Comparison: Best Espoma Organic Potting Mix 8 Quart (Updated | Nov 11th)
But is the 8-quart size really worth it? From moisture retention to root development, we’ll break down what makes this mix a favorite among gardeners—and whether it lives up to the hype in everyday use. Let’s find out if Espoma deserves a spot in your gardening routine.
- Best for all‑season blend: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for myco‑tone power: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for proprietary myco: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for moisture‑saving mix: Espoma Organic Moisture Mix Potting Soil – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers for Organic Gardening
- Best for universal potting: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for trusted 8‑quart: Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix (1-Pack)
- Best for peat‑free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Product Comparison: Best Espoma Organic Potting Mix 8 Quart
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 1
- 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.
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 2
- 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 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.
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. 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.
Espoma Organic Moisture Mix Potting Soil – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers for Organic Gardening, 8 qt. Bag. Pack of 1
- FOR USE ON: Use as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers. Moisture Mix requires less frequent watering
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, coir, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather mea
- 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 including coir . No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
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.
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.
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 key differences between the standard Espoma 8‑quart potting mixes (B002Y04TK6, B08JH3343X, B087N7RCNP, B00553BLPA)?
All four are essentially the same formulation, featuring sphagnum peat moss, humus, perlite, earthworm castings, alfalfa, kelp, and feather meals, plus Espoma’s proprietary Myco‑Tone mycorrhiza blend. The main distinction lies in packaging and seller listings rather than ingredient changes, so performance will be identical. Choose the one with the best price or most reliable seller.
How does Espoma’s Moisture Mix (B011HXWCA4) differ from the regular 8‑quart mix?
The Moisture Mix replaces peat moss with coir, which improves water retention and reduces the need for frequent watering. It still contains the Myco‑Tone blend and organic nutrients, making it suitable for the same range of indoor and outdoor plants. This mix is ideal for gardeners who want a drier‑time soil or who prefer a peat‑free option.
What is Myco‑Tone and why does it matter?
Myco‑Tone is Espoma’s proprietary blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizal fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Including Myco‑Tone in the potting mix can lead to healthier, faster‑growing plants, especially in containers where root space is limited. It’s a key value‑add for organic growers seeking higher yields.
Is the Back to the Roots 12‑quart potting mix a good alternative to Espoma’s 8‑quart mix?
Back to the Roots offers a peat‑free, 100% organic blend made from upcycled plant material, which gives it a lower carbon footprint and excellent moisture control thanks to yucca extract. While it’s larger (12 qt) and priced per quart may be comparable, it lacks the Myco‑Tone mycorrhizal inoculant found in Espoma mixes. If you prioritize sustainability and a peat‑free formula, it’s a solid choice; otherwise, Espoma’s added mycorrhizae can provide extra growth benefits.
Which product gives the best value for money for a typical home gardener?
For most home gardeners, the standard Espoma 8‑quart mix (any of the identical ASINs) provides strong value because it combines a comprehensive organic nutrient profile with Myco‑Tone at a modest price. The Moisture Mix may cost slightly more but can save water and reduce watering frequency. If you need larger volume, the Back to the Roots 12‑quart offers a good price per quart but without mycorrhizae.
Can I use Espoma’s 8‑quart mix for both indoor and outdoor containers?
Yes, Espoma’s 8‑quart organic potting mix is formulated for versatile use, suitable for indoor houseplants, outdoor vegetable beds, herb containers, and flower pots. Its balanced blend of nutrients and mycorrhizal fungi supports healthy root development in a variety of environments. Just ensure proper drainage and adjust watering based on your specific plant’s needs.
What should I look for on the label to confirm a potting mix is truly organic?
Check for statements such as “All Natural,” “No synthetic plant foods or chemicals,” and certification logos like OMRI or USDA Organic. Espoma products explicitly list organic ingredients and the absence of synthetic additives. The Back to the Roots mix also declares 100% organic and peat‑free, reinforcing its organic status.
How often should I repot plants using these organic mixes?
Espoma recommends repotting whenever plants outgrow their containers or show signs of nutrient depletion, typically every 12‑18 months for fast‑growing herbs and vegetables. The Moisture Mix’s coir component can extend the interval slightly due to better moisture retention. Regularly checking root health and soil structure will guide the optimal repotting schedule.