Comparison: Best Jiffy Mix Seed Starting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re eager to kickstart your garden with strong, healthy seedlings, choosing the right soil mix is half the battle. We’ve tested the top Jiffy mix varieties side by side, evaluating moisture retention, root development, and ease of use—so you can skip the guesswork and grow with confidence.
- Best for peat power mix: Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix
- Best for fast root formula: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Best for premium jiffy mix: Jiffy G310 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil
- Best for peat-free power: Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts
- Best for bulk premium soil: Jiffy 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil – 5088 (Qty 6)
- Best for lightweight drainage mix: 10qt Jiffy Seed Start Soil
- Best for expandable organic block: Back to the Roots Organic Seed Starting
- Best for mycorrhizae enriched: Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening
Product Comparison: Best Jiffy Mix Seed Starting Soil
Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix, 10 QT (2 Bags (20 QT)
- This Jiffy Seed Starting Mix Includes: peat moss, vermiculite and lime.
- Peat Moss: Peat can hop up to 20x it’s weight in water, provides aeration for plant roots and helps retain nutrients plants need.
- Vermiculite: Prevents soil compaction, retains moisture and improves aeration. Can soak up to 3-4x it’s volume in water!
- Lime: Promotes a healthy PH balance in soil.
Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix, 8 Quarts (Pack of 2), For Use in Containers
- Specially formulated for fast root development
- Enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- Excellent for starting cuttings
- Use when starting from seed and with leaf, stem or root cuttings
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts, 100% Organic & USA Made for Herbs, Veggies, Flowers, w/Nutrient Rich Plant Food, Worm-Castings, & Moisture Controlling Yucca Brown
- NUTRIENT-RICH, NATURAL, AND ORGANIC SOIL: Grow a bountiful garden in your home with the Back to the Roots All-Purpose Natural and Organic Peat-Free 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix, packed with the nutrients needed for your plants, flowers, and vegetables to thrive
- MYCORRHIZAE, YUCCA EXTRACT, AND COCONUT COIR FOR STRONG ROOT DEVELOPMENT: This organic potting soil has mycorrhizae, coconut coir, and yucca extract which enhances the root’s uptake of water and the nutrients required by your plants for growth
- FEATURES pH BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: The dolomitic limestone of this potting soil has a combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate which effectively neutralizes acidity and prevent nutrient deficiency
- ZERO-RISK GARDENING AND GREAT FOR THE PLANET: Made in the USA and 100% guaranteed to grow; If you have any problems, we will send you a new bag to get you growing; Mined peatlands contribute yearly CO2 emissions equivalent to what cars all over the world are releasing — that’s why we think it’s so important to leave peat alone and offer the 1st premium, 100% peat-free soil in the market
- THE PERFECT GIFT: The perfect holiday gift, it comes in a beautiful packaging so that it’s ready to be given to foodie, garden-loving and eco-conscious friends and family; This kit is also part of our Grow One Give One campaign, simply share a picture on social media, tag us and use the campaign hashtag, and we’ll donate a kit to a classroom of your choice
Jiffy 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil – 5088 (Qty 6)
- B007WB0TQK
10qt Jiffy Seed Start Soil
- Mix of peat moss and amendments for starting vegetable and flower seeds and for rooting cuttings
- Lightweight composition for easy handling and for promoting drainage
Back to the Roots Organic Seed Starting, Compressed Block expands to 12 Quarts, Made for Herbs, Veggies, Flowers
- A balanced pH, which means it’s truly all-purpose. Use alone or as an amendment for anything in a pot or in the ground — vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even starting seeds.
- Expands to 12 Quarts
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this product, just shoot us a note and our dedicated customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
- 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.
Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening, 16 qt, bag – Pack of One
- CONTAINS: This organic Seed Stating soil mix is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss & perlite with yucca extract and lime to ensure correct pH.
- MYCO-TONE: A blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Use to germinate and start seeds. Great for flower, vegetable, herb & more plant types. Can also be used to root stem and leaf cuttings.
- PROMOTE ROOT GROWTH: Organic seed starter mix ensures ideal moisture retention and aeration.
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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 essential ingredients should I look for in a seed‑starting mix?
A good mix typically contains a lightweight base like peat moss, coconut coir, or sphagnum peat to hold moisture, plus an aerating amendment such as vermiculite, perlite, or pumice. Lime or dolomitic limestone is added to keep the pH in the optimal 6.0‑6.5 range for most seedlings. Some premium blends also include mycorrhizae or yucca extract to boost root development.
How does Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil compare to Miracle‑Gro Seed Starting Mix?
Jiffy’s blend is 100 % organic, featuring peat moss, vermiculite and lime, which gives excellent water retention and aeration without synthetic additives. Miracle‑Gro adds a built‑in plant food and is formulated for rapid root growth, but it contains synthetic nutrients. If you prefer an all‑natural product, Jiffy is the better choice; for a quick‑start with added fertilizer, Miracle‑Gro may offer more immediate vigor.
Is a peat‑free mix like Back to the Roots better for the environment?
Yes, Back to the Roots uses coconut coir, mycorrhizae, and dolomitic limestone, eliminating peat, which is harvested from sensitive wetlands. The peat‑free formula reduces carbon emissions associated with peat extraction while still providing excellent moisture retention and pH balance. For eco‑conscious gardeners, this mix offers a sustainable alternative without sacrificing performance.
Which seed‑starting mix gives the best value for larger gardening projects?
Bulk packs such as Jiffy’s 10‑quart (or 6‑bag) versions provide the lowest cost per quart, making them ideal for extensive seed sowing. Miracle‑Gro’s two‑8‑quart bags are slightly more expensive per volume but include built‑in fertilizer, which can offset the need for separate feed. Consider the total cost, the inclusion of nutrients, and how much you’ll actually use when choosing the most economical option.
Why is pH balance important in a seed‑starting mix?
Seedlings thrive in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0‑6.5); if the mix is too acidic or alkaline, nutrient uptake can be hindered, leading to weak growth. Jiffy adds lime, while Back to the Roots incorporates dolomitic limestone to buffer pH and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Checking the product’s pH‑adjusting components helps ensure a stable environment for germination.
Can the same seed‑starting mix be used for rooting cuttings?
Absolutely. Mixes that combine peat or coir with aerating agents like vermiculite or perlite, such as Jiffy Seed Starting Soil and Espoma Organic Seed Starter, provide the moisture and drainage cuttings need to develop roots. Miracle‑Gro also mentions suitability for leaf, stem, or root cuttings, making most of these products versatile for both seeds and cuttings.
What should I consider regarding moisture retention and aeration?
A balance is key: ingredients like peat moss or coconut coir hold water, while vermiculite, perlite, or pumice create air pockets to prevent compaction. Too much water retention can cause damping‑off disease, whereas insufficient aeration can stunt root growth. Look for mixes that list both moisture‑holding and aerating components to achieve optimal seedling health.