Comparison: Best Humus Rich Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all soils are created equal, and when it comes to nurturing healthy, vibrant plants, humus-rich blends stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll dig into the best humus-rich potting mixes on the market, comparing ingredients, texture, moisture retention, and real results to help you choose the perfect foundation for your leafy friends.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for violet‑specific blend: Premium African Violet Soil – Organic
- Best for all‑purpose peat: Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes
- Best for microbial boost: Worm Bliss (1 Qt) – Organic Worm Castings for Plants & Gardening – OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings for Plants
- Best for hemp‑ready formula: Gardenera Premium JUST-ADD-Water Potting Soil Mix – Optimal Nutrient-Rich Blend for Thriving and HIGH-Yield Herbal Plants – 1 Quart
- Best for bulk humus power: Worm Bliss (2 Gallons) – Organic Worm Castings for Plants & Gardening – OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings for Plants
- Best for extended humus supply: Worm Bliss (8 Qts) – Organic Worm Castings for Plants & Gardening – OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings for Plants
- Best for maximum humus: Worm Bliss (1 Cubic Ft
- Best for coconut‑coir blend: Burpee
Product Comparison: Best Humus Rich Potting Mix
Violet‑Specific Blend
Premium African Violet Soil – Organic, Nutrient-Rich Potting Mix for Saintpaulia – Promotes Strong Roots, Consistent Moisture & Vibrant Blooms – Fast-Draining & Ready to Use (4 QTS)
Top Tier Genetics
- ✔ SPECIALIZED BLEND: Perfectly formulated potting mix designed specifically for African Violets and other indoor flowering plants
- ✔ SOIL COMPOSITION: Light and airy mixture containing peat moss, perlite, and limestone for optimal drainage and root health
- ✔ PH BALANCED: Carefully balanced acidity levels to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming of African Violets
- ✔ MOISTURE CONTROL: Enhanced water retention properties while preventing soil compaction and root rot
- ✔ INDOOR USE: Ideal for potting and repotting African Violets in containers of all sizes with proper nutrients for long-lasting growth
All‑Purpose Peat
Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes, White
Garden Magic
- Ready-to-Use for All Planting Needs: This general-purpose potting mix is ready to use out of the bag, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor planting without any additional preparation
- Optimal Moisture Retention & Drainage: Designed to allow excess water to drain effectively while retaining moisture, promoting healthy plant growth during dry seasons
- High-Quality Soil Blend: Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat, perlite, and sand, offering the best conditions for plant health and soil structure
- Perfect for All Gardeners: Developed for both new and experienced home gardeners, this soil mix enhances plant growth in various environments and gardening projects
- Improves Soil Quality: Ideal for loosening heavy clay soils and enhancing moisture in light soils, making it perfect for use as a top dressing to fill holes in lawns and garden beds
Microbial Boost
Worm Bliss (1 Qt) – Organic Worm Castings for Plants & Gardening – OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings for Plants, Vegetables, Flowers, & Potting Soil – Organic Garden Fertilizer Rich in Nutrients
plantonix
- Organic Worm Castings for Garden Soil – Plantonix Worm Bliss is a 100% organic fertilizer and soil amendment that mixes with potting soil for indoor plants and outdoor plants. Worm castings are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals that improve soil conditions for better overall plant mass.
- 100% Vegan & Manure-Free – We raise our worms in a climate controlled facility and feed them a strictly vegan diet. Our earth worm castings for plants are meticulously screened to get rid of any traces of dirt, sand, or rocks, leaving you with nothing but pure worm castings for plants, unlike others who dilute their castings with synthetic ingredients or additives.
- Supports Beneficial Microbial Activity – Using earthworm castings for plants encourages soil microbes that break down organic matter and convert nutrients into forms that plants can easily absorb. These microbes are crucial for increasing nutrient availability and building drought tolerance for a more balanced soil ecosystem.
- Excellent Water Retention – The humus in worm castings improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture, so you can rest assured knowing your plants are staying happy and hydrated. Worm humus for plants reduces the need for frequent watering, so you can save water and promote more sustainable gardening practices.
