Comparison: Best Potting Soil Companies (Updated | Nov 11th)
We’ve dug into the top potting soil companies—testing texture, moisture retention, and plant response—to bring you honest, real-world insights. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this comparison will help you pick the best blend for healthier, happier plants. Let’s find your perfect match.
- Best for twice-big blooms: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for moisture master: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for gnat-resistant blend: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for organic outdoor boost: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for rapid root starter: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Best for coconut coir care: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic water guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for fast-drain succulents: Miracle-Gro Cactus
Product Comparison: Best Potting Soil Companies
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 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)
Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix, 8 Quarts (Pack of 2), For Use in Containers
- Specially formulated for fast root development
- Enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- Excellent for starting cuttings
- Use when starting from seed and with leaf, stem or root cuttings
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
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 Potting Mix, For Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Shrubs, Annuals, and Perennials, Feeds Up to 6 Months, 8 qt.
- Feeds all potted plants: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds all types of potted plants, including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, annuals, and perennials for up to 6 months
- Promotes growth: This potting soil Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs. unfed plants)
- Boosts color: Get more blooms for more color (vs unfed plants)
- Application: To apply 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; water thoroughly
- Coverage: Each 8 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix fills two 8 inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending 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)
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)
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 consider when choosing a potting mix for my plants?
Look at the plant type (indoor vs. outdoor, succulents vs. vegetables) and the mix’s water‑retention properties. Check if the mix includes added fertilizer, organic ingredients, or moisture‑control technology, as these affect feeding frequency and growth. Also consider bag size and coverage to ensure you get enough product for your container sizes.
How does Miracle‑Gro’s standard Potting Mix differ from the Moisture Control version?
The standard mix provides a balanced blend with a built‑in fertilizer that feeds plants for up to six months, while the Moisture Control mix adds an AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33% more water and helps prevent over‑ or under‑watering. The Moisture Control version comes in smaller 8‑qt bags that each fill two 8‑inch containers, whereas the standard mix is sold in 16‑qt bags for larger containers. Both promote growth, but the Moisture Control mix is better for gardeners who struggle with consistent watering.
Is an organic potting mix worth the extra cost compared to conventional blends?
Organic mixes, like Miracle‑Gro’s Organic Outdoor and Organic Indoor variants, use responsibly sourced peat and natural fertilizers, which appeal to environmentally conscious gardeners. They typically feed plants for a shorter period (about two months) versus six months for conventional mixes, so you may need to re‑feed more often. The value comes from reduced synthetic chemicals and a greener footprint, which many buyers find worthwhile.
Which potting mix is best for starting seeds and cuttings?
The Seed Starting Potting Mix is specially formulated for rapid root development and includes added plant food to give seedlings a strong start. It’s ideal for both seed sowing and leaf, stem, or root cuttings, and comes in two 8‑qt bags that fill multiple small containers. For general indoor seedlings, the Indoor Potting Mix also works well but lacks the extra rooting boosters of the seed starter blend.
Can I use the same potting mix for both indoor houseplants and outdoor container gardens?
While many Miracle‑Gro mixes are versatile, indoor mixes like the Houseplant and Indoor Potting Mixes are formulated to be less prone to fungus gnats and contain coconut coir for better water management. Outdoor mixes, such as the standard Potting Mix or Cactus, Palm & Citrus blend, focus on drainage and nutrient release suited for harsher conditions. Using a mix designed for the specific environment generally yields healthier growth and fewer pest issues.
How do the Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix and the standard Potting Mix compare in terms of drainage?
The Cactus, Palm & Citrus Mix features a fast‑draining formula that prevents water‑logging, which is crucial for succulents and palms that dislike soggy roots. The standard Potting Mix retains more moisture to support a broader range of flowering and vegetable plants, promoting larger growth but requiring careful watering to avoid root rot. Choose the cactus blend for drought‑tolerant plants and the standard mix for moisture‑loving varieties.
What value does buying a bundled pack (two bags) provide versus a single bag?
Bundled packs usually offer a lower price per quart and ensure you have enough mix to fill multiple containers, which is handy for larger gardens or multiple projects. They also simplify inventory management, reducing the need for frequent re‑ordering. For occasional gardeners, a single bag may be sufficient, but bulk buyers benefit from the cost savings and convenience of bundles.