Comparison: Best Dr Earth Planting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
But is it really the best out there? We dug into the ingredients, tested it in real gardens, and compared it to top competitors to find out what makes it stand out—or fall short. Whether you’re growing flowers, veggies, or trees, choosing the right mix matters. Let’s break down the facts, skip the fluff, and see if Dr. Earth lives up to the hype. Your garden deserves the truth.
- Best for acid-loving blend: Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Azalea
- Best for all-purpose gold: Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil
- Best for versatile potting soil: Dr. Earth Pot of Gold All Purpose Potting Soil 8 qt
- Best for cactus succulent mix: Dr. Earth 810 Exotic Cactus & Succulent Soil
- Best for drainage-optimized blend: Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix 8 qt
- Best for cactus gift set: Cactus Succulent Soil Potting Mix – Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Organic (8 qt) Bundle with Transplanter Poly Handle (10 in.) for Easy Planting and Care – Gift Set (2 Items)
- Best for organic fertilizer: Dr. Earth Premium Gold All Purpose Fertilizer 4 lb
- Best for bulk gold soil: Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil
- Best for tropical palm fertilizer: DR EARTH INC 756P Exotic Dr. Earth Exoitc Blend Palm
- Best for bud & bloom boost: Dr. Earth GL61100518430 Fertilizer & Soil 707P Organic 8 Bud & Bloom Fertilizer in Poly Bag
Product Comparison: Best Dr Earth Planting Mix
Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron & Maple Planting Mix – 8 Quart
- Natural and Organic Hand Crafted Blend
- Great for acid loving plants such as Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons, And Maples
- No synthetic ingredients or GMO infested chicken manure
- Contains TruBiotic beneficial soil microbes & mycorrhizae, contributing to drought tolerance, enhanced nutrient availability & increased performance.
- Sustainably made from premium, food grade ingredients, contributing to water purity and a reduction in green house gas emissions.
Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil, 8 Quart, Natural
- Soil comes in an 8 qt. bag, includes Pro-Moisture Hydrate, is OMRI listed, MycoApply certified and perfectly safe for both pets and people
- Formulated for both indoor and outdoor potting and container use, this soil is a perfect match for your herbs, vegetables, indoor gardens, all container plants and flowers
- You can use it as a soil amendment for the in-ground planting of trees, shrubs, bare roots, flowers and vegetables
- Soil is great for mulching, seed cover, indoor garden production, transplanting, compost use, soil Boosts and even clay soil applications
- Soil is loaded with quality organic ingredients and the welcome addition of TruBiotic soil microbes with both ecto and endo mycorrhizae
- Power source type: Corded Electric
Dr. Earth Pot of Gold All Purpose Potting Soil 8 qt
- 8 Quart Bag
- Ideal for herbs, vegetables, indoor gardens, container plants, flowers and all container plants.
- Use in any size container, both indoor and outdoor, including hanging baskets house plants and patio
- People and Pet safe.
- OMRI listed, Non-GMO Project Verified, CDFA OIM Registered
Dr. Earth 810 Exotic Cactus & Succulent Soil, 8 Quart, Natural
- Potting mix comes in an 8 qt. bag, is OMRI listed, perfectly safe for people and pets, and MycoApply certified
- Specifically formulated to meet the many needs of cactus, succulents, all drought-tolerant plants and even container plants, this mix can be applied to both indoor and outdoor planting projects
- With superior drainage and water holding features at your disposal, you’ll be surprised at just how many planting projects you can tackle in your garden
- You can apply the mix to containers, use it to enrich soils, clay soil, for transplanting and even compost tea
- This soil mix is formulated from a high-quality selection of composted organic materials that work to aid your plants in becoming established, like aged fir bark, TruBiotic, ecto and endo mycorrhizae
Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix 8 qt
- 8 Quart Bag
- Ideal for Cactus, succulents and all drought tolerant plants. Container plants love the mix.
