Comparison: Best Earth Magic Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
But does it really live up to the hype? In this honest comparison, we’ll dig into the key features, ingredients, and real-world performance of Earth Magic’s top blends. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in a raised bed, we’ve tested so you don’t have to. Let’s find the perfect mix to help your garden flourish—naturally.
- Best for all-purpose moisture: Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes
- Best for microbe-boosted premium: Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil
- 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 fast-release outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for compact moisture: Michigan Peat 20 Pound Bag of Garden Magic General Purpose Moisture Retaining Potting Soil Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Planting
- Best for supercharged expandable: Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden
- Best for certified organic: Dr. Earth Pot of Gold All Purpose Potting Soil 8 qt
- Best for gnat-resistant indoor: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for water-balance indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Earth Magic Potting Soil
Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes, White
- Ready-to-Use for All Planting Needs: This general-purpose potting mix is ready to use out of the bag, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor planting without any additional preparation
- Optimal Moisture Retention & Drainage: Designed to allow excess water to drain effectively while retaining moisture, promoting healthy plant growth during dry seasons
- High-Quality Soil Blend: Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat, perlite, and sand, offering the best conditions for plant health and soil structure
- Perfect for All Gardeners: Developed for both new and experienced home gardeners, this soil mix enhances plant growth in various environments and gardening projects
- Improves Soil Quality: Ideal for loosening heavy clay soils and enhancing moisture in light soils, making it perfect for use as a top dressing to fill holes in lawns and garden beds
Dr. Earth Gold Premium Potting Soil, 8 Quart, Natural
- Soil comes in an 8 qt. bag, includes Pro-Moisture Hydrate, is OMRI listed, MycoApply certified and perfectly safe for both pets and people
- Formulated for both indoor and outdoor potting and container use, this soil is a perfect match for your herbs, vegetables, indoor gardens, all container plants and flowers
- You can use it as a soil amendment for the in-ground planting of trees, shrubs, bare roots, flowers and vegetables
- Soil is great for mulching, seed cover, indoor garden production, transplanting, compost use, soil Boosts and even clay soil applications
- Soil is loaded with quality organic ingredients and the welcome addition of TruBiotic soil microbes with both ecto and endo mycorrhizae
- Power source type: Corded Electric
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)
Michigan Peat 20 Pound Bag of Garden Magic General Purpose Moisture Retaining Potting Soil Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Planting
- Garden magic potting soil
- A general purpose mix that is ready to use out of the bag for indoor and outdoor planting
- Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat and other materials
- Retains sufficient moisture to sustain active plant growth during moderately dry periods
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.
Dr. Earth Pot of Gold All Purpose Potting Soil 8 qt
- 8 Quart Bag
- Ideal for herbs, vegetables, indoor gardens, container plants, flowers and all container plants.
- Use in any size container, both indoor and outdoor, including hanging baskets house plants and patio
- People and Pet safe.
- OMRI listed, Non-GMO Project Verified, CDFA OIM Registered
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- Recommended for growing beautiful indoor houseplant varieties like Pothos, Spider Plants, Monstera, Philodendron, English Ivy and more
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats, thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss that’s just right
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as a quality product in compliance with industry standards
- A single 4-qt bag fills an 8-inch container; for even more spectacular results, start regular feedings with Miracle-Gro Plant Food 30 days after planting
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)
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 look for in an organic potting mix for both indoor and outdoor use?
Check for a balanced blend of moisture‑retaining components like peat or coco coir and drainage agents such as perlite. Look for added beneficial microbes or mycorrhizae that promote root health, and verify that the mix is OMRI‑listed or certified pet‑ and child‑safe. A mix that includes a slow‑release natural fertilizer can also extend feeding intervals.
How does Michigan Peat’s Garden Magic blend compare to Dr. Earth Gold Premium soil?
Michigan Peat’s Garden Magic uses a reed‑sedge peat, perlite, and sand blend that excels at loosening heavy clay and retaining moisture, while Dr. Earth Gold adds Pro‑Moisture Hydrate and TruBiotic microbes for enhanced nutrient availability. Both are ready‑to‑use, but Dr. Earth is OMRI‑listed and emphasizes a broader spectrum of organic ingredients. If you prioritize microbial activity, Dr. Earth may have the edge.
Is coco coir a better alternative to peat for water retention?
Coco coir, as found in Wonder Soil and the compressed organic mixes, retains water similarly to peat but offers superior aeration and is a renewable resource. It also tends to be less acidic, which can be beneficial for pH‑sensitive plants. However, peat‑based mixes like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor provide a familiar texture and often include built‑in fertilizer for quick starts.
Which product gives the best value per volume for container gardening?
The compressed organic potting soils (e.g., the 2‑lb bag that expands up to 4 ×) provide the most volume for the smallest footprint, turning into several gallons of soil. Wonder Soil’s 4‑× expansion also offers a compact, resealable package that saves space. For larger, ready‑to‑use bags, Michigan Peat’s 40‑lb Garden Magic is cost‑effective for extensive garden beds.
Do any of these mixes include a built‑in fertilizer, and how long does it last?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor and Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor mixes contain a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months. Dr. Earth Gold also includes nutrients but relies on microbial activity for slower release. If you prefer a fertilizer‑free option to add your own amendments, Wonder Soil and the compressed coco coir blends are good choices.
Are these potting soils safe for pets and children?
Yes, most of the listed products are marketed as pet‑ and child‑safe, including Dr. Earth Gold, Dr. Earth Pot of Gold, and Michigan Peat’s Garden Magic. Miracle‑Gro’s indoor and outdoor mixes also meet safety standards, but always check the label for any specific warnings. Choosing an OMRI‑listed product adds an extra layer of confidence.
What are the key differences between a ready‑to‑use bag and a compressed expand‑once soil?
Ready‑to‑use bags, like Michigan Peat and Dr. Earth, come pre‑mixed and require no preparation, making them convenient for immediate planting. Compressed soils expand when water is added, offering a lightweight, space‑saving solution that can be customized in quantity. The trade‑off is an extra step of hydration, but the expanded mix often retains moisture longer and can be more economical.