Comparison: Best Green Living Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all “green” labels are created equal, and sifting through the options can be overwhelming. In this comparison, we’ve dug deep—literally—to find the best eco-friendly potting soils that deliver real results. From organic ingredients to sustainable sourcing, we’ll help you pick a mix that’s good for your garden *and* the Earth—no greenwashing, just honest, trustworthy recommendations.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for microbe‑rich blend: Gaia Green Organics Living Soil
- Best for mycorrhizal boost: FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
- Best for pro grow supersoil: Purple Cow Organics IndiCanja 1 Cubic Foot Bag
- Best for large container power: FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
- Best for versatile organic mix: Gaia Green Organics Living Soil
- Best for quick‑release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for biochar indoor formula: 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 compact indoor 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 high‑nutrient supersoil: California Super Soil Premium 100% Organic Super Soil – 18+ Nutrient Blend – Living Soil Technology – Potting and Garden Soil for Indoor Grow Kit – 6Lbs Bag – Grows 2 Plants
- Best for all‑purpose ocean blend: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
Product Comparison: Best Green Living Potting Soil
Microbe‑Rich Blend
Gaia Green Organics Living Soil, 1.5 cu ft | Premium Organic Potting Mix for Seed Starting, Container Gardening, Houseplants & Raised Beds
UF URBAN FARM D & S GARDEN SUPPLIES
- 🌱 Rich in Premium Organic Ingredients – Contains high-quality components like compost, peat moss, perlite, and diverse natural minerals that promote healthy soil biology and plant vitality.
- 💧 Optimal Moisture & Porosity – Engineered to maintain excellent moisture retention while allowing roots to breathe, creating an ideal root environment.
- 🦠 Packed with Beneficial Microbes – This biologically active soil enhances microbial diversity, supporting natural soil ecosystems that contribute to resilient, healthy plants.
- 🌍 Certified Organic Input Material – Registered with CDFA, ensuring the soil meets strict organic standards, ideal for those who prioritize sustainable gardening practices.
- 🌿 Versatile for All Gardening Needs – Perfect for a range of uses, from seed starting to container gardening and raised beds, providing consistent support through each growth stage.
Mycorrhizal Boost
FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil, 12qt – for Indoor/Outdoor Container Plants, Improves Root Efficiency, pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake – Contains Microbes and Humic Acids
FoxFarm
- TOP-TIER SOIL FOR BOUNTIFUL GROWTH: FoxFarm organic potting soil for indoor plants is a blend that boosts both indoor and outdoor gardening. Our planting soil enhances root development and plant health, making it a top choice for flourishing growth
- MICROBE-INFUSED SOIL FOR SUPER ROOTS: Enriched with soil microbes, mycorrhizal fungi, and humic acids, this indoor potting soil for house plants promotes efficient nutrient uptake and boosts root growth by improving root systems and plant vitality
- ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR THRIVING PLANTS: The garden soil for outdoor plants contains bat guano, earthworm castings, and aged forest products, all essential for enhanced nutrient levels, soil structure, and soil vital organic matter for healthy plants
- OPTIMAL SOIL FOR LUSH CONTAINER BLOOM: Ideal for container gardens, fox farms happy frog potting soil for vegetables’ balanced texture and content is suitable for a wide range of plants including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and houseplants
- READY-TO-USE CONVENIENT SOIL: Simply fill your container with garden fertilizer houseplant potting soil indoor plants, leaving 1 inch below the rim. Water thoroughly after planting. For best results, supplement growth all the seasons with Fox Farm fertilizers
Pro Grow Supersoil
Purple Cow Organics IndiCanja 1 Cubic Foot Bag, Organic Living Soil, Clean & Natural Plant Based Water Only Super Soil for Professional Indoor & Outdoor Growers
Purple Cow Organics
- READY-TO-USE! IndiCanja is a water-only super soil containing everything needed to take your plant from seedling to harvest
- WHAT THE PROS USE! Purple Cow IndiCanja is used by many professional indoor growers and farmers, but it’s easy to use for the hobby growers and home gardeners as well
- COMPOST-BASED! Including Purple Cow Organics’ plant-based compost, IndiCanja contains essential nutrients and organic matter that may naturally increase water uptake
- DEVELOPED BY A GROWER! A Michigan grower worked closely with Purple Cow over several years to fine tune the exact recipe for this product, keeping in mind the needs of the user
- CLEAN AND ORGANIC! Choosing to grow in IndiCanja supports the goal of cultivating “cleanly” grown flowers and extracted compounds for human consumption
- Heavy Metals: Purple Cow IndiCanja is OMRI listed so it meets strict requirements regarding heavy metals. Lab tests regarding heavy metals in IndiCanja can be found on the Purple Cow Organics website.
