Comparison: Best Jiffy Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
We’ve dug into the details, tested the textures, and watched how real plants respond to each blend. From seed starting to transplanting, we’ll break down what makes each mix stand out—so you can skip the guesswork and grow with confidence. Let’s find your garden’s perfect match.
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for premium seed mix: Jiffy G310 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil
- 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 3-in-1 organic: Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts
- Best for outdoor fertilizer blend: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for indoor yucca blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Jiffy Organic Potting Mix
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.
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.
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
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
- Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix contains a quick-release natural fertilizer and also feeds plants for up to 2 months
- This potting mix is made with responsibly sourced peat (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers)
- Use this organic potting mix with all types of outdoor container plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials
- To plant in pots, fill the container partially full with potting mix, place the plant in the pot after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix and water thoroughly
- One 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- FORMULATED FOR INDOOR USE: Our Potting Mix contains organic yucca extract that aids in retaining moisture in the soil whichs keeps your indoor plants happy and healthy
- ROOT-BOOSTING MYCORRHIZAE: This beneficial soil component provides your plants with a natural, organic way to boost their root development and nutrient uptake
- ORGANIC AND PEAT-FREE: Our indoor potting mix helps reduce greenhouse emissions and environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for conscious consumers
- BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: Balances the alkalinity and acidity levels of the soil, which ensures that your plants receive the necessary nutrients from the potting mix to grow healthy and strong
- SAFE FOR PETS AND PEOPLE: Made without bark or compost, this potting mix is less prone to indoor gnats and pests, making it a worry-free option for your indoor gardening needs
Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, Protects Against Over and Under Watering, for Indoor Container Plants, Houseplants and Starter Plants, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
- Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix protects indoor plants against over and under watering
- This organic container mix is made with responsibly sourced sphagnum peat moss (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers), coir, and quick-start natural fertilizer
- Use this potting medium with all types of indoor container plants, including houseplants and herbs; also great for seed starting
- To plant seeds, fill container with potting mix, follow seed package planting directions, and water; To use with transplants, partially fill container, place plant after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix pressing lightly, and water
- One 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
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 are the key differences between Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (12 qt) and the Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Seed Starting Mix (6 qt)?
The 12‑quart potting mix is an all‑purpose, peat‑free blend designed for mature indoor plants, while the 6‑quart 3‑in‑1 mix is formulated specifically for seed starting and includes extra mycorrhizae, coconut coir, and a higher concentration of yucca extract for rapid root development. The larger bag offers more volume at a lower cost per quart, but the seed‑starting mix provides a richer nutrient profile for germination. Both are made in the USA and guarantee a peat‑free, low‑carbon footprint formula.
How does Jiffy G310 10‑Quart Premium Seed Starting Soil compare in organic content to Espoma Organic Seed Starter?
Jiffy G310 is marketed as a premium seed‑starting soil but does not explicitly label itself as 100 % organic, whereas Espoma’s mix is certified organic and includes sphagnum peat moss, perlite, yucca extract, and mycorrhizae. Espoma also highlights a blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae for enhanced nutrient uptake, giving it a stronger organic credential. If strict organic certification matters to you, Espoma is the clearer choice.
Which mix offers the best moisture control for indoor houseplants?
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix and Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix both contain yucca extract, which helps retain moisture while preventing waterlogging. The Back to the Roots blend also adds dolomitic limestone for pH balance, making it slightly more forgiving for beginners. Miracle‑Gro includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that can further reduce the need for frequent watering.
Is a peat‑free formula important, and which products are peat‑free?
A peat‑free formula reduces environmental impact by avoiding peat extraction, which releases stored carbon. Back to the Roots offers several peat‑free options, including the 12‑quart All‑Purpose Mix, the 3‑in‑1 Seed Starting Mix, and the Indoor Potting Mix. Miracle‑Gro’s outdoor and indoor mixes still contain responsibly sourced peat, so they are not peat‑free.
How do the added mycorrhizae and yucca extract affect root development across the options?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, extending their ability to absorb water and nutrients, while yucca extract improves soil structure and moisture retention. Both Back to the Roots mixes and Espoma’s seed starter include these ingredients, leading to faster, stronger root systems. Products without these additives, such as some generic Jiffy mixes, may require more frequent fertilization to achieve similar growth.
What should I consider when choosing a potting mix for outdoor container gardening?
For outdoor containers, look for a mix that balances water retention with drainage, includes a slow‑release fertilizer, and can withstand temperature fluctuations. Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix provides a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, making it convenient for seasonal growers. If you prefer a peat‑free, environmentally friendly option, Back to the Roots’ All‑Purpose Mix can be used outdoors but may need supplemental feeding.
Which product provides the most value per quart for a home gardener on a budget?
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (12 qt) offers the lowest cost per quart while delivering a premium, peat‑free blend suitable for a wide range of plants. The larger bag also includes a satisfaction guarantee and a charitable “Grow One Give One” program, adding extra value. While Jiffy and Espoma provide specialized seed‑starting formulas, they come in smaller quantities and at a higher price per volume.
Are any of these mixes safe for pets and less likely to attract fungus gnats?
Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix is formulated without bark or compost, which reduces the likelihood of fungus gnats and makes it safer around pets. Miracle‑Gro Indoor Mix also uses a sterile blend of peat, coir, and a natural fertilizer, but its peat content can retain moisture that sometimes encourages gnats. Overall, the peat‑free Back to the Roots options are the most pet‑friendly and gnat‑resistant.