Comparison: Best Black Gold Raised Bed Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re dreaming of lush tomatoes, vibrant peppers, and herbs that practically grow themselves, the right soil makes all the difference—especially in a raised bed. Enter black gold: that rich, dark, nutrient-packed mix gardeners rave about. But not all black gold soils are created equal. We’ve dug deep—literally—to compare the best options on the market, weighing ingredients, texture, and real garden results. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, let’s find the perfect blend to turn your raised bed into a thriving garden oasis.
- Best for moisture master: Black Gold Natural and Organic Raised Bed and Potting Mix 1.5 cubic foot
- Best for triple organic pack: Black Gold 16-Quart All Organic Potting Soil
- Best for indoor outdoor blend: Black Gold Organic in/Outdoor Potting Soil
- Best for compact organic duo: Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil 2 Pack
- Best for premium loamy mix: Sun Gro SUGRBG2 13020402 Black Gold Natural and Organic Soil
- Best for seedling success mix: Black Gold Seedling Mix
- Best for organic cow boost: Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil
- Best for all-purpose organic: SUNGRO HORTICULTURE Black Gold 1302040 16-Quart All Organic Potting Soil
Product Comparison: Best Black Gold Raised Bed Soil
Black Gold Natural and Organic Raised Bed and Potting Mix 1.5 cubic foot
- Provides superior moisture
Black Gold Organic in/Outdoor Potting Soil, 16 Quart Bag (2)
Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil 2 Pack
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
Black Gold Seedling Mix, 8 quart
- Black Gold Seedling Mix 8qt Listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- This mix combines double screened Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss and other fine ingredients to give seedlings the aeration and moisture retention they need for strong development
- This product is made in United States
- Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- Combines double screened Canadian sphagnum peat moss and other fine ingredients to give seedlings the aeration and moisture retention they need for strong development
- Contains Canadian sphagnum peat moss, perlite, dolomite lime, and an organic wetting agent
- Use for germinating seeds in flats, pots, and plug trays
- 8-Quart
Black Kow Nitrogen Phosphate Composted Cow Manure Fertilizer for Soil, Flowers, Potted Plants, Raised Beds, and Compost Tea, 4 Pounds
- If you’re struggling to start your garden and grow your own vegetables and flowers, this bag of composted cow manure has your back
- Made of composted cow manure: organic and has nutrients that are gradually released, ensuring it doesn’t burn tender roots
- You can also add this compost to flower and vegetable garden beds to improve growth and enjoy strong, healthy plants
- Rest easy knowing that your blooming garden is taken care of, with the cow manure fertilizer providing moisture-holding properties on sandy soil
- This composted cow manure will break up the soil to ensure that water and nutrients are available to the plant when needed
SUNGRO HORTICULTURE Black Gold 1302040 16-Quart All Organic Potting Soil
- Ideal for all container-grown flowers, herbs and vegetables
- Enriched with earthworm castings, perlite, pumice and organic fertilizer
- OMRI listed organic
- 16 quart bag
- Packaging may vary
- Listed by the organic materials review institute for the production of organic food and fiber
- Rich, loamy mix is one of the best for all gardening applications
- Perlite and pumice are added to ensure optimum pore and air space for sturdy growth
- Use in hanging baskets, patio containers, herb gardens, vegetable plantings, and anywhere you would like to use an organic soil
- Regionally formulated, western region only , Packaging may vary
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 a Black Gold raised‑bed soil?
Look at the volume you need for your bed, the organic certification (OMRI listed), and the blend of ingredients such as peat moss, earthworm castings, perlite, and pumice. A mix with added fertilizer will give seedlings a quicker start, while a pure organic blend is better for long‑term soil health. Also compare moisture‑retention claims; soils with perlite and pumice tend to stay aerated and drain well.
How does the 1.5 cubic‑foot Natural and Organic Raised Bed Mix differ from the 16‑quart packs?
The 1.5 cubic‑foot bag (B08DT4QBPX) provides a larger quantity in a single purchase and is formulated specifically for raised beds, offering superior moisture retention and a balanced nutrient profile. The 16‑quart packs (e.g., B075WPK921, B077ZCM8TF) are smaller, making them ideal for container gardening or trial runs, but they may lack the extra fertilizer blend found in the larger raised‑bed mix.
Is there a noticeable price‑to‑value advantage among the Black Gold products?
Generally, buying larger volumes like the 2‑cubic‑foot Sun Gro blend (B007VSXAME) reduces the cost per cubic foot and includes a premium organic base with added perlite and pumice for aeration. Smaller packs such as the 8‑quart Seedling Mix (B004NSBNAQ) are priced higher per unit but are formulated for delicate seedlings, offering better aeration and moisture control for early growth.
Which Black Gold soil is best for starting seedlings?
The Black Gold Seedling Mix (B004NSBNAQ) is specifically designed for seedlings, combining double‑screened Canadian sphagnum peat moss with fine aerating ingredients to promote strong root development. Its OMRI listing ensures it meets organic standards, making it a safe choice for organic gardening projects.
Can I use Black Gold potting soils for both indoor containers and outdoor raised beds?
Yes, many of the Black Gold all‑organic potting soils (e.g., the 16‑quart 2‑pack B075WPK921 and the 8‑quart 2‑pack B07SQ3HXYY) are versatile enough for indoor containers, balcony gardens, and outdoor raised beds. However, the raised‑bed specific mix (B08DT4QBPX) includes extra moisture‑holding components that are especially beneficial for larger outdoor beds.
What added benefits do soils with earthworm castings and organic fertilizer provide?
Earthworm castings enrich the soil with beneficial microbes and nutrients that improve plant vigor and disease resistance. When combined with organic fertilizer, they release nutrients slowly, reducing the risk of root burn and supporting steady growth throughout the season.
Should I supplement Black Gold soils with additional amendments?
For most Black Gold blends, especially those already containing perlite, pumice, and castings, additional amendments are rarely needed unless you have a specific soil deficiency. If your garden has heavy clay or extremely sandy conditions, adding a small amount of compost or coarse sand can improve drainage and structure.