Comparison: Best Purple Cow Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)

For seed germination, the Purple Cow Seed Starter (12‑quart bag) is formulated with enough fertility to support seedlings for up to 45 days and works well in trays or soil blocks. Once the plants outgrow the seedling stage, the IndiCanja 1‑cubic‑foot super‑soil provides a full‑life, water‑only medium that carries nutrients from seedling to harvest. If you’re growing vegetables rather than cannabis, the Veggie Mix offers a lighter fertility level that’s ideal for container‑grown produce.

IndiCanja is marketed as a ready‑to‑use, water‑only super‑soil that contains plant‑based compost and essential nutrients for the entire growth cycle. Many growers pair it with Purple Cow’s BioActive LiquiLife and Supercharger to boost microbial activity and improve stress tolerance, but the soil will perform adequately on its own for most home growers. Adding the liquid biology bundle is optional and mainly enhances vigor and nutrient uptake.

The Lithops mix is specifically engineered to provide high aeration and excellent drainage, which is critical for succulent species that are prone to root rot. In contrast, Burpee’s Organic Potting Mix and Purple Cow’s Veggie Mix focus on balanced fertility and moisture retention for a broader range of vegetables and herbs. If you grow lithops or other drought‑tolerant succulents, the Lithops blend will give you the air‑to‑root ratio they need, whereas the other mixes are better suited for leafy or fruiting plants.

The bundle supplies a high concentration of beneficial bacteria and fungi (LiquiLife) plus a nutrient‑rich Supercharger that feeds those microbes, creating a more active soil food web. This biological boost can improve nutrient absorption, increase stress tolerance, and accelerate overall plant vigor beyond what a sterile soil mix can achieve. While not essential, many experienced growers find the added microbes lead to healthier, faster‑growing crops.

Yes, the Veggie Mix is a ready‑to‑fill, all‑natural blend that works well in any container, from small window boxes to larger raised beds. Because it’s compost‑based, it provides enough fertility for lighter‑feeding vegetables, but heavier feeders may benefit from supplementing with Purple Cow’s BioActive All‑Purpose Fertilizer. The mix’s texture also helps retain moisture while still providing good drainage, making it versatile for various container setups.

When comparing volume, the Purple Cow IndiCanja and Veggie Mix each deliver one cubic foot of organic soil, while the Seed Starter provides 12 quarts (0.33 cubic feet). Burpee’s 9‑quart bag is roughly 0.75 cubic feet, and the Lithops mix is only 2 quarts. Generally, the larger 1‑cubic‑foot bags from Purple Cow give the lowest cost per unit volume, especially for growers needing a lot of medium for full‑cycle cultivation.

The Seed Starter mix is designed to sustain seedlings for up to about 45 days, after which nutrient levels begin to decline. When transplanting to larger containers or outdoor beds, it’s advisable to switch to a more nutrient‑dense medium such as IndiCanja or Veggie Mix, or add a balanced organic fertilizer. This ensures the plants continue receiving adequate nutrition throughout vegetative and flowering stages.

OMRI certification guarantees that a product meets strict organic standards, which is essential for growers who want to label their harvests as organic or avoid prohibited synthetic inputs. Both Burpee’s Premium Potting Mix and Purple Cow’s Veggie Mix are OMRI listed, providing comparable assurance of organic integrity. The choice then comes down to specific formulation preferences—Burpee emphasizes coconut coir for moisture retention, while Purple Cow focuses on compost‑based fertility and compatibility with its own BioActive line.