Comparison: Best Soil To Buy For Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
With so many options on the market, from peat-based mixes to organic blends, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve tested, compared, and broken down the top contenders so you can pick the ideal soil with confidence and watch your green babies flourish.
- Best for gnat-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for 6-month feed: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for indoor root boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for organic outdoor mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water balance indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for long-lasting feed: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for expandable coir soil: Back to the Roots Organic Coir
- Best for nutrient-rich coir: 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 moisture control mix: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Soil To Buy For 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
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 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)
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
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)
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)
Back to the Roots Organic Coir, 51 Quart Expanding Soil, Great for Seeds and Potting
- A balanced pH, which means it’s truly all-purpose. Use alone or as an amendment for anything in a pot or in the ground — vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even starting seeds.
- Expands to over 2 cubic feet
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this Organic Coconut Coir, just shoot us a note and our dedicacted customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
- GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden and we’ll donate a Grow Kit and STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice.
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 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)
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 potting mix for indoor houseplants?
Focus on a blend that balances water retention and drainage, contains a light texture, and includes nutrients for sustained feeding. Products like Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix add coconut coir for moisture control, while Back to the Roots Indoor Mix offers organic yucca extract and mycorrhizae for root health. Also consider pest resistance; mixes without bark or compost reduce fungus gnats.
How do organic mixes compare to conventional ones in terms of plant performance?
Organic mixes such as Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix provide natural fertilizers, mycorrhizae, and balanced pH without synthetic chemicals, which can be gentler on sensitive plants. Conventional blends like Miracle-Gro Potting Mix include quick‑release fertilizers that boost growth quickly and claim up to twice the size of unfed plants. Both perform well, but organic options may appeal to eco‑conscious gardeners and those avoiding synthetic additives.
Which product is best for preventing fungus gnats in indoor containers?
Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix and Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix are formulated without compost or bark, making them less attractive to fungus gnats. Back to the Roots Indoor Mix also reduces gnat risk by being bark‑free and pet‑safe. Choosing a mix with perlite, sphagnum peat, or coconut coir improves drainage, further discouraging gnat breeding.
What are the advantages of mixes that contain mycorrhizae or kelp?
Mycorrhizae, found in Back to the Roots Indoor Mix, form a symbiotic relationship with roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and drought tolerance. Kelp, included in Wonder Soil, supplies trace minerals and hormones that promote vigorous growth. These biological amendments can lead to stronger, healthier plants compared to mixes that rely solely on synthetic fertilizers.
How does moisture‑control technology differ among the options?
Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix uses an AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33% more water than standard soil, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. Miracle‑Gro Indoor Mix relies on coconut coir for slow water release, while Back to the Roots Indoor Mix uses yucca extract to retain moisture naturally. Select a mix based on how much hands‑off watering you prefer.
Is a peat‑free mix better for the environment?
Peat‑free mixes, such as Back to the Roots Organic Indoor Mix and Back to the Roots Organic Coir, avoid harvesting peat, which reduces carbon emissions and habitat loss. They use renewable materials like coconut coir or upcycled plant matter, offering a lower carbon footprint. If sustainability is a priority, peat‑free options provide comparable performance while being greener.
Which product gives the best value per quart?
Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix bundles two 16‑qt bags, covering two 12‑inch containers each, which is cost‑effective for larger indoor gardens. Back to the Roots 12‑qt Organic Potting Mix is slightly more expensive per volume but includes organic certifications and a satisfaction guarantee. For pure quantity, the Miracle‑Gro bundles typically deliver the lowest price per quart.
Can the same mix be used for seed starting and mature plants?
Yes, many mixes are versatile enough for both stages. Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix mentions seed starting use, and its coir‑peat blend provides a fine texture ideal for germination. For mature plants, the same mix supplies nutrients and drainage, though some gardeners prefer a lighter seed‑starting mix, such as the Back to the Roots Organic Coir, which expands and offers a balanced pH.