Comparison: Best Nature’S Soil Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all soils are created equal, and Nature’s Soil has been making waves with its all-natural promise. But does it really live up to the hype? In this honest comparison, we’ll dig into what makes Nature’s Soil stand out, how it stacks up against top competitors, and whether it’s worth the price tag for your beloved green friends. Let’s find the best fit for your indoor jungle.
- Best for organic outdoor feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for gnat-resistant indoor: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for mycorrhiza boost indoor: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for 6-month growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for aquacoir moisture: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for coconut coir indoor: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for organic water guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for fast-drain succulents: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for ocean forest premium: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
Product Comparison: Best Nature’S Soil 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)
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
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
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 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 Indoor Potting Mix, Blended for a Variety of Houseplants, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix feeds houseplants for up to 6 months and is designed to be less prone to gnats (contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
- This potting mix contains coconut coir, which holds and releases water and helps soil re-wet
- Where to use: Blended for a wide variety of indoor container plants, including climbing, foliage, flowering, and tropical plants
- How to use: To use, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; add more mix after placing your plant in the pot
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch containers (exact amount may vary based on the root ball size)
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)
Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm and Citrus Potting Mix, for Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Great for Succulents, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix features a fast-draining formula and is enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- This fast-draining formula is blended to help promote successful growing of cacti, potted palms, citrus, and other succulents
- This cactus potting mix is designed for indoor and outdoor container plants, including cacti, palm plants, citrus trees, and succulents
- To use this succulent soil mix, fill a pot with a drainage hole 1/3 full of mix, top with more mix after placing plant, and press lightly
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, each able to fill two 8-inch containers (amounts may vary based on root ball size)
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
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 key factors should I compare when picking a potting mix for indoor versus outdoor containers?
Look at drainage, nutrient content, and moisture retention; outdoor mixes often need faster drainage and added fertilizer, while indoor mixes benefit from low‑gnat formulations and steady water release. Also check if the mix is peat‑based or peat‑free, as that affects sustainability and pH stability. Finally, consider the recommended container size and whether the product includes a built‑in fertilizer schedule.
How does Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix stack up against FoxFarm Ocean Forest for large container gardening?
The Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor mix includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, making it a convenient all‑in‑one option for outdoor beds. FoxFarm Ocean Forest, on the other hand, relies on a blend of aged forest products, bat guano, and fish emulsion for slower, organic nutrient release and superior soil aeration. If you prioritize immediate growth and convenience, Miracle‑Gro may be better; for richer organic matter and long‑term soil health, FoxFarm is often preferred.
Which product gives the best value for filling multiple 12‑inch containers?
Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix (two 16‑qt bags) and Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix (two 16‑qt bags) each cover roughly one 12‑inch pot per bag, offering a total of two containers for the price of a single large bag. Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix also comes in a 12‑qt value pack and can fill one 12‑inch pot, but it lacks a built‑in fertilizer, so you may need to add supplemental feed. Generally, the Miracle‑Gro bundles provide the most plant‑food per container, delivering strong value for budget‑focused gardeners.
Are peat‑free mixes like Back to the Roots a good choice for environmentally conscious gardeners?
Yes, Back to the Roots’ 100% organic, peat‑free blends use upcycled plant material and wood fines, reducing carbon footprint compared with traditional peat‑based soils. Their formulas also include yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, delivering performance without sacrificing sustainability. While they may lack the immediate fertilizer boost of some Miracle‑Gro mixes, they provide a greener long‑term option.
What moisture‑control features differentiate Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control from the standard Indoor Potting Mix?
Moisture Control uses an AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33 % more water than basic mixes, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. The standard Indoor Mix relies on coconut coir and a balanced peat blend, which offers good water retention but doesn’t have the same enhanced absorption capacity. For gardeners in hot, dry climates, the Moisture Control blend can reduce watering frequency and improve plant stability.
Which potting mix is least likely to attract fungus gnats?
Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix and Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix are formulated without compost or bark, materials that commonly harbor gnats, making them the least attractive to these pests. Back to the Roots Indoor Mix also avoids bark and uses a peat‑free base, further reducing gnat risk. In contrast, traditional mixes with high organic matter, like the standard Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Mix, may be more prone to gnat infestations.
What are the benefits of the mycorrhizae added to Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix?
Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake—especially phosphorus—and improving drought tolerance. This natural boost can lead to faster, healthier growth without the need for synthetic fertilizers. For indoor gardeners seeking an organic edge, the mycorrhizae provide a measurable advantage over mixes lacking this biological component.
How long do the built‑in fertilizers last across the Miracle‑Gro product line?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix feeds for up to two months, while the standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix and Moisture Control variants claim up to six months of nutrient release. The Indoor Potting Mix also provides six‑month feeding, but its formulation focuses more on gnat resistance than rapid fertilization. Understanding these timelines helps you plan supplemental feeding schedules and choose the mix that matches your garden’s growth cycle.