Comparison: Best Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
But is it really the best out there? We dug deep—literally—to compare top contenders and see how Ocean Forest stacks up in real-world use. From nutrient richness to moisture retention, we’re breaking down what makes each blend unique, so you can choose with confidence and watch your garden thrive.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for versatile growth mix: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for aerated container soil: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for bulk starter pack: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for balanced nutrient blend: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for large garden supply: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for high volume growth: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil 3.0 cu ft
- Best for root boost bundle: FoxFarm Happy Frog 2cu ft Potting Soil + Ocean Forest 12qt Potting Soil – for Nurturing Plants and Healthy Growth
- Best for microbe enriched soil: FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
- Best for compact microbial mix: FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Product Comparison: Best Ocean Forest Organic Potting Soil
Versatile Growth Mix
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))
FoxFarm
- 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
Aerated Container Soil
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))
FoxFarm
- 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
Bulk Starter Pack
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 1.5cu ft (Pack of 2) – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture
FoxFarm
- You will receive (2) 1.5-cubic foot bags of potting soil per purchase.
- Ready for immediate use, no additional ingredients are required. This bag is designed to be ready for planting upon purchase. Plant directly into bag.
- Ingredients like aged forest products and peat moss help increase effectiveness in retaining moisture directly around the roots of plants. Sandy loam, also in Ocean Forest, has excellent drainage properties to prevent the roots sit in stagnant water.
- Ideal for container gardens, houseplants, trees, shrubs, roses, and even seedlings. The rich ingredients in Ocean Forest provide the proper environment for seedlings to become vigorous plants.
- Ingredients include 50-60% aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, sandy loam, and fertilizer. Derived from fish emulsion, crab meal, shrimp meal, earthworm castings, kelp meal, and oyster shell.
Balanced Nutrient Blend
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 (4 Pack))
FoxFarm
- 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
Large Garden Supply
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 1.5cu ft (Pack of 4) – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture
FoxFarm
- You will receive (4) 1.5-cubic foot bags of potting soil per purchase.
- Ready for immediate use, no additional ingredients are required. This bag is designed to be ready for planting upon purchase. Plant directly into bag.
- Ingredients like aged forest products and peat moss help increase effectiveness in retaining moisture directly around the roots of plants. Sandy loam, also in Ocean Forest, has excellent drainage properties to prevent the roots sit in stagnant water.
- Ideal for container gardens, houseplants, trees, shrubs, roses, and even seedlings. The rich ingredients in Ocean Forest provide the proper environment for seedlings to become vigorous plants.
- Ingredients include 50-60% aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, sandy loam, and fertilizer. Derived from fish emulsion, crab meal, shrimp meal, earthworm castings, kelp meal, and oyster shell.
High Volume Growth
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil 3.0 cu ft, FX14430
FoxFarm
- Foxfarm most popular potting soil, Ocean Forest is a powerhouse blend of aged Forest products, sphagnum peat Moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, fish emulsion, and crab meal.
- Aged Forest products, sandy loam, and sphagnum peat Moss give Ocean Forest its light, aerated texture.
- Start with ocean Forest and watch your plants come alive!
- Item Package Dimensions: 30.0″ L x 20.0″ W x 14.0″ H
Root Boost Bundle
FoxFarm Happy Frog 2cu ft Potting Soil + Ocean Forest 12qt Potting Soil – for Nurturing Plants and Healthy Growth
FoxFarm
- Just the Right Size: Includes (1) 12 quart bag of Ocean Forest Potting Soil and (1) 2 cubic foot bag of Happy Frog Potting Soil for your hungry plants. This bundle promotes healthy growth and vibrant blooms in your garden or indoor plant collection.
- Develop Strong Roots: Ocean Forest is a blend of earthworm castings, sea-going fish, and crab meal. A beneficial soil that dramatically expands root development and fosters optimal soil health.
- Enhance Crop Production: Happy Frog is amended with soil microbes that improve root efficiency and convert nutrients into a form that plants can utilize, enhancing fruit and flower production.
- Nurture Healthy Plants: Encourage strong branching and a sturdy, healthy growth habit for your plants with these potting soils, ideal for containerized plantings that foster optimal root development and nutrient absorption.
- Adjusted PH Levels: Ocean Forest and Happy Frog are pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption for robust and nurtured vegetation.
