Comparison: Best Coast Of Maine Growers Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever stood in the garden center staring at bags of potting mix, wondering which one truly delivers, you’re not alone. Whether you’re growing lush tomatoes or delicate herbs, the right soil makes all the difference. In this honest comparison, we dig into what sets this popular mix apart, how it stacks up against the competition, and why gardeners from coast to coast are raving about it. Spoiler: it’s not just hype.
- Best for container power pack: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for bulk container mix: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for raised bed essential: Coast of Maine Castine Blend Organic and Natural Raised Bed Mix
- Best for root boost blend: Coast of Maine Penobscot Blend
- Best for all-purpose potting: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil – Organic Soil w/Perlite for Enhanced Drainage & Aeration – for Flowers
- Best for performance pro mix: Coast of Maine ST1500 Stonington High Performance Growers Mix 1.5 cf with My Garden Pool 7-in-1 Soil Test Strips
- Best for large pack advantage: Coast of Maine Stonington Blend
- Best for seedling starter soil: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Sprout Island Blend Seed Starter – Seed Germination & Root Plant Cuttings w/ Composted Manure
- Best for versatile seed starter: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Sprout Island Blend Seed Starter – Seed Germination & Root Plant Cuttings w/Composted Manure
- Best for bed soil foundation: Coast of Maine Castine Blend Organic and Natural Raised Bed Mix
Product Comparison: Best Coast Of Maine Growers Mix
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 2) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
- Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 2) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 4) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
- Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 4) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
Coast of Maine Castine Blend Organic and Natural Raised Bed Mix, 1 cu ft (Pack of 4), RTU for Growing Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers
Coast of Maine Penobscot Blend, 1 cu ft (Pack of 2) Organic and Natural Planting Mix for Trees, Shrubs and Perennials
- You will receive 2 bags per purchase.
- Premium Organic Compost Blend – Crafted with peat, lobster shells, and aged bark, Penobscot Blend improves soil texture and boosts plant vitality with every application.
- Supports Robust Root Development – Enhances aeration and moisture retention for stronger root growth in flower gardens, vegetable beds, and container plants.
- All-Natural & Sustainably Sourced – Contains no synthetic ingredients; made from renewable resources including composted salmon, blueberries, and other local organics.
- Perfect for Garden Beds & Soil Amendment – Ideal for amending sandy or compacted soils, revitalizing tired garden beds, and prepping raised beds for planting.
- Certified Organic for Peace of Mind – Approved for organic growers; safe for people, pets, and pollinators while enriching your soil with nutrient-dense compost.
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Bar Harbor Blend Potting Soil – Organic Soil w/Perlite for Enhanced Drainage & Aeration – for Flowers, Herbs & Veggies, Floral Baskets & Container Gardening (16 QT)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Formulated with sphagnum peat moss, compost, perlite, lobster and crab shell meal, and kelp meal, this high-quality, multipurpose organic potting soil provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth. Specifically formulated to encourage root development and sustained plant growth, promoting healthy, vibrant plants throughout their lifecycle.
- VERSATILE: Bar Harbor Blend is the potting soil for vegetables, indoor plants, fruits, and herb gardens that they love. With a nutrient-rich base, it’s ideal for encouraging growth when using hanging baskets, raised beds, window boxes, or any container garden.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Bar Harbor Blend revitalizes and improves soil structure by promoting the perfect balance of moisture retention, aeration, and drainage, minimizing the need for frequent watering and fertilizing.
- SUITABLE FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR PLANTS: Made with natural slow-release nitrogen, this earth friendly potting soil provides consistent nourishment over time. It’s approved for organic gardening and perfect for both indoor and outdoor plants
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, planet-friendly solution for enriching garden soil. Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
Coast of Maine ST1500 Stonington High Performance Growers Mix 1.5 cf with My Garden Pool 7-in-1 Soil Test Strips, 20 ct. and Claw Gardening Gloves
- 🌿 Premium grower’s mix with coco coir, lobster compost & worm castings
- 🌱 Provides all essential nutrients for vigorous growth
- 💧 Retains ideal moisture while preventing root rot
- 🪴 Perfect for vegetables, tomatoes, and cannabis cultivation
- 🧤 Includes My Garden Pool Soil Test Kit & Gloves
Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 6) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
- Coast of Maine Stonington Blend, 1.5 cu ft (Pack of 6) Organic and Natural Grower?s Mix for Large Container Plants
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Sprout Island Blend Seed Starter – Seed Germination & Root Plant Cuttings w/ Composted Manure, Mycorrhizae, Worm Castings & Kelp – Enhanced Drainage (8 Qt)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: This specifically crafted organic compost blend for seed germination and rooting cuttings is carefully formulated to provide essential nutrients that supports seedling development, drainage and aeration.
- READY TO USE SEEDLING SOIL: Coast of Maine Organic Seed Starting Mix is ready to use in cell packs, trays or flats. This nutrient starter charge includes mycorrhizae, worm castings, kelp & fully cured compost for healthy growing plants.
