Comparison: Best Kellogg Outdoor Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re looking to give your garden the best start possible, choosing the right potting soil matters—and Kellogg offers some standout options for outdoor use. We’ve dug into the details, tested performance, and compared ingredients to help you decide. Whether you’re growing flowers, veggies, or container gardens, this comparison breaks down the top Kellogg outdoor potting soils so you can choose with confidence—and watch your garden thrive.
- Best for organic quick-fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for general moisture retainer: Michigan Peat 20 Pound Bag of Garden Magic General Purpose Moisture Retaining Potting Soil Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Planting
- Best for versatile topsoil blend: Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for large-volume organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for six-month feed: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for bundle value pack: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for moisture-control formula: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for coco coir power: WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings
Product Comparison: Best Kellogg Outdoor Potting Soil
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)
Michigan Peat 20 Pound Bag of Garden Magic General Purpose Moisture Retaining Potting Soil Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Planting

- Garden magic potting soil
- A general purpose mix that is ready to use out of the bag for indoor and outdoor planting
- Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat and other materials
- Retains sufficient moisture to sustain active plant growth during moderately dry periods
Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes, White

- 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
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.
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 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 25 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10-inch containers (amount may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16. qt., 2-Pack

- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds container plants for up to 6 months so you get more blooms for more color (vs. unfed plants)
- How to use: To use this potting medium, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix, place your plant in the soil, and fill the rest of the pot, pressing lightly
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch container (exact amounts may vary based on root ball size)
- Where to Use: Use this home gardening product with all types of container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- This potting soil mix Grows Plants Twice As Big (vs. unfed plants)
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt., 2-Pack

- 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
- This bundle includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix; each fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Protects against Over- and Under-Watering, 8 qt., 2-Pack

- Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix feeds plants for up to 6 months and Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs unfed plants)
- This potting medium protects against over and under watering; also absorbs up to 33% more water than basic potting soil* with exclusive AquaCoir Formula (*soil that does not contain sphagnum peat moss, coir, and wetting agent)
- Use this gardening product with all types of container plants, including flowers, vegetables, annuals, perennials, and shrubs
- To use this potting soil, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; place your plant in the pot and cover with more mix
- This bundle comes with two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix; each fills two 8-inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending on the size of the root ball)
WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings, Perlite

- NUTRIENT RICH & INDOOR/OUTDOOR FAST GERMINATION… Wonder Soil Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix is the only dry compressed coco coir mix with added amendments of worm castings, mycorrhizae, kelp, perlite and more! Grow your plants faster with stronger roots! Peat free, all natural, family and pet safe!
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT… your little BIG bag of compressed indoor potting soil & garden soil for outdoor plants expands to 4 TIMES THE SIZE when mixed with water; easy to carry & saves vital shed space.
- PRE-MIXED & READY TO USE ORGANIC POTTING MIX … Pre-mixed and ready to use organic potting soil and garden soil mix to help make your gardening or hobby growing a breeze. Simply transplant your desired plants into their new container and add our soil mix or pour our soil mix and plant your seeds.
- WATER RETENTION & DRAINAGE… Coco coir has excellent water retention with dependable drainage and aeration in the root zone. Save up to 50% of water, fertilizer, and seed!
- HEAVY DUTY RESEALABLE BAG… Use what you need and save the rest for later! Keeping your planting soil dry and safe!
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 consider when choosing a potting mix for outdoor containers?
Look for a blend that balances moisture retention, drainage, and nutrient content. Organic mixes like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor include a quick‑release fertilizer for up to two months, while peat‑free options such as Back to the Roots rely on upcycled plant material and added pH balancers. Also consider the size of the bag relative to the number of containers you plan to fill.
How does Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor compare to the regular Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix?
The Organic version adds a natural, quick‑release fertilizer and is made with responsibly sourced peat, feeding plants for about two months. The regular Miracle‑Gro mix focuses on longer‑term feeding, up to six months, and emphasizes larger growth. Both are suitable for a wide range of outdoor plants, but the organic blend is better for gardeners seeking certified organic ingredients.
Is there a benefit to buying larger bags like the 25‑qt Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor versus multiple 16‑qt bags?
Larger bags generally offer a lower cost per quart and reduce packaging waste, making them more economical for extensive garden projects. A 25‑qt bag can fill three 10‑inch containers, while each 16‑qt bag fills one 12‑inch container, so volume needs and container size will dictate the best choice. However, if you have limited storage space, smaller bags may be more convenient.
How do Michigan Peat’s 20‑lb and 40‑lb Garden Magic mixes differ in performance?
Both are general‑purpose blends with a dark peat base, but the 40‑lb version adds perlite and sand for improved drainage and moisture balance. The larger bag is ideal for gardeners who need to amend heavy clay soils or improve moisture in lighter soils, while the 20‑lb bag works well for smaller indoor or outdoor projects.
What are the environmental advantages of Back to the Roots 100 % Organic, peat‑free mix?
Back to the Roots uses upcycled plant matter and wood fines instead of peat, reducing carbon footprint and avoiding peat extraction impacts. The blend includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, offering a sustainable yet fertile medium. It also supports a charitable program that donates garden kits to schools.
When should I choose Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control over other mixes?
Moisture Control is formulated with AquaCoir to absorb up to 33 % more water and protect against over‑ and under‑watering, making it ideal for regions with erratic rainfall. It also promotes growth up to six months without additional fertilizer. If you struggle with watering consistency, this mix can simplify care.
How does Wonder Soil’s coco‑coir based mix compare to peat‑based options?
Wonder Soil replaces peat with compressed coco coir, offering excellent water retention while maintaining good drainage, and it expands fourfold when hydrated. It includes added amendments like worm castings and kelp for nutrient richness. This peat‑free formula is pet‑safe and reduces reliance on peat harvesting.
Is it more cost‑effective to buy bundled potting mixes, such as the Miracle‑Gro 2‑bag bundles?
Bundled packs typically lower the price per unit and ensure you have enough mix for multiple containers, which is useful for larger garden projects. For example, the 2‑bag bundle of Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor provides enough soil for two 12‑inch containers, saving you a trip to restock. However, assess your storage capacity and actual planting needs before purchasing bulk bundles.
