Comparison: Best Natural And Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re tired of guessing which potting mix actually lives up to its “natural” and “organic” claims, you’re not alone. We’ve dug into the dirt—literally—testing and comparing top-rated natural and organic potting mixes to help you make the best choice. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in a backyard garden, we’ll break down what really matters so you can grow with confidence.
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Peat-Free Sustainability
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for classic organic blend: Natural & Organic Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free sustainability: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for indoor root boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for all-purpose organic: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for large-scale coverage: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for raised bed ready: Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
- Best for value bundle pack: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for watering balance: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Natural And Organic Potting Mix
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 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.
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
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 1
- FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Any time planting containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. Plants require regular re-potting and fresh planting soil for optimum growth
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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)
Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
- FOR USE: Ideal for raised garden beds and outdoor containers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil mix for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Use to fill new raised beds or to enhance soil in existing beds. Ready to use
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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 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 main differences between Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix and Back to the Roots Organic Outdoor Mix?
Miracle‑Gro’s mix contains a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, while Back to the Roots is 100% organic and peat‑free, using upcycled plant material and wood fines. The Miracle‑Gro blend relies on responsibly sourced peat, whereas Back to the Roots emphasizes a lighter carbon footprint and includes yucca extract for moisture control. Both are suitable for outdoor containers, but the Back to the Roots formula is marketed as more environmentally friendly.
Which potting mix is best for indoor houseplants?
For indoor use, the Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix and Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Mix are the top choices. Back to the Roots adds organic yucca extract for moisture retention and mycorrhizal fungi to boost root development, while Miracle‑Gro includes a balanced peat‑based blend with a quick‑release fertilizer and built‑in over‑/under‑watering protection. If you prefer a peat‑free, pet‑safe option, Back to the Roots is the better fit.
How does peat content affect sustainability, and which products are peat‑free?
Peat extraction can release stored carbon, contributing to greenhouse gases, so peat‑free mixes are considered more sustainable. Back to the Roots Indoor and Outdoor mixes are 100% peat‑free, using upcycled plant matter and wood fines. All Miracle‑Gro mixes and the Espoma products contain responsibly sourced peat, which mitigates impact but does not eliminate it.
What should I know about fertilizer content when selecting a potting mix?
Miracle‑Gro mixes include a quick‑release natural fertilizer that provides nutrients for about two months, ideal for fast‑growing vegetables and flowers. Espoma mixes rely on organic amendments like earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and feather meal, offering a slower, steady nutrient release. If you prefer minimal fertilizer and want to add your own feed, choose a peat‑free, fertilizer‑free option such as Back to the Roots.
How do bag sizes and coverage compare for typical container plants?
A 16‑qt. bag of Miracle‑Gro Outdoor Mix fills roughly one 12‑inch container, while a larger 25‑qt. bag covers about three 10‑inch containers. Back to the Roots provides 12‑qt. bags that are comparable in volume to Miracle‑Gro’s 16‑qt. bags, but the coverage may vary slightly due to the lighter, peat‑free formulation. Consider the number of containers you plan to fill and the mix’s density when estimating how many bags you need.
Do any of the mixes contain mycorrhizae or other soil enhancers?
Yes, both Espoma mixes and Back to the Roots Indoor Mix include mycorrhizal fungi (Espoma’s Myco‑Tone and Back to the Roots’ root‑boosting mycorrhizae) to improve nutrient uptake. Miracle‑Gro mixes do not list mycorrhizae but provide a quick‑release fertilizer for immediate feeding. If you want the added benefit of symbiotic fungi, Espoma or Back to the Roots are the better choices.
Which product offers the best value for growing vegetables in containers?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix often provides the most economical price per cubic foot and includes a built‑in fertilizer, making it cost‑effective for vegetable growers who want quick results. Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix also offers good value, especially for those who prefer a richer blend of organic amendments and mycorrhizae, though it may be priced slightly higher. For environmentally conscious gardeners, Back to the Roots gives a competitive price while being peat‑free and sustainable.
How do pet‑friendly or pest‑resistant features differ among the options?
Back to the Roots Indoor Mix is formulated without bark or compost, reducing the likelihood of indoor gnats and making it safer for pets and children. Miracle‑Gro Indoor Mix includes peat and coir but does not specifically address pest resistance. Espoma mixes are all‑natural and free of synthetic chemicals, which can be safer for pets, but they do not highlight pest‑deterrent properties. Choose Back to the Roots if minimizing pest issues and pet safety is a priority.