- EARTH FRIENDLY COMPOST FOR SOIL: OMRI listed for organic use, our organic potting soil for annuals reflects Coast of Maine’s commitment to nature-conscious, responsible gardening practices.
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our indoor and outdoor gardening products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, planet-friendly solution for enriching garden soil. Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Sprout Island Blend Seed Starter – Seed Germination & Root Plant Cuttings w/Composted Manure, Mycorrhizae, Worm Castings & Kelp – Enhanced Drainage (2 cu ft)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: Formulated with sphagnum peat moss, compost, perlite, lobster and crab shell meal, and kelp meal, this high-quality, multipurpose organic potting soil provides essential nutrients for healthy plant growth. Specifically formulated to encourage root development and sustained plant growth, promoting healthy, vibrant plants throughout their lifecycle.
- VERSATILE: Bar Harbor Blend is the potting soil for vegetables, indoor plants, fruits, and herb gardens that they love. With a nutrient-rich base, it’s ideal for encouraging growth when using hanging baskets, raised beds, window boxes, or any container garden.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Bar Harbor Blend revitalizes and improves soil structure by promoting the perfect balance of moisture retention, aeration, and drainage, minimizing the need for frequent watering and fertilizing.
- SUITABLE FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR PLANTS: Made with natural slow-release nitrogen, this earth friendly potting soil provides consistent nourishment over time. It’s approved for organic gardening and perfect for both indoor and outdoor plants
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, planet-friendly solution for enriching garden soil. Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
Coast of Maine Castine Blend Organic and Natural Raised Bed Mix, 1 cu ft (Pack of 2), RTU for Growing Vegetables, Herbs and Flowers
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 the Stonington Blend packs of 2, 4, and 6?
All three sizes contain the same 1.5 cu ft Stonington formulation, which is a premium organic mix for large container plants. The primary difference is quantity: a pack of 2 gives 3 cu ft, a pack of 4 provides 6 cu ft, and a pack of 6 yields 9 cu ft. Larger packs usually lower the price per cubic foot, making them more cost‑effective for extensive gardening projects.
How does the Penobscot Blend differ from the Bar Harbor Blend in terms of ingredients and ideal applications?
Penobscot Blend emphasizes peat, lobster shells, and aged bark, focusing on improving soil texture and moisture retention for garden beds and raised beds. Bar Harbor Blend adds perlite, kelp meal, and crab shell meal, creating a balanced mix that excels in potting situations for vegetables, herbs, and indoor plants. Choose Penobscot for soil amendment and Bar Harbor for versatile container gardening.
Which blend is best for raised beds versus container gardening?
The Castine Blend is formulated specifically for raised beds, offering a 1 cu ft mix that improves drainage and nutrient availability in confined bed spaces. For containers, the Stonington Blend and Bar Harbor Blend are ideal because they combine coco coir, worm castings, and perlite to retain moisture while preventing root rot in pots. Matching the blend to the planting environment ensures optimal plant health.
Is the ST1500 Stonington High Performance Mix worth the extra cost with the included test kit and gloves?
The ST1500 mix adds coco coir, lobster compost, and worm castings, delivering a nutrient‑dense profile for high‑yield crops like tomatoes and cannabis. The bundled My Garden Pool Soil Test Kit and gloves provide added value for gardeners who want to monitor pH and protect their hands during soil handling. If you plan intensive growing or want precise soil diagnostics, the premium price is justified.
What should I consider when choosing a seed starter mix like Sprout Island versus a general potting soil?
Seed starter mixes such as Sprout Island are fine‑tuned for germination, featuring higher peat content, mycorrhizae, and worm castings to promote rapid root development and excellent drainage. General potting soils like Bar Harbor contain more perlite and larger particle sizes, which are better suited for established plants. Use a seed starter for seedlings and transplant into a richer potting blend once the plants have a true leaf set.
How do the Castine Blend and Stonington Blend compare for large container plants?
Both blends are organic and support vigorous growth, but Stonington is a 1.5 cu ft mix designed for very large containers, offering a higher proportion of coco coir for moisture management. Castine is a 1 cu ft blend optimized for raised beds, with a slightly sandier texture that improves drainage in tighter soil volumes. For oversized pots, Stonington generally provides better aeration and water retention.
Are there any organic certifications or sustainability claims I should verify?
Coast of Maine products are OMRI‑listed for organic use and are marketed as all‑natural, sustainably sourced blends that incorporate local marine by‑products like lobster shells and salmon compost. Look for the OMRI logo on packaging and check the company’s sustainability statements regarding regenerative practices and renewable resources. These certifications help ensure the mix meets organic gardening standards.
How does buying larger packs affect value per cubic foot?
Purchasing larger packs (e.g., a 6‑bag Stonington bundle) reduces the cost per cubic foot because the manufacturing and packaging expenses are spread over more volume. For example, the per‑cubic‑foot price of a 6‑bag pack is typically 15‑20 % lower than buying a single 2‑bag pack. If you have multiple beds or containers, buying in bulk maximizes your budget while ensuring consistent soil quality.