Comparison: Best Vermont Organics Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
When it comes to quality, Vermont Organics consistently earns top marks, but with several blends to choose from, how do you know which one’s best for your green babies? In this honest comparison, we’ll break down the top Vermont Organics potting soils, weighing ingredients, performance, and real-garden results—so you can skip the guesswork and give your plants the nourishing foundation they truly deserve.
- 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 expandable coco mix: WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings
- Best for long-lasting fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhizae rich blend: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for water guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for biochar living soil: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
- Best for premium indoor boost: Organic Potting Soil for Indoor Plants. Boost House Plant Growth for Monstera
- Best for compact biochar mix: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
- Best for supercharged expandable soil: Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden
Product Comparison: Best Vermont Organics Potting Soil
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
WONDER SOIL Organic Potting Soil | Ready to Plant Coco Coir Fully Loaded with Nutrients | 3 LBS Bag Expands to 12 Quarts of Indoor Outdoor Soil for Gardens & Plants | Incl Worm Castings, Perlite
- NUTRIENT RICH & INDOOR/OUTDOOR FAST GERMINATION… Wonder Soil Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix is the only dry compressed coco coir mix with added amendments of worm castings, mycorrhizae, kelp, perlite and more! Grow your plants faster with stronger roots! Peat free, all natural, family and pet safe!
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT… your little BIG bag of compressed indoor potting soil & garden soil for outdoor plants expands to 4 TIMES THE SIZE when mixed with water; easy to carry & saves vital shed space.
- PRE-MIXED & READY TO USE ORGANIC POTTING MIX … Pre-mixed and ready to use organic potting soil and garden soil mix to help make your gardening or hobby growing a breeze. Simply transplant your desired plants into their new container and add our soil mix or pour our soil mix and plant your seeds.
- WATER RETENTION & DRAINAGE… Coco coir has excellent water retention with dependable drainage and aeration in the root zone. Save up to 50% of water, fertilizer, and seed!
- HEAVY DUTY RESEALABLE BAG… Use what you need and save the rest for later! Keeping your planting soil dry and safe!
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)
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.
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)
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 8qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny organic soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 8 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 4-6 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
Organic Potting Soil for Indoor Plants. Boost House Plant Growth for Monstera, Fiddle Leaf, Money Tree, Pothos, Snake Plant, Aroid, Flowers, Herbs, Veggies, & More, Smart Grower 3 LB Ready to Plant
- Maximize Indoor Plant Growth Naturally– This premium organic indoor potting soil blend combines organic compost, peat, biochar, worm castings, and coco coir for a lightweight, nutrient-rich mix. Ideal for indoor herb gardens, vegetables, flowers, and house plants like Monstera, Snake Plants, and Money Trees.
- Save Time and Effort with Your Plants– No need for mixing or expanding soil—just open and plant! Smart Grower organic indoor potting soil provides a hassle-free, nutrient-packed living soil with superior drainage to prevent overwatering and root rot giving you a quick, no -fuss solution for happier indoor plants.
- USA Made, Cruelty-Free & Pet Safe – Feel good with organic indoor plant soil made in the USA without bone meal, fish byproducts, or animal-derived ingredients. This organic indoor plant soil is completely pet-safe, cruelty-free, and non-GMO—perfect for eco-conscious gardeners.
- Quickly Revive & Strengthen Indoor Plants – Supercharged with our root-enhancing blend of mycorrhizal fungi, sea kelp, molasses, yucca extract, Trichoderma, and beneficial Bacillus microbes to revive struggling plants, promote strong root growth, and maximize yields for your indoor plants.
- Made For Healthier Indoor Plants – Expertly designed for optimal indoor plant health, extended indoor plant life, and better yields for indoor vegetable plants, flowers and tropicals. Whether you need Monstera soil, Pothos soil, or an aroid potting mix, snake plant soil, fiddle leaf fig soil, tropical plant soil, this premium blend provides everything your houseplants need to thrive.
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 4qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 4 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 2-3 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden, Plants & Vegetables – Expands 4x When Mixed with Water – Indoor or Outdoor Use – Plant Food Mix Derived from Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT – Easy to use compressed soil granules quickly expand up to 4X and make up to 3 gallons of soil. Light, compact, easy to carry, resealable bag saves space.
- NOURISH & SEE THEM FLOURISH – Packed with every essential nutrient plus 55+ trace minerals, this concentrated super soil feeds and grows strong beautiful vibrant plants better than ever!
