Comparison: Best Nature’S Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all mixes are created equal, and Nature’s Potting Soil has earned a loyal following for good reason. In this comparison, we’ll dig into what makes each blend stand out, from moisture retention to root support, so you can choose the best one for your leafy friends—no guesswork needed.
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for forest all-in-one: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for concentrated super soil: ‘Super Soil Organic Concentrate
- Best for peat-free eco mix: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for gnats-resistant indoor: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for autoflower power blend: Nature’s Living Soil Super Soil Autoflower Concentrate
- Best for 6-month feeding mix: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for premium ocean forest: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for aquacoir moisture control: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for large-bag organic mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Nature’S 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)
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 12qt – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture (12 Quart (1 Pack))
- ALL-IN-ONE POTTING SOIL SOLUTION: FoxFarm ocean forest potting soil is a blend designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive. Ideal for container plants, this planting soil provides optimal nutrient and soil aeration
- MOISTURE-LOCKING NUTRIENT BLEND: This organic potting soil for plant is packed with aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, each ingredient enhances moisture retention and nutrient uptake
- TOP-NOTCH SOIL FOR EVERY PLANT: From roses and shrubs to seedlings and trees, this garden soil supports vigorous growth and branching. This outdoor & indoor plant soil’s pH-adjusted blend promotes healthy, lush foliage for all plant varieties
- YOUR GO-TO SOIL FOR ALL MEDIUMS: Our potting soil mix is perfect for container gardens, houseplants, and outdoor setups. Ocean plant versatile blend provides a balanced environment for robust growth, ensuring your plants thrive in any setting
- CONVENIENT SOIL READY TO USE: This houseplant potting soil is ready to use out of the bag, no additional ingredients are needed. Use for planting or top-dressing, with the optional pairing of FoxFarm liquid fertilizers for enhanced growth all season
‘Super Soil Organic Concentrate
- Concentrated Strength Organic Super Soil (just add soil media)
- 5 pounds of concentrate mixed with potting soil amends 25 gallons of containers
- Just water from seed to harvest (microorganisms in the super soil provide nutrients to the roots over time)
- Living Soil technology for your vegetable garden
- Growing does not need to be difficult to get great yields and quality
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 Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- Recommended for growing beautiful indoor houseplant varieties like Pothos, Spider Plants, Monstera, Philodendron, English Ivy and more
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats, thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss that’s just right
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as a quality product in compliance with industry standards
- A single 4-qt bag fills an 8-inch container; for even more spectacular results, start regular feedings with Miracle-Gro Plant Food 30 days after planting
Nature’s Living Soil Super Soil Autoflower Concentrate
- Concentrated Strength Organic Super Soil (just add soil media)
- 5 pounds of concentrate mixed with potting soil amends 25 gallons of containers
- Just water from seed to harvest (microorganisms in the super soil provide nutrients to the roots over time)
- Living Soil technology designed for autoflower and for your vegetable garden
- All-In-One – Soil Amendment – Top Feed – Compost Tea – Potting Soil – Super Soil – Living Soil
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)
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 12qt – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture (12 Quart (2 Pack))
- ALL-IN-ONE POTTING SOIL SOLUTION: FoxFarm ocean forest potting soil is a blend designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive. Ideal for container plants, this planting soil provides optimal nutrient and soil aeration
- MOISTURE-LOCKING NUTRIENT BLEND: This organic potting soil for plant is packed with aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, each ingredient enhances moisture retention and nutrient uptake
- TOP-NOTCH SOIL FOR EVERY PLANT: From roses and shrubs to seedlings and trees, this garden soil supports vigorous growth and branching. This outdoor & indoor plant soil’s pH-adjusted blend promotes healthy, lush foliage for all plant varieties
- YOUR GO-TO SOIL FOR ALL MEDIUMS: Our potting soil mix is perfect for container gardens, houseplants, and outdoor setups. Ocean plant versatile blend provides a balanced environment for robust growth, ensuring your plants thrive in any setting
- CONVENIENT SOIL READY TO USE: This houseplant potting soil is ready to use out of the bag, no additional ingredients are needed. Use for planting or top-dressing, with the optional pairing of FoxFarm liquid fertilizers for enhanced growth all season
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)
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)
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 look for when choosing a potting mix for outdoor containers?
For outdoor containers, prioritize a mix that provides both nutrition and good drainage, such as Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, which includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer and responsibly sourced peat. Look for blends that are versatile enough for flowers, vegetables, and herbs, and check the coverage information to ensure you buy the right bag size for your pot dimensions.
Which potting mix offers the best moisture‑control features?
Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix stands out with its AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33% more water than standard soils, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. This can be especially valuable in hot climates or for plants that require consistent moisture, while other mixes like FoxFarm Ocean Forest rely on peat and perlite for water retention.
Is a peat‑free potting mix a good option for environmentally conscious gardeners?
Yes, the Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix is completely peat‑free, using upcycled plant material and wood fines, which reduces carbon footprint and avoids peat harvesting. It also includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, making it a sustainable yet effective choice.
How does a super‑soil concentrate compare to a ready‑to‑use potting mix?
Super‑soil concentrates like the Super Soil Organic Concentrate or Nature’s Living Soil Super Soil Autoflower Concentrate require you to mix them with a base soil, but they provide a living ecosystem of microorganisms that feed plants from seed to harvest. Ready‑to‑use mixes such as FoxFarm Ocean Forest or Miracle‑Gro blends are convenient and already balanced, though they may lack the long‑term microbial benefits of a true super‑soil.
Which product gives the most value per container size?
Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix (two 16‑qt bags) can fill a 12‑inch container and feeds plants for up to six months, offering excellent coverage for larger gardens. In contrast, the 25‑qt bag of Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix fills three 10‑inch containers, which is also cost‑effective for bigger outdoor projects.
Are there potting mixes that help reduce indoor pest problems like fungus gnats?
Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines perlite, sphagnum moss, and peat in a ratio that discourages gnats, making it a good choice for indoor growers. Its certified quality and balanced moisture level also support healthy root development, further limiting pest habitats.
How important is pH balance and nutrient diversity in a potting mix?
A well‑balanced pH and diverse nutrient profile are crucial for optimal plant health; FoxFarm Ocean Forest includes aged forest products, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion to lock in nutrients and maintain a stable pH. Back to the Roots also addresses pH with dolomitic limestone while providing a lighter, peat‑free blend, offering a different but effective approach.
What are the key differences between mixes designed for outdoor versus indoor use?
Outdoor mixes like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix focus on durability, quick‑release fertilizers, and peat for water retention, suited for harsher weather conditions. Indoor mixes such as Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix prioritize lighter texture, reduced gnat risk, and a balanced nutrient release to thrive in controlled indoor environments.