Comparison: Best G&B Organics Planting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)

Seed starter mixes, like Espoma Organic Seed Starter and Purple Cow Seed Starter, are formulated for rapid germination with fine texture, balanced moisture retention, and added nutrients for the first 45 days. General potting soils, such as SUNGRO Black Gold or Espoma Potting Soil, contain coarser components like perlite and pumice to provide long‑term aeration and support mature root systems. Choose a starter mix for seedlings and a potting blend for established plants.

Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix is specifically designed for raised beds, offering a blend of earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and feather meal to enrich soil structure and fertility. It also includes mycorrhizal fungi to improve nutrient uptake. For a more general option, SUNGRO Black Gold can be used, but the Raised Bed Mix provides a ready‑to‑use formula tailored to bed environments.

Many Espoma products, including the Raised Bed Mix, Potting Soil, and Vegetable & Flower Garden Soil, contain a proprietary blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae, which help roots absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. While not essential, this inoculant can boost plant vigor, especially in nutrient‑poor or sterile growing media. If you’re planting in rich, established soil, the benefit may be less noticeable.

SUNGRO Black Gold typically offers a larger volume (16 quarts) at a competitive price, making it a cost‑effective choice for bulk planting. Espoma’s specialty mixes, such as the Seed Starter and Raised Bed Mix, may cost slightly more per quart but include added nutrients, mycorrhizae, and specific formulations that can reduce the need for supplemental fertilizers. Evaluate how much you’ll use and whether the targeted benefits justify the extra cost.

Seed starter mixes provide excellent moisture retention and fine texture for germination, but they often lack the coarse structure needed for long‑term root development. After seedlings develop their first true leaves, it’s best to transplant them into a more robust potting soil like SUNGRO Black Gold or Espoma Potting Soil, which offers better aeration and sustained nutrient release.

An OMRI‑listed product, such as SUNGRO Black Gold, guarantees that the soil meets strict organic standards, meaning no synthetic chemicals or prohibited additives are present. Look for certifications, ingredient transparency (e.g., earthworm castings, peat, perlite), and any additional organic amendments like kelp or alfalfa meal that enhance fertility. These factors ensure compliance with organic gardening practices and often improve soil health.

Both products contain organic amendments like earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and feather meal, but the Vegetable & Flower Garden Soil is intended for in‑ground use and focuses on improving native soil structure. The Potting Soil is formulated for containers, offering a balanced blend of peat, humus, and perlite for better drainage. Choose the Potting Soil for potted plants and the Garden Soil when amending garden beds or rows.