Comparison: Best Espoma Ap8 Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
Gardeners everywhere are raving about its rich, chemical-free blend, but how does it really stack up against the competition? We’ve dug into the details, tested it side by side with top contenders, and weighed the pros and cons so you don’t have to. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in containers, let’s find out if Espoma’s AP8 lives up to the hype.
- Best for all-purpose organic: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for indoor/outdoor versatile: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- 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 classic ap8 blend: Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix (1-Pack)
- Best for reliable soil mix: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for balanced nutrient mix: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. for Organic Gardening
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Product Comparison: Best Espoma Ap8 Organic Potting Mix
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.
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. 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.
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 2
- 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 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.
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.
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. for Organic Gardening, 4qt. 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.
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.
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
How do I decide which package size of Espoma AP8 organic potting mix to buy?
Consider the number of containers you plan to fill and the size of each pot. An 8‑quart bag is ideal for a few medium‑sized pots or for occasional repotting, while larger bulk bags reduce per‑quart cost if you garden extensively. Also factor in storage space, as the mix stays viable for several years when kept dry.
What is Myco‑Tone and why is it important for my plants?
Myco‑Tone is Espoma’s proprietary blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizal fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. These fungi improve nutrient and water uptake, especially phosphorus, leading to healthier growth and better stress tolerance. Using a mix with Myco‑Tone can give seedlings a stronger start and boost yields for vegetables and herbs.
Do the various Espoma mixes listed have any ingredient differences?
All of the Espoma mixes you’re comparing share the same core ingredients: sphagnum peat moss, humus, perlite, earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and feather meal, plus the Myco‑Tone fungal blend. The primary distinction is packaging size and occasional minor labeling updates, not the formulation itself. This means performance will be consistent across the different ASINs.
How does the Back to the Roots 12‑Quart organic potting mix compare to Espoma AP8 in terms of sustainability?
Back to the Roots is 100 % organic and peat‑free, using upcycled plant material and wood fines, which gives it a lower carbon footprint than peat‑based mixes like Espoma AP8. Both products are organic, but Espoma relies on peat moss, whereas Back to the Roots substitutes it with renewable resources. If a peat‑free blend is a priority, the Back to the Roots mix offers a greener alternative.
Can I use these potting mixes for both indoor and outdoor gardening?
Yes, all the Espoma mixes and the Back to the Roots blend are formulated for versatile use in containers, raised beds, and garden beds, both indoors and outdoors. Their balanced texture provides good drainage and aeration, which suits houseplants as well as outdoor vegetables and herbs. Just ensure proper watering practices for the specific environment you’re planting in.
Is buying the larger 12‑Quart Back to the Roots mix more cost‑effective than purchasing multiple smaller Espoma bags?
Generally, bulk purchases like the 12‑quart Back to the Roots bag lower the cost per quart compared with buying several 8‑quart Espoma bags. The larger bag also reduces packaging waste and the frequency of re‑ordering. However, compare the unit price and factor in any promotional discounts on Espoma to determine the best value for your garden’s size.
Will the Myco‑Tone blend in Espoma mixes give a noticeable advantage for growing vegetables and herbs?
Gardeners often report faster seedling development and stronger root systems when using mixes with Myco‑Tone, especially for nutrient‑heavy crops like tomatoes and basil. The fungal partnership enhances phosphorus uptake, which can translate into higher yields and better disease resistance. While results can vary with growing conditions, the added mycorrhizae generally provide a measurable benefit over non‑mycorrhizal soils.