Comparison: Best Roots Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
With so many options claiming to be the ultimate blend, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve dug deep (pun intended) to compare the top contenders, focusing on ingredients, root health, moisture retention, and real results. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or cultivating a full garden, the right mix makes all the difference.
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for indoor root boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for quick-release outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water balance indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for mature flower mix: Roots Organics Lush Peat Based Potting Soil
- Best for dual outdoor bundle: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for original roots blend: Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Original Potting Soil
- Best for expandable coir: Back to the Roots Organic Coir
- Best for bulk outdoor mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhizae rich: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
Product Comparison: Best Roots Organic Potting Mix
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 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 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)
Roots Organics Lush Peat Based Potting Soil, 1.5 CuFt
- 1.5 CUBIC FEET OF SOIL: 1.5-Cubic feet of Roots Organics Lush Ready-To-Use Peat Based Potting Soil Mix for your hungry plants
- POTTED PLANT APPLICATION: Ideal potting soil mix used in rigid or fabric container with adequate drainage and can also plant directly in the bag
- IDEAL NUTRIENT BLEND: Blend of a precise ratio of peat, coir, perlite, pumice, worm castings, and premium nutrients
- NPK BLEND: Features a 1-0.5-0.5 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) blend
- SOIL MIX BENEFITS: Designed to maximize yield in mature flowering plants and increase fertility levels in mature seedlings
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- 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
- This bundle includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix; each fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Original Potting Soil, 0.75 cu ft
Back to the Roots Organic Coir, 51 Quart Expanding Soil, Great for Seeds and Potting
- A balanced pH, which means it’s truly all-purpose. Use alone or as an amendment for anything in a pot or in the ground — vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even starting seeds.
- Expands to over 2 cubic feet
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this Organic Coconut Coir, just shoot us a note and our dedicacted customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
- GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden and we’ll donate a Grow Kit and STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice.
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 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 25 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10-inch containers (amount may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 2 Cubic Foot bag. Pack of1
- FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Any time planting containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. Plants require regular re-potting and fresh planting soil for optimum growth
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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 are the main differences between Back to the Roots organic potting mixes and Miracle‑Gro organic mixes?
Back to the Roots mixes are 100 % organic and peat‑free, using upcycled plant material and wood fines, while Miracle‑Gro’s organic mixes contain responsibly sourced peat and a quick‑release natural fertilizer. Back to the Roots emphasizes moisture control with yucca extract and dolomitic limestone, whereas Miracle‑Gro focuses on feeding power that lasts up to two months. The two brands also differ in packaging size options, with Back to the Roots offering 12‑quart value bags and Miracle‑Gro providing 16‑quart or bundled 2‑bag packs.
How does the peat‑free formula of Back to the Roots compare to the peat‑based formulas of other brands?
The peat‑free formula reduces carbon footprint and lowers the risk of indoor gnats, making it a cleaner choice for indoor gardening and pet‑friendly homes. Peat‑based mixes like Miracle‑Gro and Roots Organics provide excellent water retention but can be heavier and may require more careful watering to avoid over‑saturation. If sustainability and indoor use are priorities, the Back to the Roots blend is generally the better option.
Which potting mix is best for indoor plants versus outdoor containers?
For indoor plants, Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix and Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Mix are formulated with moisture‑retaining yucca extract and are less prone to gnats, making them ideal for houseplants and herbs. Outdoor growers benefit from Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix or Roots Organics Lush, which contain peat and added quick‑release fertilizer to support vigorous growth in containers exposed to the elements. Choose the indoor‑specific product for houseplants and the outdoor‑specific blend for garden beds, patios, or balcony containers.
How important are the added mycorrhizae or yucca extract in these mixes?
Mycorrhizae, found in Back to the Roots Indoor Mix and Espoma’s blend, form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and drought resistance. Yucca extract, present in both Back to the Roots mixes, helps regulate moisture by reducing water loss and promoting a balanced pH. While plants can grow without these additives, they can noticeably boost vigor, especially in stressed or container‑grown plants.
What should I consider regarding bag size and coverage for my gardening projects?
Bag size determines how many containers you can fill: a 12‑quart Back to the Roots bag typically fills one 12‑inch pot, while a 16‑quart Miracle‑Gro bag covers a similar size, and a 25‑quart bag can fill three 10‑inch containers. Larger projects may benefit from bulk bundles, such as Miracle‑Gro’s 2‑bag outdoor pack, which offers better price per cubic foot. Always factor in the plant’s root ball size and whether you’ll need extra mix for top‑ups or seed starting.
Are there any pet‑ or child‑safe considerations among these products?
Back to the Roots Indoor Mix is marketed as safe for pets and people, with no bark or compost that attracts gnats, making it a low‑risk choice for households with curious animals or children. Miracle‑Gro mixes are organic but contain natural fertilizers that could be mildly irritating if ingested, so keeping them out of reach is advisable. Overall, the peat‑free, low‑pest formulations of Back to the Roots are the most pet‑friendly.
How do the nutrient blends (NPK, added fertilizers) affect plant growth and feeding schedule?
Miracle‑Gro’s outdoor and indoor mixes include a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, reducing the need for supplemental feeding. Roots Organics Lush provides a modest 1‑0.5‑0.5 NPK ratio plus worm castings, offering steady nutrition without a strong fertilizer boost. Back to the Roots relies on balanced pH and organic extracts rather than high NPK numbers, so you may need to supplement with a liquid feed for heavy‑feeding crops.
Does the price‑to‑value ratio favor any particular brand or product?
When comparing cost per cubic foot, Back to the Roots’ 12‑quart value bags are competitively priced for a peat‑free, organic blend with added moisture control. Miracle‑Gro’s bundled outdoor packs provide more volume for a lower unit price but include peat and a fertilizer that may not be needed for all growers. For gardeners prioritizing sustainability and indoor use, Back to the Roots offers the best overall value, while outdoor enthusiasts looking for maximum feeding power may find Miracle‑Gro’s larger packs more economical.