- FAST ACTING & LONG LASTING – Easy to wet and stays moist 3X longer. Living soil gets water, air and nutrients to roots on demand. Perfect for all seeds, starts, transplants, containers, raised beds and gardens!
- TRULY ORGANIC YOU CAN TRUST – 100% natural ground coconut coir, worm castings, compost, humic acids, amino acids, kelp and beneficial GroBiotics including mycorrhizae give your soil, flower, vegetable, herb, fruit, tree, shrub, raised bed, outdoor or indoor potted house plants and more a super-boost.
- EASY to USE – Just add water 1:1 to compressed soil to expand up to 4X. Use 1 tsp for small seeds, 1 tbsp for large seeds, 1/4 cup per seedling, 1 cup per small plant, and 4 cups per gallon plant. Use expanded soil straight or blend 1:2 with other soil. Prevents overwatering, re-wets easily, and stays moist 3X longer. As mulch or top dress, apply 1/4 inch expanded soil or spread compressed soil and water. A 2 lb bag covers up to 20 sq ft.
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 should I consider when choosing organic potting soil for indoor versus outdoor use?
Indoor mixes should prioritize moisture control, low pest risk, and a balanced pH to protect houseplants, while outdoor mixes need robust drainage, nutrient release over time, and resistance to weather extremes. Look for ingredients like coco coir or perlite for indoor blends and added fertilizers or mycorrhizae for outdoor containers. Also check if the product is peat‑free if you prefer a lower carbon footprint.
How do the two Back to the Roots mixes differ?
The 12‑quart All‑Purpose mix is formulated for both indoor and outdoor plants and includes yucca extract for moisture control, whereas the Indoor‑Only version adds a mycorrhizal boost and omits bark to reduce gnats. Both are 100 % organic and peat‑free, but the indoor blend emphasizes root development and pest‑free environments. Pricing and volume are the same, so choose based on where you’ll be planting.
Which product offers the best value for large garden projects?
WONDER SOIL’s compressed coco‑coir bag expands to four times its size, giving you up to 4 qt of usable soil from a compact package, which is ideal for covering big areas without heavy lifting. It also includes worm castings, kelp, perlite and mycorrhizae, providing a full suite of nutrients in one mix. For pure volume, the Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor 16‑qt bag also fills a 12‑inch container but doesn’t expand, making WONDER SOIL the more space‑efficient choice.
Are there any pet‑ or child‑safe options among these soils?
Both Back to the Roots mixes are marketed as safe for pets and people, with no bark or compost that can attract gnats. The Organic Indoor Potting Soil from B0DRYLRPXF is also cruelty‑free, pet‑safe, and free of animal‑derived ingredients. If you need absolute certainty, look for products that specifically mention “pet‑safe” or “non‑toxic” on the label.
How important are mycorrhizal fungi and other amendments in these mixes?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake and drought tolerance, which can lead to faster growth and healthier plants. Several products—Back to the Roots Indoor, Espoma, and the B0DRYLRPXF blend—include mycorrhizal inoculants, giving them an edge for root development. If you’re growing nutrient‑hungry vegetables or delicate houseplants, choosing a mix with these amendments can make a noticeable difference.
What are the benefits of peat‑free versus peat‑based soils?
Peat‑free mixes, like those from Back to the Roots and WONDER SOIL, reduce environmental impact by avoiding peat extraction, which releases stored carbon. They often use coco coir or wood fines, providing similar water‑holding capacity with a lighter carbon footprint. Peat‑based options, such as Miracle‑Gro’s Outdoor mix, can offer excellent acidity control but may not appeal to eco‑conscious gardeners.
Which soil provides the longest water retention while still offering good drainage?
WONDER SOIL’s coco coir base excels at holding moisture yet drains well thanks to added perlite and aeration agents, allowing plants to stay hydrated without becoming water‑logged. The B0DRYLRPXF blend also balances water retention with biochar and peat, giving a steady supply of moisture. For indoor plants prone to over‑watering, the Back to the Roots Indoor mix’s yucca extract helps regulate moisture levels.
How do brand reputation and guarantees compare across these options?
Back to the Roots offers a 100 % satisfaction guarantee with easy replacements, reflecting strong customer support. Miracle‑Gro provides a trusted name in gardening but does not list a specific money‑back promise on these mixes. Espoma and WONDER SOIL are well‑regarded among organic growers, though their return policies are less prominently advertised, so checking the seller’s policy before purchase is advisable.