Comparison: Best Jiffy Natural Organic Seed Starting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly delivers? We’ve dug into the details, tested the textures, and watched seeds sprout to bring you an honest, down-to-earth comparison. Whether you’re starting tomatoes on a windowsill or prepping a full garden, let’s find the perfect mix to give your seeds the best possible start—naturally.
- Best for moisture-rich blend: Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix
- Best for peat-free power: Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts
- Best for mycorrhizae boost: Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening
- Best for classic jiffy mix: Jiffy G310 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil
- Best for horse-ready mix: AMOVO Jiffy G316 16 Quart Organic Seed Starting Jiffy-Mix for Horse Owners
- Best for bulk starter pack: Jiffy 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil – 5088 (Qty 6)
- Best for pro grow formula: Seed Starter Natural Potting Soil Mix for Germination and Growth (Made in USA) (4 Dry Quarts)
Product Comparison: Best Jiffy Natural Organic Seed Starting Mix
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.
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
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.
AMOVO Jiffy G316 16 Quart Organic Seed Starting Jiffy-Mix for Horse Owners, Gardeners, Plant Enthusiasts, Environmentally Conscious Consumers, All Life Stages, 16 Pounds, 13.45 Pounds Display Weight
- Sold on Amazon
Jiffy 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil – 5088 (Qty 6)
- B007WB0TQK
Seed Starter Natural Potting Soil Mix for Germination and Growth (Made in USA) (4 Dry Quarts)
- READY TO USE MIXTURE – The same formulation as used by professional growers
- PROMOTES SEED GROWTH – Our special mix provides excellent seed germination and growth of young seedlings
- PROVIDES AERATION AND MOISTURE RETENTION – Contains peat moss, perlite and vermiculite for optimum control
- PH CONTROLLED – Balanced ph levels for a broad spectrum of different plant types
- BAG SIZE – 4 Dry Quarts
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 should I prioritize when choosing a seed starting mix?
Look for a balance of moisture retention, aeration, and pH control, as these affect germination speed and seedling health. Organic ingredients like peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and mycorrhizae can improve root development. Also consider whether you prefer peat‑based or peat‑free formulations for environmental reasons.
How does the Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix compare to the Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Mix?
Jiffy’s mix uses peat moss, vermiculite, and lime, offering excellent water‑holding capacity and aeration, while Back to the Roots is peat‑free and adds coconut coir, mycorrhizae, and yucca extract for strong root growth. The Back to the Roots mix also includes dolomitic limestone for pH balancing, making it a more eco‑friendly option. Jiffy provides a larger total volume (20 QT) versus Back to the Roots’ 6 QT.
Is the Espoma Organic Seed Starter a good value compared to the Jiffy mixes?
Espoma combines sphagnum peat moss, perlite, yucca extract, and lime, similar to Jiffy’s ingredients, but adds a proprietary myco‑tone blend of endo and ecto mycorrhizae. It’s marketed as a premium organic blend without synthetic chemicals, which can justify a higher price for organic gardeners. If you need a smaller quantity, Espoma’s packaging may be more cost‑effective than buying multiple Jiffy bags.
Which mix is best for gardeners concerned about sustainability?
Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Seed Starting Mix is peat‑free and emphasizes reduced CO₂ emissions, making it the most environmentally conscious choice. Jiffy’s traditional peat‑based mixes have a higher carbon footprint, though they are widely trusted for performance. Consider the trade‑off between sustainability and the proven moisture retention of peat.
Do any of these mixes include added nutrients for seedlings?
Most seed starting mixes, including Jiffy, Back to the Roots, and Espoma, focus on providing a sterile, nutrient‑light medium to avoid over‑feeding young roots. Back to the Roots highlights natural nutrients from coconut coir and yucca extract, while Jiffy relies on the natural nutrient content of peat and vermiculite. If you need a nutrient boost, you can supplement with a gentle starter fertilizer after germination.
How important is the bag size when selecting a seed starter mix?
Bag size matters for the scale of your planting project; larger bags like Jiffy’s 20 QT provide better value for extensive indoor gardening or classroom use. Smaller bags, such as the 4‑QT Seed Starter Natural Potting Soil Mix, are convenient for hobbyists or limited space. Purchasing multiple smaller bags can be more flexible but may increase per‑quart cost.
What are the key differences between Jiffy G310, Jiffy G316, and the standard Jiffy‑Mix?
Jiffy G310 is a 10‑quart premium seed starting soil similar to the standard Jiffy‑Mix, focusing on peat, vermiculite, and lime. The G316 version is a 16‑quart blend marketed toward horse owners, potentially formulated for larger containers or heavier use. While all share core ingredients, the G316’s larger volume may offer a lower cost per quart for bulk growers.