- Excellent for use in container, both indoor and outdoor, including hanging baskets & house plants
- This blend has excellent drainage and water holding capabilities simultaneously.
- OMRI listed, Non-GMO Project Verified, CDFA OIM Registered
Cactus Succulent Soil Potting Mix – Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Organic (8 qt) Bundle with Transplanter Poly Handle (10 in.) for Easy Planting and Care – Gift Set (2 Items)
- 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐄𝐓: This gift set includes 1x Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Organic (8 qt) bundle with 1x Handle (10 in.) to help to take care for cacti and succulents with ease (Packaging May Vary)
- 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄: The Dr. Earth Exotic Blend Potting Mix is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents, providing the ideal drainage, aeration, and nutrients needed to promote healthy plant growth.
- 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑: The included 10-inch Transplanter Poly Handle is lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to transfer your plants into new pots or garden spaces without causing damage.
- 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇: The potting mix features a blend of organic materials that provide essential nutrients and promote root development, ensuring that your cacti and succulents thrive in their new environment.
- 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍: This set is ideal for gardeners, both beginners and experts, who want an easy and effective solution for potting and transplanting cacti and succulents, helping plants grow strong and healthy
Dr. Earth Premium Gold All Purpose Fertilizer 4 lb
- The only Non-GMO Project Verified fertilizer in the U.S.A.
- People & Pet Safe – no synthetic chemicals, GMO infested chicken manure or toxic ingredients.
- Handcrafted from human and feed grade ingredients. Enriched with multi-minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, humic acids & trace elements that promote the healthiest soils capable of growing the healthiest fruits and vegetables for your family.
- Organic Transparency; OMRI (Organic Material Review Institute), OIM (Organic Input Materials), CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), NOP (National Organic Program) and Non-GMO Project Verified the highest level of purity and transparency.
- Sustainably made in the U.S.A. through a collaboration of high level enviornmentalists inspired to positively change the world. Formulated by Milo Shammas, founder of Dr. Earth, to grow Home Grown Foods.
Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil, 8 Quart, Natural (Pack of 5)
- The information below is per-pack only
- Soil comes in an 8 qt. bag, includes Pro-Moisture Hydrate, is OMRI listed, MycoApply certified and perfectly safe for both pets and people
- Formulated for both indoor and outdoor potting and container use, this soil is a perfect match for your herbs, vegetables, indoor gardens, all container plants and flowers
- You can use it as a soil amendment for the in-ground planting of trees, shrubs, bare roots, flowers and vegetables
- Soil is great for mulching, seed cover, indoor garden production, transplanting, compost use, soil Boosts and even clay soil applications
- Soil is loaded with quality organic ingredients and the welcome addition of TruBiotic soil microbes with both ecto and endo mycorrhizae
- Power source type: Corded Electric
DR EARTH INC 756P Exotic Dr. Earth Exoitc Blend Palm, Tropical & Hibiscus Fertilizer 4lb, Natural (Pack of 2)
- The information below is per-pack only
- The only non-GMO project verified fertilizer in the U.S.A.
- People & pet Safe – no synthetic chemicals, GMO infested chicken manure or toxic ingredients.
- Handcrafted from human and feed grade ingredients. Enriched with multi-minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, humic acids & trace elements that promote the healthiest soils capable of growing the healthiest tropical plants in your yard.
- Organic transparency; OMRI (organic material review Institute), oim (organic input materials), CCOF (California certified organic farmers), nop (national organic program) and non-GMO project verified the highest level of purity and transparency.
- Sustainably made in the U.S.A. Through a collaboration of high level enviornmentalists inspired to positively change the world. Formulated by Milo shammas, founder of Dr. Earth, to grow home grown foods.
