Comparison: Best Natural And Organic Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re tired of guessing which potting soil actually lives up to its “natural” and “organic” claims, you’re not alone. We’ve dug into the dirt—literally—testing and comparing top-rated natural and organic potting soils to find the best picks for your garden. Let’s get growing—naturally.
- Best for quick-release outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for premium organic blend: Natural & Organic Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for mycorrhizae rich: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for pet-friendly indoor: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for expandable coco: 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 raised bed ready: Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
- Best for bulk outdoor mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water-balance indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Natural And Organic Potting Soil
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)
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.
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.
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
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!
Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
- FOR USE: Ideal for raised garden beds and outdoor containers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil mix for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Use to fill new raised beds or to enhance soil in existing beds. Ready to use
- 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 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 consider when choosing between organic outdoor potting mixes?
Look at the nutrient profile, such as quick‑release natural fertilizers, and whether the mix includes peat or peat‑free ingredients. Also compare the recommended container size coverage, as larger bags can be more economical for multiple plants. Finally, check if the product is certified as responsibly sourced or has any environmental certifications.
How does Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix compare to Back to the Roots Outdoor mix?
Miracle‑Gro includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, while Back to the Roots is 100 % organic, peat‑free, and uses upcycled plant matter for a lighter carbon footprint. Miracle‑Gro relies on responsibly sourced peat, whereas Back to the Roots emphasizes sustainability with no imported peat. Both are versatile for flowers, herbs, and vegetables, but Back to the Roots may appeal more to eco‑conscious gardeners.
Which product is best for indoor plants and why?
Back to the Roots 100 % Organic Indoor Potting Mix is formulated specifically for indoor use, featuring yucca extract for moisture retention and mycorrhizal fungi to boost root development. It is also peat‑free, reducing the risk of indoor gnats and making it safe for pets and people. Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Mix offers a quick‑start fertilizer and a blend of peat, coir, and fertilizer, but it contains peat, which some indoor gardeners prefer to avoid.
Are peat‑free options like Back to the Roots and Wonder Soil better for the environment?
Yes, peat‑free mixes reduce pressure on peat bogs, which are important carbon sinks, and typically have a lower overall carbon footprint. Back to the Roots uses upcycled plant material and wood fines, while Wonder Soil relies on coco coir, both of which are renewable resources. These blends also often incorporate organic amendments that improve soil health without synthetic inputs.
How important are added mycorrhizae and fertilizers in these mixes?
Mycorrhizae, found in Espoma and Back to the Roots blends, form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing nutrient and water uptake, which can lead to stronger growth. Quick‑release natural fertilizers, like those in Miracle‑Gro mixes, provide an immediate nutrient boost for the first weeks after planting. Depending on your gardening style, you may prefer the rapid feeding of fertilizers or the long‑term benefits of mycorrhizae.
What value does the larger 25‑qt. Miracle‑Gro bag provide versus the 16‑qt. version?
The 25‑qt. bag fills three 10‑inch containers, offering a lower cost per container compared with the 16‑qt. bag that fills a single 12‑inch pot. For gardeners with multiple outdoor containers, the larger bag reduces the number of purchases and packaging waste. However, if you have limited storage space, the smaller bag may be more convenient.
Is the Espoma Organic Potting Soil suitable for both indoor and outdoor use?
Espoma’s Organic Potting Soil Mix is marketed for both indoor and outdoor container plants, featuring a blend of peat moss, humus, perlite, and organic meals. It also includes a proprietary mycorrhizal inoculant (Myco‑Tone) that supports root health in any environment. Because it contains peat, some indoor gardeners may prefer a peat‑free alternative, but its nutrient richness makes it versatile.
How do price and bag size affect overall cost per plant container?
Generally, larger bags like Miracle‑Gro’s 25‑qt. or Back to the Roots 12‑qt. provide a lower price per cubic foot of soil, making them more economical for multiple containers. Smaller bags, such as the 16‑qt. Miracle‑Gro Indoor Mix, may have a higher per‑unit cost but are easier to store and reduce waste if you only need a few pots. Comparing the coverage (e.g., one 16‑qt. bag fills one 12‑inch pot versus a 25‑qt. bag filling three 10‑inch pots) helps you calculate the true value.