Large Container Power
FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil, 2cu ft – for Indoor/Outdoor Container Plants, Improves Root Efficiency, pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake – Contains Mycorrhizae and Humic Acids
FoxFarm
- You will receive (1) 2-cubic foot bag of potting soil per purchase.
- Amended with soil microbes that improve root efficiency and convert nutrients into a form that plants can utilize, enhancing fruit and flower production.
- Designed for container plants, indoor or outdoor. Whether you need a boost in your fruits, vegetables, flowers, or houseplants – Happy Frog will jump-start your containers!
- This unique mix is alive with beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi that dramatically expands root development.
- A blend of 50-60% aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and fertilizer. Derived from earthworm castings, oyster shell and dolomite lime.
Versatile Organic Mix
Gaia Green Organics Living Soil, Organic Potting Mix, 1.5 cu ft
Generic
- Nutrient-Rich: Gaia Green Living Soil is a premium organic potting mix loaded with essential nutrients and microbes to support vigorous plant growth.
- Versatile: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting, this living soil can be used for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and other organic gardening needs.
- Organic Certification: Registered with CDFA, this soil blend adheres to strict organic standards and is free from synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
- Convenient Size: Comes in a
- 1.5 cubic foot resealable bag for easy storage and transportation.
Quick‑Release Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Biochar Indoor Formula
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
Rosy Soil
- 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.
Compact Indoor Soil
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
Rosy Soil
- 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.
High‑Nutrient Supersoil
California Super Soil Premium 100% Organic Super Soil – 18+ Nutrient Blend – Living Soil Technology – Potting and Garden Soil for Indoor Grow Kit – 6Lbs Bag – Grows 2 Plants
THEBUDGROWER
- 5% SOIL AND 95% NUTRIENTS: California Super Soil is a highly concentrated super soil designed specifically for vegetating and flowering plants. California Super Soil allows growers to achieve higher yeilds while also making the growing process cheaper and easier!
- GOOD LIVING SOIL TECHNOLOGY: All growers will love the living soil technology of California Super Soil since there is no need for advanced nutrients or plant food ever for your vegetable garden. Simply add soils media and regular tap water and that’s it!
- ORGANIC SOIL MIX: Most other indoor plant food and garden soil products are manufactured using process ingredients that cannot be properly absorbed into the soil, unlike ours. The 18+ nature’s nutrient blend ensures your vegetable plants get off to the right start and then continue growing strong right up to harvest.
- MADE EASY GARDEN SOIL MIX: Fermented for just over 2 months allows microbes to begin breaking down amendments and cycling them into plant forms. This prevents any burning from the soil to make certain the best possible growth with our indoor growing soil blend in your indoor garden.
- INDOOR PLANT SOIL KIT INCLUDES: (x2) 6lb bags of Cali Super Soil. This kit will keep you on track with your grow by providing enough for another bulk of plants, or one big grow! Check out our full inventory of items that work hand in hand with our soil like our hydroponics growing system and other hydroponics supplies for your indoor gardening.
