Comparison: Best Soil For Growing Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
Ever wonder why some gardens thrive while others just barely survive? A lot of it comes down to one crucial ingredient: soil. Whether you’re nurturing delicate succulents or hearty tomatoes, the best soil provides the perfect balance of nutrients, drainage, and texture.
- Best for gnat-resistant soil: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for organic outdoor feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-natural boost: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for dual gnat-resistant: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix – Fertilized Soil
- Best for 6-month growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for colorful growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for expandable coco mix: 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 living soil blend: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
- Best for microbe-infused soil: FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
Product Comparison: Best Soil For Growing Plants
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 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)
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)
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 12qt – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture (12 Quart (1 Pack))
- ALL-IN-ONE POTTING SOIL SOLUTION: FoxFarm ocean forest potting soil is a blend designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive. Ideal for container plants, this planting soil provides optimal nutrient and soil aeration
- MOISTURE-LOCKING NUTRIENT BLEND: This organic potting soil for plant is packed with aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, each ingredient enhances moisture retention and nutrient uptake
- TOP-NOTCH SOIL FOR EVERY PLANT: From roses and shrubs to seedlings and trees, this garden soil supports vigorous growth and branching. This outdoor & indoor plant soil’s pH-adjusted blend promotes healthy, lush foliage for all plant varieties
- YOUR GO-TO SOIL FOR ALL MEDIUMS: Our potting soil mix is perfect for container gardens, houseplants, and outdoor setups. Ocean plant versatile blend provides a balanced environment for robust growth, ensuring your plants thrive in any setting
- CONVENIENT SOIL READY TO USE: This houseplant potting soil is ready to use out of the bag, no additional ingredients are needed. Use for planting or top-dressing, with the optional pairing of FoxFarm liquid fertilizers for enhanced growth all season
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix – Fertilized Soil, Designed to be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt. (2-Pack)
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss
- Recommended for growing beautiful, indoor houseplant varieties like pothos, spider plants, monstera, philodendron, english ivy, and more
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as in compliance with industry standards
- Bundle includes two bags of Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix
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 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)
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!
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 8qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny organic soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 8 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 4-6 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil, 12qt – for Indoor/Outdoor Container Plants, Improves Root Efficiency, pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake – Contains Microbes and Humic Acids
- TOP-TIER SOIL FOR BOUNTIFUL GROWTH: FoxFarm organic potting soil for indoor plants is a blend that boosts both indoor and outdoor gardening. Our planting soil enhances root development and plant health, making it a top choice for flourishing growth
- MICROBE-INFUSED SOIL FOR SUPER ROOTS: Enriched with soil microbes, mycorrhizal fungi, and humic acids, this indoor potting soil for house plants promotes efficient nutrient uptake and boosts root growth by improving root systems and plant vitality
- ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR THRIVING PLANTS: The garden soil for outdoor plants contains bat guano, earthworm castings, and aged forest products, all essential for enhanced nutrient levels, soil structure, and soil vital organic matter for healthy plants
- OPTIMAL SOIL FOR LUSH CONTAINER BLOOM: Ideal for container gardens, fox farms happy frog potting soil for vegetables’ balanced texture and content is suitable for a wide range of plants including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and houseplants
- READY-TO-USE CONVENIENT SOIL: Simply fill your container with garden fertilizer houseplant potting soil indoor plants, leaving 1 inch below the rim. Water thoroughly after planting. For best results, supplement growth all the seasons with Fox Farm fertilizers
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 potting soil for indoor houseplants?
Focus on a mix that balances moisture retention with good drainage, such as a blend of perlite, peat moss, and sphagnum. Look for products that are certified by the Mulch & Soil Council and claim to reduce gnats, like Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix. An organic option with coir, mycorrhizae, and worm castings, such as Wonder Soil, can also boost root health while being peat‑free.
How does an organic indoor mix differ from a fertilized synthetic mix?
Organic mixes, like Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix or FoxFarm Happy Frog, rely on natural amendments and microbes to feed plants gradually and protect against over‑watering. Synthetic fertilized mixes, such as the standard Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix, contain quick‑release nutrients that give an immediate growth boost but may require more careful watering. Choose organic if you prefer sustainable ingredients and slower, steadier feeding.
Which soil is best for outdoor container gardening, especially vegetables and herbs?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix is formulated with a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, making it ideal for vegetables and herbs. FoxFarm Ocean Forest offers a richer blend of aged forest products, bat guano, and fish emulsion, providing higher nutrient density for heavy‑feeding crops. Consider the size of your containers: the 16‑qt bag of Miracle‑Gro fills a 12‑inch pot, while the 12‑qt Ocean Forest is suited for larger beds.
Is it worth buying a bundled pack of potting soil versus a single bag?
Bundled packs, like the two‑bag Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix bundle, often provide a lower cost per quart and ensure you have enough soil for multiple plants or repotting projects. Single bags are convenient for one‑off purchases or trialing a new brand. If you plan to fill several containers or rotate crops, the bulk value of a bundle usually outweighs the slight extra storage space required.
How do the moisture‑control features compare across the listed soils?
Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix uses perlite and peat moss for aeration and reduces gnat issues, while the Organic Indoor Mix adds coir for improved water retention and drainage balance. Wonder Soil’s coco coir base holds water efficiently yet drains well, saving up to 50 % of water compared to peat‑based mixes. FoxFarm Happy Frog includes humic acids and mycorrhizal fungi that help roots access moisture more effectively.
Can I use the same soil for both indoor and outdoor plants?
While some mixes like FoxFarm Ocean Forest are versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use, most products are optimized for a specific environment. Indoor mixes prioritize light texture and pest resistance, whereas outdoor mixes contain higher nutrient loads and may include slow‑release fertilizers suitable for larger root zones. Using an indoor‑specific soil outdoors could lead to faster depletion of nutrients, and vice versa may cause poor drainage indoors.
What added value do specialty soils like Rosy Soil or FoxFarm Happy Frog provide?
Rosy Soil incorporates biochar and pine bark fines, creating a living soil ecosystem that supports beneficial microbes and improves root development. FoxFarm Happy Frog is enriched with bat guano, earthworm castings, and mycorrhizal fungi, delivering a broader spectrum of nutrients and enhanced soil biology. Both options justify a higher price point by promoting healthier, more resilient plants and reducing the need for frequent fertilization.