Comparison: Best Just Natural Organic Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re on the hunt for the **best just natural organic potting mix**, you’re not alone—gardeners everywhere are swapping synthetic blends for cleaner, earth-friendly options. But with so many choices claiming to be the “best,” how do you know which one truly delivers? Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in a raised bed, let’s find the organic potting mix that works as hard as you do.
- Best for peat-free blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water balance guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for pet-safe moisture: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for earthworm enriched: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for large-scale feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for value pack duo: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhiza boost: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
Product Comparison: Best Just Natural Organic Potting Mix
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.
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)
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)
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- FORMULATED FOR INDOOR USE: Our Potting Mix contains organic yucca extract that aids in retaining moisture in the soil whichs keeps your indoor plants happy and healthy
- ROOT-BOOSTING MYCORRHIZAE: This beneficial soil component provides your plants with a natural, organic way to boost their root development and nutrient uptake
- ORGANIC AND PEAT-FREE: Our indoor potting mix helps reduce greenhouse emissions and environmental impact, making it a responsible choice for conscious consumers
- BALANCING DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE: Balances the alkalinity and acidity levels of the soil, which ensures that your plants receive the necessary nutrients from the potting mix to grow healthy and strong
- SAFE FOR PETS AND PEOPLE: Made without bark or compost, this potting mix is less prone to indoor gnats and pests, making it a worry-free option for your indoor gardening needs
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.
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 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 25 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10-inch containers (amount may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- 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
- This bundle includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix; each fills one 12-inch container (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
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.
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 peat‑free and peat‑based organic potting mixes?
Peat‑free mixes, like Back to the Roots, use upcycled plant matter and wood fines, reducing carbon footprint and avoiding peat extraction. Peat‑based mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro and Espoma, rely on responsibly sourced sphagnum peat moss, which provides excellent water retention but has a higher environmental impact. Choose peat‑free if sustainability is a priority, and peat‑based if you need the classic moisture‑holding qualities.
How does moisture control compare among the Back to the Roots and Miracle‑Gro mixes?
Back to the Roots adds yucca extract and dolomitic limestone to balance moisture and pH, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. Miracle‑Gro’s indoor mix includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer and coir, which also improves water retention but relies more on peat’s inherent absorbency. For indoor plants prone to water stress, Back to the Roots may offer more consistent moisture regulation.
Which product gives the best value for filling multiple outdoor containers?
Miracle‑Gro’s 25‑quart bag (B0DNG9V7DW) can fill three 10‑inch containers, providing a larger volume per dollar than the 12‑quart Back to the Roots bag. Espoma’s mix is sold in 5‑gallon (≈20‑quart) containers and includes premium amendments like earthworm castings, offering strong nutrient content but at a higher price per quart. If sheer volume is the goal, Miracle‑Gro’s larger bag is the most economical.
Are any of these potting mixes safe for pets and indoor environments?
Back to the Roots’ indoor mix specifically notes it is pet‑ and people‑safe, with no bark or compost that attracts gnats. Miracle‑Gro mixes contain peat and fertilizer but are generally safe once fully incorporated; however, they may emit a mild odor that could bother sensitive pets. Espoma’s blend is all‑natural and free of synthetic chemicals, making it a good choice for households with pets.
What role do mycorrhizae play, and which mixes include them?
Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi that enhance root development and nutrient uptake. Back to the Roots indoor mix includes mycorrhizal inoculant, while Espoma’s soil features a proprietary Myco‑Tone blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae. Miracle‑Gro does not list mycorrhizae, focusing instead on fertilizer and peat components.
How long do the built‑in fertilizers feed plants, and does this affect re‑purchasing frequency?
Both Miracle‑Gro outdoor and indoor mixes contain a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months. Back to the Roots does not add a synthetic fertilizer, relying on organic amendments that release nutrients more slowly, which may require more frequent repotting or supplemental feeding. Consider your desired maintenance schedule when choosing a mix.
Which potting mix offers the most environmentally friendly profile?
Back to the Roots leads in sustainability with a 100 % organic, peat‑free formula made from upcycled plant material, reducing carbon emissions. Miracle‑Gro uses responsibly sourced peat, which is certified but still involves peat extraction. Espoma’s mix contains peat and other natural ingredients, offering a balanced approach but not as low‑impact as a peat‑free option.