- BEST SUPER SOIL: To grow the best, you need the top planting soil. Our new California Super Soil is all you need for the best growing results without using any harsh chemicals. A nutrient rich artisanal soil formulated throughout the years in research and development to result in a final blend unmatched by others
All‑Purpose Ocean Blend
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 12qt – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture (12 Quart (1 Pack))
FoxFarm
- ALL-IN-ONE POTTING SOIL SOLUTION: FoxFarm ocean forest potting soil is a blend designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive. Ideal for container plants, this planting soil provides optimal nutrient and soil aeration
- MOISTURE-LOCKING NUTRIENT BLEND: This organic potting soil for plant is packed with aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, each ingredient enhances moisture retention and nutrient uptake
- TOP-NOTCH SOIL FOR EVERY PLANT: From roses and shrubs to seedlings and trees, this garden soil supports vigorous growth and branching. This outdoor & indoor plant soil’s pH-adjusted blend promotes healthy, lush foliage for all plant varieties
- YOUR GO-TO SOIL FOR ALL MEDIUMS: Our potting soil mix is perfect for container gardens, houseplants, and outdoor setups. Ocean plant versatile blend provides a balanced environment for robust growth, ensuring your plants thrive in any setting
- CONVENIENT SOIL READY TO USE: This houseplant potting soil is ready to use out of the bag, no additional ingredients are needed. Use for planting or top-dressing, with the optional pairing of FoxFarm liquid fertilizers for enhanced growth all season
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 prioritize when choosing a green‑living potting soil?
Look for certified organic ingredients, a balanced mix of peat, perlite, and compost, and the presence of beneficial microbes or mycorrhizal fungi. Moisture retention and aeration are key for healthy root development, especially in containers. Also consider the bag size to match the scale of your garden and avoid waste.
How does Gaia Green Organics Living Soil compare to FoxFarm Happy Frog?
Gaia Green emphasizes a premium blend of compost, peat moss, perlite, and natural minerals, with CDFA organic certification, while Happy Frog adds bat guano, earthworm castings, and mycorrhizal fungi for extra nutrient punch. Both provide excellent moisture retention, but Happy Frog’s added microbes may boost root growth faster for heavy feeders. Gaia Green’s 1.5 cu ft bag is slightly smaller, making it a good choice for modest indoor or raised‑bed projects.
Is Purple Cow IndiCanja a good option for beginners?
IndiCanja is a ready‑to‑use, water‑only super soil that contains all necessary nutrients from seedling to harvest, which simplifies the learning curve. It’s compost‑based and free of synthetic additives, appealing to growers who want a clean, organic profile. Because it’s marketed toward professional indoor growers, the price per cubic foot is higher, but the convenience can offset the cost for novices.
Which soil offers the best value for outdoor container gardening?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix provides a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, and a 16 qt bag fills a standard 12‑inch pot, making it cost‑effective for large‑scale projects. In contrast, Rosy Soil Indoor focuses on houseplants with biochar and pine bark, offering premium microbial benefits but at a higher price per quart. For outdoor containers, Miracle‑Gro’s larger bag size and longer feeding window generally deliver better value.
Do the microbial additives in FoxFarm Ocean Forest make a noticeable difference?
Ocean Forest includes a blend of aged forest products, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, all of which support a thriving microbial ecosystem. These microbes improve nutrient availability and help maintain consistent moisture, leading to stronger, more vigorous growth across a wide range of plants. Gardeners often report faster establishment and healthier foliage compared to plain peat‑based mixes.
How important is the soil’s pH balance for indoor plants?
A neutral to slightly acidic pH (around 6.0–6.5) optimizes nutrient uptake for most houseplants, preventing deficiencies and toxicities. Products like Rosy Soil Indoor and Gaia Green Living Soil are formulated with pH‑adjusted components such as dolomite lime or peat to maintain this range. Using a soil with proper pH reduces the need for corrective fertilizers and promotes long‑term plant health.
What are the advantages of California Super Soil’s 18+ nutrient blend?
California Super Soil packs a high concentration of organic nutrients, allowing growers to skip additional feeding schedules for most of the plant’s lifecycle. Its fermented blend encourages robust microbial activity, which converts nutrients into plant‑ready forms and minimizes burn risk. Although the upfront cost is higher, the reduced need for supplemental fertilizers can make it economical for larger or multiple grows.