Microbe Enriched Soil
FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil, 12qt – for Indoor/Outdoor Container Plants, Improves Root Efficiency, pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake – Contains Microbes and Humic Acids
FoxFarm
- TOP-TIER SOIL FOR BOUNTIFUL GROWTH: FoxFarm organic potting soil for indoor plants is a blend that boosts both indoor and outdoor gardening. Our planting soil enhances root development and plant health, making it a top choice for flourishing growth
- MICROBE-INFUSED SOIL FOR SUPER ROOTS: Enriched with soil microbes, mycorrhizal fungi, and humic acids, this indoor potting soil for house plants promotes efficient nutrient uptake and boosts root growth by improving root systems and plant vitality
- ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR THRIVING PLANTS: The garden soil for outdoor plants contains bat guano, earthworm castings, and aged forest products, all essential for enhanced nutrient levels, soil structure, and soil vital organic matter for healthy plants
- OPTIMAL SOIL FOR LUSH CONTAINER BLOOM: Ideal for container gardens, fox farms happy frog potting soil for vegetables’ balanced texture and content is suitable for a wide range of plants including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and houseplants
- READY-TO-USE CONVENIENT SOIL: Simply fill your container with garden fertilizer houseplant potting soil indoor plants, leaving 1 inch below the rim. Water thoroughly after planting. For best results, supplement growth all the seasons with Fox Farm fertilizers
Compact Microbial Mix
FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil, 2cu ft – for Indoor/Outdoor Container Plants, Improves Root Efficiency, pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake – Contains Mycorrhizae and Humic Acids
FoxFarm
- You will receive (1) 2-cubic foot bag of potting soil per purchase.
- Amended with soil microbes that improve root efficiency and convert nutrients into a form that plants can utilize, enhancing fruit and flower production.
- Designed for container plants, indoor or outdoor. Whether you need a boost in your fruits, vegetables, flowers, or houseplants – Happy Frog will jump-start your containers!
- This unique mix is alive with beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi that dramatically expands root development.
- A blend of 50-60% aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and fertilizer. Derived from earthworm castings, oyster shell and dolomite lime.
Peat-Free Organic
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Back to the Roots
- 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.
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 soil for container plants?
Focus on a blend that offers good aeration, moisture retention, and a balanced nutrient profile. Look for ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and organic amendments such as worm castings or bat guano. A pH adjusted around 6.3‑6.8 ensures optimal nutrient uptake for most garden plants.
How does FoxFarm Ocean Forest compare to the Back to the Roots organic mix?
Ocean Forest is a premium, all‑organic blend that includes aged forest products, fish emulsion, and crab meal, providing a rich nutrient base and excellent drainage. Back to the Roots is peat‑free, uses upcycled plant material, and emphasizes a lower carbon footprint, but it may have a lighter nutrient profile. Choose Ocean Forest for high‑performance growth, or Back to the Roots for eco‑conscious gardening.
Is there a benefit to buying larger packs of Ocean Forest, like the 3 cu ft bag?
Larger bags lower the cost per cubic foot and reduce packaging waste, making them ideal for extensive garden projects or multiple containers. The soil composition remains the same, so you get the same aerated texture and nutrient blend regardless of size. Just be sure you have a dry storage space to keep the soil from moisture damage.
Can I mix Ocean Forest with Happy Frog soil for better results?
Yes, combining Ocean Forest’s organic nutrients with Happy Frog’s microbial inoculants can boost root development and nutrient availability. Many gardeners use Ocean Forest as a base and top‑dress with Happy Frog to introduce beneficial microbes. This blend works well for both indoor houseplants and outdoor vegetable containers.
What makes the 1.5 cu ft pack of Ocean Forest a good value?
The 1.5 cu ft packs provide a convenient size for medium‑scale projects while still offering the full suite of organic amendments. Buying a pack of two or four reduces the per‑bag price and ensures you have enough soil for multiple containers or garden beds. The blend includes aged forest products, peat moss, perlite, and a balanced fertilizer mix.
How important is the soil’s pH level for my plants?
A pH between 6.3 and 6.8 is ideal for most garden plants because it maximizes nutrient solubility and uptake. Both Ocean Forest and Happy Frog are pre‑adjusted to this range, so you don’t need to amend the soil unless you’re growing pH‑sensitive crops. Regularly testing your soil can help you maintain optimal conditions.
Are there any drawbacks to using peat‑based mixes like Ocean Forest?
Peat provides excellent water retention but can be less sustainable due to peat extraction impacts. If environmental concerns are a priority, a peat‑free option like Back to the Roots offers comparable performance with a lower carbon footprint. However, for maximum growth vigor, many gardeners still prefer the nutrient density of peat‑based blends.