Comparison: Best Jiffy Organic Seed Starting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re looking to give your garden a healthy, eco-friendly head start, you’ve probably heard about Jiffy’s organic seed starting mix. But is it really the best choice out there? We’ve dug into the details—ingredients, performance, ease of use, and what real gardeners are saying—to help you decide if Jiffy lives up to the hype. Let’s explore how Jiffy stacks up against the competition and if it’s worth seeding your trust in it.
- Best for water-holding blend: Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix
- Best for peat-free power: Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts
- Best for equine-friendly mix: AMOVO Jiffy G316 16 Quart Organic Seed Starting Jiffy-Mix for Horse Owners
- Best for mycorrhizae boost: Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening
- Best for trusted starter: Jiffy G310 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil
- Best for expandable block: Back to the Roots Organic Seed Starting
- Best for bulk starter pack: Jiffy 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil – 5088 (Qty 6)
Product Comparison: Best Jiffy Organic Seed Starting Mix
Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix, 10 QT (2 Bags (20 QT)
- This Jiffy Seed Starting Mix Includes: peat moss, vermiculite and lime.
- Peat Moss: Peat can hop up to 20x it’s weight in water, provides aeration for plant roots and helps retain nutrients plants need.
- Vermiculite: Prevents soil compaction, retains moisture and improves aeration. Can soak up to 3-4x it’s volume in water!
- Lime: Promotes a healthy PH balance in soil.
Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts, 100% Organic & USA Made for Herbs, Veggies, Flowers, w/Nutrient Rich Plant Food, Worm-Castings, & Moisture Controlling Yucca Brown
- NUTRIENT-RICH, NATURAL, AND ORGANIC SOIL: Grow a bountiful garden in your home with the Back to the Roots All-Purpose Natural and Organic Peat-Free 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix, packed with the nutrients needed for your plants, flowers, and vegetables to thrive
- MYCORRHIZAE, YUCCA EXTRACT, AND COCONUT COIR FOR STRONG ROOT DEVELOPMENT: This organic potting soil has mycorrhizae, coconut coir, and yucca extract which enhances the root’s uptake of water and the nutrients required by your plants for growth
- FEATURES pH BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: The dolomitic limestone of this potting soil has a combination of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate which effectively neutralizes acidity and prevent nutrient deficiency
- ZERO-RISK GARDENING AND GREAT FOR THE PLANET: Made in the USA and 100% guaranteed to grow; If you have any problems, we will send you a new bag to get you growing; Mined peatlands contribute yearly CO2 emissions equivalent to what cars all over the world are releasing — that’s why we think it’s so important to leave peat alone and offer the 1st premium, 100% peat-free soil in the market
- THE PERFECT GIFT: The perfect holiday gift, it comes in a beautiful packaging so that it’s ready to be given to foodie, garden-loving and eco-conscious friends and family; This kit is also part of our Grow One Give One campaign, simply share a picture on social media, tag us and use the campaign hashtag, and we’ll donate a kit to a classroom of your choice
AMOVO Jiffy G316 16 Quart Organic Seed Starting Jiffy-Mix for Horse Owners, Gardeners, Plant Enthusiasts, Environmentally Conscious Consumers, All Life Stages, 16 Pounds, 13.45 Pounds Display Weight
- Sold on Amazon
Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening, 16 qt, bag – Pack of One
- CONTAINS: This organic Seed Stating soil mix is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss & perlite with yucca extract and lime to ensure correct pH.
- MYCO-TONE: A blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Use to germinate and start seeds. Great for flower, vegetable, herb & more plant types. Can also be used to root stem and leaf cuttings.
- PROMOTE ROOT GROWTH: Organic seed starter mix ensures ideal moisture retention and aeration.
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
Back to the Roots Organic Seed Starting, Compressed Block expands to 12 Quarts, Made for Herbs, Veggies, Flowers
- A balanced pH, which means it’s truly all-purpose. Use alone or as an amendment for anything in a pot or in the ground — vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even starting seeds.
- Expands to 12 Quarts
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this product, just shoot us a note and our dedicated customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
- 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.
Jiffy 10 Quart Jiffy-Mix Premium Seed Starting Soil – 5088 (Qty 6)
- B007WB0TQK
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 seed starting mix?
Focus on a blend that provides good moisture retention, aeration, and a balanced pH. Ingredients like peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, or coconut coir help keep seeds damp without becoming water‑logged. Look for added nutrients such as mycorrhizae or yucca extract that boost root development. Finally, verify that the product is certified organic and free of synthetic chemicals.
How does Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix compare to Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Seed Starting Mix?
Jiffy’s mix combines peat moss, vermiculite, and lime, offering classic moisture‑holding and aeration properties, while Back to the Roots replaces peat with coconut coir and adds mycorrhizae and yucca extract for enhanced root uptake. The Back to the Roots formula is peat‑free, making it a more environmentally friendly choice, whereas Jiffy relies on peat, which can retain up to 20× its weight in water. Both provide pH‑balancing limestone, but Back to the Roots also includes dolomitic limestone for added calcium and magnesium. Price‑wise, the two are similar, so the decision often comes down to sustainability preferences.
Is the Jiffy G310 10‑Quart Premium Seed Starting Soil a good value compared to the larger Jiffy 10‑Quart 6‑Pack (5088)?
The single‑bag G310 offers the same premium mix as the larger 6‑pack, but buying the 6‑pack provides a bulk discount and ensures you have enough soil for multiple planting cycles. If you only need a small amount for a few seed trays, the single G310 is convenient and less wasteful. For avid gardeners or those planning several projects, the 6‑pack reduces per‑quart cost and guarantees consistent quality across batches.
What are the benefits of using a peat‑free mix like Back to the Roots or the Back to the Roots Compressed Block?
Peat‑free mixes eliminate the environmental impact associated with peat extraction, which releases significant CO₂. Coconut coir and other renewable fibers provide comparable water retention and aeration while being biodegradable. These mixes often include added mycorrhizae and organic amendments that improve nutrient uptake, making them a sustainable yet high‑performing option for seed starting.
How important is mycorrhizae in a seed starting mix, and which products include it?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing water and nutrient absorption, especially phosphorus. Both Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Mix and Espoma Organic Seed Starter list mycorrhizae as a key ingredient. Including this fungus can lead to stronger seedlings and faster establishment, making it a valuable feature for serious growers.
Can I use Jiffy‑Mix products for rooting cuttings as well as germinating seeds?
Yes, Jiffy‑Mix blends are formulated with a balance of moisture retention and aeration that supports both seed germination and cutting propagation. The inclusion of vermiculite or perlite prevents compaction, allowing cuttings to develop healthy roots. For best results, keep the medium consistently damp but not soggy and provide adequate light.
Which seed starting mix offers the best overall value for a beginner gardener?
Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Seed Starting Mix provides a comprehensive, peat‑free formula with added mycorrhizae, yucca extract, and dolomitic limestone, all in an eco‑friendly package, making it an excellent all‑round choice for beginners. Its guarantee and the Grow One Give One program add extra peace of mind and social value. If budget is a primary concern, the standard Jiffy Natural & Organic mix delivers reliable performance at a slightly lower price point.