- Improves Soil Structure & Aeration – Using organic worm castings for plants increases the porosity of the soil, creating a well-oxygenated environment that supports efficient water and nutrient uptake. This makes earth worm castings organic fertilizer an excellent choice for plants, potting soil, potting mixes, garden containers, garden terraces, flowers, garden soil for vegetables, and more.
Hemp‑Ready Formula
Gardenera Premium JUST-ADD-Water Potting Soil Mix – Optimal Nutrient-Rich Blend for Thriving and HIGH-Yield Herbal Plants – 1 Quart
Gardenera
- 🌿 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓-𝐀𝐃𝐃-𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐎𝐈𝐋 𝐌𝐈𝐗: Our Just-Add-Water Potting Soil Mix is expertly crafted to provide the perfect growing environment for vibrant and healthy hemp plants. This premium soil mix ensures your hemp plants receive the optimal nutrients, moisture, and aeration needed to thrive, making it ideal for both container gardening and hydroponics. Simply add water, and watch your plants flourish.
- 🌱 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐒: Contains premium peat moss, which offers excellent moisture retention and aeration, crucial for robust hemp plant growth. The peat moss in our potting mix ensures that your hemp plants have the perfect balance of moisture and oxygen, promoting strong and healthy roots. This component is essential for preventing soil compaction and maintaining soil structure.
- 🍂 𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐘𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐇𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐄: Infused with beneficial mycorrhizae fungi, which enhance nutrient and water uptake by forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots. This addition ensures your hemp plants establish strong, efficient root systems, promoting vigorous growth and resilience. Mycorrhizae are known to improve plant health and increase resistance to environmental stressors.
- 🥥 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐂𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐈𝐑: Includes sustainable and eco-friendly coco coir, which provides excellent water retention and root support. Coco coir helps maintain optimal moisture levels and prevents overwatering, making it perfect for container gardening and hydroponics. This component is an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional soil amendments.
- 🦴 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐋 & 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐋: Enriched with organic bone meal and blood meal, natural sources of phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen. These nutrients are essential for healthy root development, vegetative growth, and robust flowering. Bone meal provides a slow-release form of phosphorus, while blood meal offers a quick nitrogen boost.
- 🪱 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒: Providing a rich source of nutrients that support strong and healthy hemp plants. Worm castings improve soil fertility and structure, ensuring optimal growth and productivity. They are a natural fertilizer that enhances microbial activity and nutrient availability in the soil.
- 🌋 𝐀𝐙𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄, 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐓𝐄, & 𝐄𝐏𝐒𝐎𝐌 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐓: Infused with azomite, dolomite, and Epsom salt, providing essential trace minerals, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. These elements are crucial for balanced soil pH, enhanced nutrient uptake, and overall plant health. Azomite supplies a broad spectrum of minerals, while dolomite balances soil pH and Epsom salt provides readily available magnesium.
- 🌑 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐋: Improves soil structure, retains moisture, and removes impurities, ensuring a healthy growing environment for your plants. Activated charcoal helps to detoxify the soil, keeping it free from harmful chemicals and enhancing plant growth. It also aids in preventing root diseases by maintaining a cleaner soil environment.
- 🏖️ 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 & 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄: The addition of perlite and sand ensures excellent aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot. This feature is ideal for container plants and hydroponics, as it promotes healthy root systems and prevents soil compaction. Perlite provides lightweight aeration, while sand enhances drainage efficiency.
- 💡 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 & 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃: Combining the best of organic materials and advanced horticultural practices, Gardenera’s Just-Add-Water Potting Soil Mix is preferred by expert gardeners worldwide. This innovative mix ensures your hemp plants grow healthy and productive, making it the go-to choice for both amateur and expert gardeners. Trusted by professionals, this soil mix delivers exceptional results for your gardening endeavors.
Bulk Humus Power
Worm Bliss (2 Gallons) – Organic Worm Castings for Plants & Gardening – OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings for Plants, Vegetables, Flowers, & Potting Soil – Organic Garden Fertilizer Rich in Nutrients
plantonix
- Organic Worm Castings for Garden Soil – Plantonix Worm Bliss is a 100% organic fertilizer and soil amendment that mixes with potting soil for indoor plants and outdoor plants. Worm castings are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals that improve soil conditions for better overall plant mass.
