Comparison: Best Potting Mix To Grow Grass (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever wondered why some lawns thrive while others struggle, the secret might be hiding right beneath the surface—your potting mix. Not all blends are created equal, and choosing the best one for growing grass can make all the difference between patchy sprouts and a lush, green carpet. In this article, we’ll break down the top potting mixes that actually deliver results, so you can skip the guesswork and start growing the healthy, vibrant grass you’ve always wanted. Let’s dig in.
- Best for gnat-resistant blend: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for organic outdoor feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for all-in-one starter: Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts
- Best for long-lasting indoor: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for pet-safe indoor: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for water-guard organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for super moisture control: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for fast-drain succulent: Miracle-Gro Cactus
- Best for fertilized houseplant: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix – Fertilized Soil
Product Comparison: Best Potting Mix To Grow Grass
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
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 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts, 100% Organic & USA Made for Herbs, Veggies, Flowers, w/Nutrient Rich Plant Food, Worm-Castings, & Moisture Controlling Yucca Brown
- NUTRIENT-RICH, NATURAL, AND ORGANIC SOIL: Grow a bountiful garden in your home with the Back to the Roots All-Purpose Natural and Organic Peat-Free 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix, packed with the nutrients needed for your plants, flowers, and vegetables to thrive
- MYCORRHIZAE, YUCCA EXTRACT, AND COCONUT COIR FOR STRONG ROOT DEVELOPMENT: This organic potting soil has mycorrhizae, coconut coir, and yucca extract which enhances the root’s uptake of water and the nutrients required by your plants for growth
- FEATURES pH BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: The dolomitic limestone of this potting soil has a combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate which effectively neutralizes acidity and prevent nutrient deficiency
- ZERO-RISK GARDENING AND GREAT FOR THE PLANET: Made in the USA and 100% guaranteed to grow; If you have any problems, we will send you a new bag to get you growing; Mined peatlands contribute yearly CO2 emissions equivalent to what cars all over the world are releasing — that’s why we think it’s so important to leave peat alone and offer the 1st premium, 100% peat-free soil in the market
- THE PERFECT GIFT: The perfect holiday gift, it comes in a beautiful packaging so that it’s ready to be given to foodie, garden-loving and eco-conscious friends and family; This kit is also part of our Grow One Give One campaign, simply share a picture on social media, tag us and use the campaign hashtag, and we’ll donate a kit to a classroom of your choice
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)
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 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 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 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)
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix – Fertilized Soil, Designed to be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt. (2-Pack)
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss
- Recommended for growing beautiful, indoor houseplant varieties like pothos, spider plants, monstera, philodendron, english ivy, and more
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as in compliance with industry standards
- Bundle includes two bags of Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix
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
Which potting mix is best for growing grass indoors?
For indoor grass, a mix that balances moisture retention with good drainage works best. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix (two 16‑qt bags) includes coconut coir for water holding and is less prone to gnats, making it a solid choice. If you prefer an organic option, Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix provides peat‑free, yucca‑enhanced moisture control and mycorrhizae for healthy root development.
Can I use a houseplant mix for grass, or do I need a specific grass mix?
A high‑quality houseplant mix can grow grass, but it should have enough nutrients and drainage for rapid root growth. Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix is fertilized and contains perlite for aeration, which supports grass seedlings. However, mixes formulated for lawns, like a dedicated grass blend, may deliver a more balanced nutrient profile for sustained growth.
How do organic mixes compare to fertilized mixes for grass growth?
Organic mixes, such as Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix, rely on natural nutrients and slower release, which is gentle on seedlings and environmentally friendly. Fertilized mixes like Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix provide a quick‑release feed that can jump‑start grass growth but may require careful watering to avoid over‑fertilization. Choose organic if you prefer a low‑impact approach, or fertilized for faster establishment.
What role does moisture retention play in choosing a mix for grass?
Grass seedlings need consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged; a mix with coconut coir or yucca extract helps maintain even moisture levels. Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix absorbs up to 33% more water, which can reduce the risk of drying out. Peat‑free blends like Back to the Roots use wood fines and coir to provide similar control while minimizing excess saturation.
Is a peat‑free mix suitable for grass seed germination?
Yes, peat‑free mixes can successfully germinate grass seeds when they include good water‑holding components and balanced pH. Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix uses upcycled plant matter and dolomitic limestone to keep pH stable, supporting seed sprouting. Just ensure the mix is lightly compacted and kept moist during the first two weeks.
How does the nutrient release schedule affect grass establishment?
A quick‑release fertilizer, like the one in Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, feeds plants for up to two months, giving grass a strong start. Slow‑release organic blends provide steady nutrients over a longer period, which can reduce the need for supplemental feeding. Match the release rate to your planting timeline: fast‑acting for rapid lawns, slow‑acting for low‑maintenance indoor turf.
Are there any mixes that reduce pest issues like fungus gnats for indoor grass?
Mixes that avoid compost or bark tend to be less attractive to fungus gnats. Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix and Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix are formulated without these ingredients, lowering gnat risk. Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix also omits bark, making it a pet‑ and pest‑friendly option for indoor grass.
Which mix offers the best value per container size for growing grass?
Considering volume and cost, the two‑bag bundle of Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix (32 qt total) fills multiple 12‑inch containers and includes a quick‑release feed, delivering strong value. For an organic alternative, Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix provides 12 qt at a competitive price and adds a satisfaction guarantee. Compare the per‑quart price and included nutrients to decide which fits your budget and growth goals.