biochar
- Engineered for Superior Garden Performance: Wakefield’s premium potting soil with biochar, for outdoor plants with Humic acid, and our proprietary CarbonBoost technology, delivering optimal conditions for vibrant, sustained growth. Ideal for everything from raised beds to patio containers, this advanced formula supports healthy root systems whether you’re cultivating juicy tomatoes or leafy herbs.
- Enhanced Root Health and Nutrient Absorption: Formulated as a powerful soil amendment and effective soil conditioner, this advanced biochar blend supports healthy microbial ecosystems for optimized nutrient uptake and improved aeration. Whether you’re cultivating hardy vegetables or delicate herbs, it strengthens root development and enhances long-term fertility. Perfect for gardeners looking to elevate top soil for garden quality or enrich topsoil for vegetable garden beds.
- Smart Water Retention Meets Drainage Balance: Designed with advanced hydration control, this organic vegetable soil helps maintain ideal moisture levels while preventing overwatering. A great fit for container gardening and raised beds, it also works as a reliable soil mixer for sensitive environments. Use it indoor or outdoor, this blend functions beautifully as potting soil for plants.
- 100% Organic, Eco-Conscious Formula: Crafted without synthetic additives, this blend provides a sustainable, chemical-free base for clean cultivation. Ideal for anyone growing vegetables and herbs at home. It performs exceptionally as a gardening soil for vegetables and supports vibrant harvests. Whether you’re using it as a nutrient-rich indoor soil potting mix or as dependable outdoor potting soil, it delivers lasting results.
- Versatile, All-Purpose Growing Medium: From raised beds to balcony containers, this blend adapts effortlessly to diverse planting styles. Whether you’re cultivating with potting soil for outdoor plants, enriching topsoil in open plots, or managing delicate herbs indoors, Wakefield delivers consistent performance. It’s equally effective as indoor plant soil and supports lush growth in compact setups requiring high-quality indoor potting soil.
Family Pack Growth
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16. qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Large-Scale Organic
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Balanced Water Indoor
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
- 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)
Coir Gnat-Guard
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Blended for a Variety of Houseplants, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16 qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
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 type of potting mix is best for growing tomatoes in containers?
Tomatoes thrive in a well‑draining mix that also retains enough moisture for steady growth. Look for a blend that contains organic matter, a balanced fertilizer, and amendments like biochar or peat to improve root development. A mix with added humic acid or coconut coir can help maintain consistent moisture levels.
How does Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix compare to Wakefield’s Biochar Blend for tomatoes?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor provides a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, while Wakefield’s Biochar Blend relies on biochar, humic acid, and its CarbonBoost technology for long‑term nutrient retention. The Wakefield mix tends to improve soil structure and microbial activity, which can benefit tomato root health over a longer season. If you prefer immediate feeding, Miracle‑Gro is convenient; for sustained fertility and eco‑friendly credentials, Wakefield is a strong choice.
Is the quick‑release fertilizer in Miracle‑Gro mixes beneficial for tomato growth?
Yes, the quick‑release fertilizer supplies readily available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that support vigorous vegetative growth and fruit set. It can give tomatoes an early boost, especially in the first few weeks after planting. However, because the feed lasts only about two months, you may need to supplement with additional fertilizer later in the season.
Which potting mix offers the best water‑retention properties for container tomatoes?
Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix uses an AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33 % more water than standard mixes, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. Wakefield’s Biochar Blend also balances water retention with excellent drainage thanks to biochar’s porous structure. Both are suitable, but Moisture Control is designed specifically for consistent moisture management.
Are there any fully organic potting mixes that avoid synthetic additives?
Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend and Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor/Outdoor mixes are 100 % organic and contain no synthetic chemicals. They rely on natural ingredients like peat, coir, biochar, and humic acid to provide nutrients and structure. These options are ideal for gardeners who prioritize ecological sustainability.
How much potting mix do I need for a typical 12‑inch tomato pot?
A 12‑inch container generally requires about 4 – 5 quarts of potting mix, depending on the root ball size. Miracle‑Gro’s 16‑qt bag fills one 12‑inch pot, while the 25‑qt bag of Organic Outdoor mix can fill three 10‑inch pots, giving you enough for several tomatoes. Using the bag specifications helps you estimate the number of pots you can fill without waste.
Does the presence of biochar in Wakefield’s mix improve nutrient availability for tomatoes?
Biochar creates a porous environment that enhances microbial activity and holds nutrients longer, making them more accessible to tomato roots. It also improves aeration and water retention, reducing the risk of root rot. As a result, tomatoes grown in a biochar‑enriched mix often show stronger growth and higher yields compared to standard mixes.