- 100% Vegan & Manure-Free – We raise our worms in a climate controlled facility and feed them a strictly vegan diet. Our earth worm castings for plants are meticulously screened to get rid of any traces of dirt, sand, or rocks, leaving you with nothing but pure worm castings for plants, unlike others who dilute their castings with synthetic ingredients or additives.
- Supports Beneficial Microbial Activity – Using earthworm castings for plants encourages soil microbes that break down organic matter and convert nutrients into forms that plants can easily absorb. These microbes are crucial for increasing nutrient availability and building drought tolerance for a more balanced soil ecosystem.
- Excellent Water Retention – The humus in worm castings improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture, so you can rest assured knowing your plants are staying happy and hydrated. Worm humus for plants reduces the need for frequent watering, so you can save water and promote more sustainable gardening practices.
- Improves Soil Structure & Aeration – Using organic worm castings for plants increases the porosity of the soil, creating a well-oxygenated environment that supports efficient water and nutrient uptake. This makes earth worm castings organic fertilizer an excellent choice for plants, potting soil, potting mixes, garden containers, garden terraces, flowers, garden soil for vegetables, and more.
Extended Humus Supply
Worm Bliss (8 Qts) – Organic Worm Castings for Plants & Gardening – OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings for Plants, Vegetables, Flowers, & Potting Soil – Organic Garden Fertilizer Rich in Nutrients
plantonix
- Organic Worm Fertilizer for Plants – Worm castings are a 100% natural soil amendment and garden fertilizer for indoor plants and outdoor plants. Organic earthworm castings are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals that improve soil conditions for better overall plant mass.
- 100% Vegan & Manure-Free – We raise our worms in a climate controlled facility and feed them a strictly vegan diet. The castings are meticulously screened to get rid of any traces of dirt, sand, or rocks, leaving you with nothing but pure worm castings for plants, unlike others who dilute their castings with synthetic ingredients or additives.
- Supports Microbial Activity – Using earthworm castings for plants encourages soil microbes that break down organic matter and convert nutrients into forms that plants can easily absorb. These microbes are crucial for increasing nutrient availability and building drought tolerance for a more balanced soil ecosystem.
- Excellent Water Retention – The humus in worm castings improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture, so you can rest assured knowing your plants are staying happy and hydrated. This reduces the need for frequent watering, so you can save water and promote more sustainable gardening practices.
- Improves Soil Structure & Aeration – Using organic worm castings for plants increases the porosity of the soil, creating a well-oxygenated environment that supports efficient water and nutrient uptake. This makes Worm Bliss an excellent plant fertilizer for potting soil, potting mixes, garden containers, garden terraces, vegetables, flowers, and more.
Maximum Humus
Worm Bliss (1 Cubic Ft, 30lbs) – Organic Worm Castings for Plants & Gardening – OMRI-Listed Earthworm Castings for Plants, Vegetables, Flowers, & Potting Soil – Garden Fertilizer Rich in Nutrients
plantonix
- Organic Worm Castings for Garden Soil – Plantonix Worm Bliss is a 100% organic fertilizer and soil amendment that mixes with potting soil for indoor plants and outdoor plants. Worm castings are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals that improve soil conditions for better overall plant mass.
- 100% Vegan & Manure-Free – We raise our worms in a climate controlled facility and feed them a strictly vegan diet. Our earth worm castings for plants are meticulously screened to get rid of any traces of dirt, sand, or rocks, leaving you with nothing but pure worm castings for plants, unlike others who dilute their castings with synthetic ingredients or additives.
- Supports Beneficial Microbial Activity – Using earthworm castings for plants encourages soil microbes that break down organic matter and convert nutrients into forms that plants can easily absorb. These microbes are crucial for increasing nutrient availability and building drought tolerance for a more balanced soil ecosystem.
- Excellent Water Retention – The humus in worm castings improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture, so you can rest assured knowing your plants are staying happy and hydrated. Worm humus for plants reduces the need for frequent watering, so you can save water and promote more sustainable gardening practices.
- Improves Soil Structure & Aeration – Using organic worm castings for plants increases the porosity of the soil, creating a well-oxygenated environment that supports efficient water and nutrient uptake. This makes earth worm castings organic fertilizer an excellent choice for plants, potting soil, potting mixes, garden containers, garden terraces, flowers, garden soil for vegetables, and more.