Dr. Earth GL61100518430 Fertilizer & Soil 707P Organic 8 Bud & Bloom Fertilizer in Poly Bag, 4-Pound, 4 lb, Natural (Pack of 2)
- The information below is per-pack only
- Feed all bulbs, tubers, corms and rhizomes
- Made with 100% organic and natural ingredients
- Superior blend of fish bone meal, alfalfa meal, feather meal, soft rock phosphate and mined potassium sulfate
- Contains no GMOs, chicken manure or sewage sludge
- Feeds for several months
- Power source type: Corded Electric
- Contains pro-biotic, seven champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus ecto and endo mycorrhizae
- Better root establishment; bigger, more abundant buds, blooms and fruit; consistent premium quality
- More naturally available phosphorus; stable, consistent plant growth, no growth spikes; 100-percent natural and organic
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
Which Dr. Earth mix is best for acid‑loving plants like azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and maples?
The Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron & Maple Planting Mix is formulated specifically for those species. It contains a hand‑crafted blend of organic ingredients and no synthetic additives, ensuring the right pH and nutrient balance. The added TruBiotic microbes and mycorrhizae further improve nutrient uptake in acidic soils.
How does the Acid Lovers mix differ from the Gold Premium potting soil?
Acid Lovers is a targeted blend for acid‑preferring shrubs, while Gold Premium is an all‑purpose potting soil suitable for herbs, vegetables, and a wide range of container plants. Gold Premium includes Pro‑Moisture Hydrate for water retention and is OMRI listed, but it does not have the specialized pH adjustments of the Acid Lovers mix. Both contain TruBiotic microbes, but the Acid Lovers also emphasizes drought tolerance for woody plants.
What should I consider when choosing a mix for cacti and succulents?
Look for a mix that offers excellent drainage and aeration, such as the Dr. Earth Exotic Blend or the 810 Exotic Cactus & Succulent Soil. These products contain coarse organic materials and mycorrhizal fungi that prevent root rot while still providing enough moisture retention for drought‑tolerant plants. Certification like OMRI and Non‑GMO ensures the blend is free from harmful chemicals.
Are the Exotic Blend mixes interchangeable for different drought‑tolerant plants?
Yes, both the Exotic Blend Cactus & Succulent Potting Mix and the 810 Exotic Cactus & Succulent Soil are formulated for a broad range of drought‑tolerant species. They share similar drainage properties and include TruBiotic microbes, making them suitable for cacti, succulents, and even some ornamental palms. Minor differences in ingredient ratios may affect water‑holding capacity, so choose the one that matches your specific watering schedule.
How important is the presence of TruBiotic microbes and mycorrhizae in these soils?
TruBiotic microbes and both ecto‑ and endo‑mycorrhizae create a living soil ecosystem that enhances nutrient availability and root development. They help plants tolerate drought, improve disease resistance, and increase overall vigor. All the listed Dr. Earth mixes include these beneficial organisms, making them a key value‑add compared to conventional potting soils.
Is there a cost‑effective way to buy larger quantities of Gold Premium soil?
Purchasing the 5‑pack of Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil (each 8 qt.) provides a bulk discount and reduces per‑quart cost. The pack maintains the same OMRI‑listed, MycoApply‑certified formulation as the single bags, ensuring consistent performance across a larger garden or multiple containers. Shipping savings often make the multi‑pack the most economical choice for serious growers.
Can the Gold Premium potting soil be used as a soil amendment for in‑ground planting?
Yes, the Gold Premium mix is versatile enough to serve as an amendment for in‑ground beds, trees, shrubs, and even clay soils. Its organic composition improves structure, water retention, and nutrient content when mixed with native soil. The inclusion of Pro‑Moisture Hydrate helps maintain moisture levels during the establishment period.
How do the certifications (OMRI, Non‑GMO, MycoApply) affect product safety and performance?
OMRI certification guarantees the product meets strict organic standards, while Non‑GMO verification ensures no genetically modified ingredients are present. MycoApply certification confirms the presence and viability of mycorrhizal fungi, which are essential for plant health. Together, these certifications provide confidence that the soil is safe for pets, people, and the environment, and that it delivers the promised biological benefits.