Comparison: Best Sun Gro Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re on the hunt for a potting mix that truly delivers, you’ve probably come across Sun Gro’s organic options. We’ve dug into the details—literally—to compare Sun Gro’s top organic potting mixes, weighing ingredients, texture, moisture retention, and real garden results.
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for black gold premium: Sun Gro SUGRBG2 13020402 Black Gold Natural and Organic Soil
- Best for cactus specialist mix: Sun GRO Horticulture 1410602.Q08P Black Gold Cactus Mix (8 qt) (2 Pack)
- Best for indoor bundle value: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for dendrobium drainage mix: Sun Bulb 50240 Better Gro Dendrobium Mix
Product Comparison: Best Sun Gro Organic Potting Mix
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)
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.
Sun Gro SUGRBG2 13020402 Black Gold Natural and Organic Soil, 2 Cubic Feet, Brown
- Not sold in OR
- Natural and organic potting soil plus fertilizer
- This natural and organic potting soils rich, loamy mix is a premium choice for all-purpose gardening applications
- 100 percent organic base consists of screened earthworm castings, canadian sphagnum peat moss, etc
- Blend in perlite and pumice to ensure optimum aeration
- Available in 2-cubic feet
Sun GRO Horticulture 1410602.Q08P Black Gold Cactus Mix (8 qt) (2 Pack)
Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, Protects Against Over and Under Watering, for Indoor Container Plants, Houseplants and Starter Plants, OMRI Listed, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- 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
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix; each bag fills two 8-inch containers (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Sun Bulb 50240 Better Gro Dendrobium Mix, 8 Quart, Natural|Browns
- Use When Re-Potting Dendrobiums To Support Healthy Growth (Every 12-18 Months)
- Specially Blended To Provide Dendrobiums With Quick Drainage And Good Airflow
- Made Of Porous Lava Rock, Western Fir Bark, Hardwood Charcoal And Coarse Perlite
- No Assembly Required
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
How do I decide between an indoor and an outdoor potting mix?
Indoor mixes, like Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix, contain moisture‑regulating ingredients such as coir and sphagnum peat to prevent over‑watering, while outdoor mixes, such as Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, focus on nutrient release for longer periods. Consider the plant’s exposure to the elements and whether you need extra fertilizer or drainage. Choose indoor mix for houseplants and seed‑starting, and outdoor mix for garden containers, vegetables, and perennials.
What are the environmental differences among the potting mixes?
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix is peat‑free and uses upcycled plant material, giving it a lower carbon footprint than peat‑based options. Sun Gro’s Black Gold mixes still rely on screened peat and earthworm castings, while Miracle‑Gro’s mixes source peat from certified producers, which mitigates but does not eliminate peat impact. If sustainability is a priority, the peat‑free blend offers the most eco‑friendly choice.
Which mix provides the best value for a small container garden?
For budget‑conscious gardeners, the Sun Gro Black Gold Natural and Organic Soil offers a 2‑cubic‑foot bag at a competitive price and includes perlite and pumice for aeration. The Miracle‑Gro Indoor bundle (two 8‑qt bags) gives good value if you need a mix that protects against over‑ and under‑watering. Compare the price per cubic foot and the included fertilizer to decide which fits your container size and plant type.
Can I use a single mix for both herbs and succulents?
Herbs generally thrive in a nutrient‑rich, well‑draining mix like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, while succulents need a very fast‑draining blend such as Sun GRO Black Gold Cactus Mix, which contains extra perlite and pumice. Using a single mix may lead to either water‑logged roots for succulents or insufficient nutrients for herbs. For best results, match the mix to the plant’s specific drainage and fertility needs.
What added benefits do specialty mixes like Better Gro Dendrobium Mix provide?
Better Gro Dendrobium Mix is formulated with porous lava rock, fir bark, charcoal, and coarse perlite to create excellent airflow and rapid drainage, which is essential for orchid health. This blend helps prevent root rot during repotting and promotes healthy aerial roots. If you grow orchids or other epiphytic plants, a specialty mix can be more effective than a general‑purpose potting soil.
How important is the quick‑release natural fertilizer in these mixes?
Quick‑release fertilizers, found in Miracle‑Gro Organic mixes, supply nutrients for the first 1‑2 months, giving seedlings a strong start. However, they may require supplemental feeding later in the season for long‑term growers. If you prefer a more hands‑off approach, choose a mix with built‑in fertilizer; if you want full control, a fertilizer‑free mix like Back to the Roots lets you add nutrients as needed.
Is there a noticeable performance difference between peat‑based and peat‑free mixes?
Peat‑based mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro’s products, retain moisture well and provide a slightly acidic pH, which benefits many garden plants. Peat‑free mixes, like Back to the Roots, often have better aeration and a more neutral pH, reducing the risk of over‑watering and supporting a broader range of plants. The choice depends on your watering habits and the specific pH preferences of the plants you are growing.