Coconut‑Coir Blend
Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant
Burpee
- ALL-NATURAL MIX: Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix is formulated with plant food & coconut coir to promote seed & root growth and healthy flower, vegetable & herb plants. OMRI Listed for organic use.
- PERFECT FOR CONTAINERS: Use this growing mix for planting in containers or raised beds. The potting soil feeds plants instantly, then provides a slow-release plant food that feeds for up to 3 months.
- RETAINS MOISTURE: Sustainable coconut coir helps hold the right amount of water for potted plants, indoors or outdoors. Coconut coir is an organic and sustainable resource that helps maintain moisture between waterings.
- TIP FOR FLOWER POTS: Use flowers and foliage of varying heights to add dimension to your container. Place tall plants in the middle or back, mounding plants all around and spilling plants at the edge.
- Since 1876: Generations of customers have trusted Burpee to deliver the highest quality products and service. Gardeners rely on Burpee for accurate plant information and how-to tips that make gardening easier and more successful. Let’s grow together!
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 is humus and why should I look for it in a potting mix?
Humus is the stable organic matter that results from decomposed plant and animal material, and it improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. A mix rich in humus helps roots breathe while keeping moisture accessible, which leads to healthier, more vigorous plants. Choosing a humus‑rich blend can reduce the need for frequent watering and supplemental fertilization.
Which of the listed products contains the most humus‑rich amendment?
The Worm Bliss line (available in 1 qt, 2 gal, 8 qt, and 30 lb sizes) is 100 % organic worm castings, which are essentially concentrated humus packed with nutrients and beneficial microbes. Compared to peat‑based mixes, worm castings provide a higher proportion of stable organic matter per volume, making them the most humus‑dense option on the list.
How do worm castings compare to peat moss blends for indoor flowering plants like African violets?
Worm castings deliver a balanced supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals, while also boosting microbial activity that aids nutrient uptake. Peat moss blends, such as the Premium African Violet Soil, offer excellent aeration and acidity control but contain less humus and fewer living microbes. For plants that benefit from richer organic nutrition, worm castings often outperform peat‑only mixes.
Is a specialized mix like the Premium African Violet Soil worth the extra cost for general houseplants?
Specialized mixes are formulated with precise pH and texture for specific plant families, which can lead to better bloom performance in African violets and similar species. However, for a broader range of houseplants, a high‑quality all‑purpose mix with added humus, such as Burpee Organic Potting Mix or a worm casting amendment, can provide comparable results at a lower price. Consider your plant selection and whether you need the exact nutrient profile before paying a premium.
Can I combine worm castings with a peat‑based potting soil to get the best of both worlds?
Yes, mixing a small amount of worm castings (about 10‑20 % of the total volume) into a peat‑based potting mix adds humus, microbes, and extra nutrients while retaining the excellent drainage and acidity control of peat. This hybrid approach improves water retention and root health without drastically changing the soil’s texture, making it a versatile solution for many indoor and outdoor plants.
What should I look for in the ingredient list to ensure good drainage and aeration?
Key components for drainage and aeration include perlite, vermiculite, sand, and coconut coir; these create air pockets and prevent soil compaction. Products like the Premium African Violet Soil list peat moss, perlite, and limestone, while the Gardenera JUST‑ADD‑WATER mix adds coco coir and mycorrhizae for similar benefits. Avoid mixes that rely heavily on dense organic matter without any coarse amendments, as they can become waterlogged.
How does the price per pound compare across the humus‑focused options?
Worm Bliss castings are sold in larger bulk sizes (2 gal, 8 qt, 30 lb) which generally lower the cost per pound compared to smaller specialty bags. The Michigan Peat blend and Burpee Organic Mix are priced competitively for standard garden use, but they contain less humus per unit weight. For gardeners seeking maximum humus value, buying worm castings in bulk offers the best price‑performance ratio.
Are there any environmental considerations when choosing between peat‑based and worm‑casting mixes?
Peat extraction can impact sensitive wetlands and release stored carbon, making it a less sustainable choice over the long term. Worm castings are a recycled organic waste product, produced from vermiculture farms that use minimal resources and often incorporate vegan feed. Selecting worm castings supports a circular economy and reduces the ecological footprint of your gardening routine.