Comparison: Best Earthbox Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re looking to grow healthier, tastier veggies or vibrant flowers without the guesswork, you’ve probably heard of EarthBox and their promise of fuss-free gardening. But does their organic potting mix really live up to the hype? Spoiler: not all potting mixes are created equal.
- Best for peat-free blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for fast-feed outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhiza boost: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for pet-safe indoor: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for outdoor bundle pack: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for large outdoor pack: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for indoor bundle pack: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for myco-enhanced soil: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
Product Comparison: Best Earthbox Organic Potting Mix
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 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)
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 2 Cubic Foot bag. Pack of1
- FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Any time planting containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. Plants require regular re-potting and fresh planting soil for optimum growth
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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)
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., 2-Pack
- 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
- This bundle includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix; each fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 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 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)
Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, Protects Against Over and Under Watering, for Indoor Container Plants, Houseplants and Starter Plants, OMRI Listed, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- 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
- This bundle includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix; each bag fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 1
- FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Any time planting containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. Plants require regular re-potting and fresh planting soil for optimum growth
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the key differences between the organic indoor potting mixes from Back to the Roots and Miracle‑Gro?
Back to the Roots uses a peat‑free blend with upcycled plant material, yucca extract for moisture retention, and dolomitic limestone for pH balance. Miracle‑Gro’s indoor mix relies on responsibly sourced peat, coir, and a quick‑release natural fertilizer. The Back to the Roots formula emphasizes sustainability and lower carbon footprint, while Miracle‑Gro focuses on immediate nutrient availability.
How does the peat‑free formulation of Back to the Roots compare to the peat‑based mixes from Miracle‑Gro and Espoma in terms of environmental impact?
Peat‑free mixes avoid extracting peat, which reduces greenhouse‑gas emissions and habitat disruption, making Back to the Roots a greener choice. Miracle‑Gro and Espoma source peat from certified producers, which mitigates some impact but still involves peat extraction. If sustainability is a priority, the peat‑free option generally offers a lower overall environmental footprint.
Which mix offers the best moisture management for indoor plants?
Back to the Roots indoor mix includes organic yucca extract that helps retain moisture and prevent over‑watering, which is especially useful for houseplants. Miracle‑Gro’s indoor blend also contains moisture‑balancing coir, but it relies more on the quick‑release fertilizer to support growth. Overall, the yucca‑enhanced formula tends to provide more consistent moisture control.
Are there any advantages to choosing a mix with mycorrhizae, like Espoma’s Myco‑Tone, over mixes without it?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, and enhancing drought resistance. Espoma’s mix includes both endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae, which can boost overall plant health compared to mixes that lack this biological component. For gardeners seeking robust root development, a mycorrhizae‑enriched blend can be a noticeable advantage.
How do the quantities and coverage differ among the 12‑quart and 16‑quart bags for typical container sizes?
A 12‑quart bag (Back to the Roots) generally fills one 12‑inch pot, while a 16‑quart bag (Miracle‑Gro or Espoma) can fill the same size pot with a bit more leeway for larger root balls. Larger bags, such as the 25‑quart Miracle‑Gro outdoor mix, are marketed to fill three 10‑inch containers. Choosing the right size depends on how many pots you plan to fill and whether you prefer bulk purchasing for cost savings.
What should I consider regarding fertilizer content when selecting an organic potting mix?
Some mixes, like Miracle‑Gro’s outdoor and indoor blends, contain a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, reducing the need for immediate supplemental feeding. Back to the Roots and Espoma rely more on organic amendments and mycorrhizae, offering slower, long‑term nutrient release. Decide whether you want an instant nutrient boost or a gradual feeding schedule based on your plant’s growth stage.
Is there a noticeable price‑to‑performance benefit when buying bulk bundles versus single bags?
Bulk bundles, such as the two‑bag 16‑quart packs from Miracle‑Gro, typically lower the cost per quart and are convenient for larger gardening projects. Single 12‑quart bags from Back to the Roots may have a higher per‑quart price but include added value like the GrowOneGiveOne program and a peat‑free formulation. Evaluate the total volume you need and weigh sustainability or brand features against the per‑unit cost to determine the best value.