Comparison: Best Natural And Organic Seed Starting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re dreaming of lush, healthy seedlings ready to thrive in your garden, the right start matters—and that begins with your seed starting mix. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you go for all-natural ingredients or certified organic blends? We’ve dug into the dirt to compare the **best natural and organic seed starting mix**es, testing for texture, nutrient content, and germination success.
- Best for root-ready mix: Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening
- Best for peat-free power: Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts
- Best for expandable block: Back to the Roots Organic Seed Starting
- Best for pro grow formula: Seed Starter Natural Potting Soil Mix for Germination and Growth (Made in USA) (4 Dry Quarts)
- Best for moisture master: Jiffy Natural & Organic Seed Starting Soil Mix
- Best for bulk organic pack: Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. for Organic Gardening
- Best for coconut coir magic: Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Natural And Organic Seed Starting Mix
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 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
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.
Seed Starter Natural Potting Soil Mix for Germination and Growth (Made in USA) (4 Dry Quarts)
- READY TO USE MIXTURE – The same formulation as used by professional growers
- PROMOTES SEED GROWTH – Our special mix provides excellent seed germination and growth of young seedlings
- PROVIDES AERATION AND MOISTURE RETENTION – Contains peat moss, perlite and vermiculite for optimum control
- PH CONTROLLED – Balanced ph levels for a broad spectrum of different plant types
- BAG SIZE – 4 Dry Quarts
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.
Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. for Organic Gardening, 8 qt, Pack of 2
- 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.
- You will receive 2 bags of 8 Qt.Seed Starter
Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart
- ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally-friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic.
- IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb & more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants.
- EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants – indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more!
- NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds.
- 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes & gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!
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 key ingredients should I look for in a seed starting mix?
The most important components are peat moss or a peat‑free alternative like coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite for aeration, and a balanced pH buffer such as lime or dolomitic limestone. Look for added mycorrhizae or yucca extract, which can boost root development and nutrient uptake. Organic certification (OMRI listed) ensures the mix is free from synthetic chemicals.
How does a peat‑free mix compare to a traditional peat‑based mix?
Peat‑free mixes, such as those using coconut coir, offer similar moisture retention while being more sustainable and lighter in weight. Traditional peat mixes often provide excellent water holding capacity but can be less environmentally friendly. Performance-wise, both can produce strong seedlings when paired with proper aeration agents like perlite.
Is the presence of mycorrhizae worth paying extra for?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving water and nutrient absorption, especially phosphorus. Products that list a mycorrhizal blend, like Espoma’s Myco‑Tone, can give seedlings a stronger start, which may translate to healthier mature plants. The added cost is modest and can be a good value for serious gardeners.
Which mix offers the best value for the amount of soil I get?
When comparing bulk size to price, the Back to the Roots compressed block expands to 12 quarts from a compact form, giving you more volume per dollar. Jiffy’s 20‑quart twin‑bag also provides a large quantity at a competitive price. If you need only a small amount, a 4‑quart professional‑grade mix may be more cost‑effective.
Do I need to add extra fertilizer to these organic starter mixes?
Most organic starter mixes are formulated to be nutrient‑balanced for the first few weeks of germination, so additional fertilizer isn’t required immediately. Once seedlings develop true leaves, a light feed of a balanced, organic fertilizer can support continued growth. Over‑fertilizing early can damage delicate roots, so follow the product’s guidelines.
How important is pH control in a seed starter mix?
A stable, slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0‑6.5) promotes optimal enzyme activity and nutrient availability for germinating seeds. Many mixes include lime or dolomitic limestone to maintain this range, which is especially helpful for sensitive vegetables and herbs. Checking the pH label can save you from having to adjust the soil yourself.
Can I use these mixes for rooting cuttings as well as seeds?
Yes, most of the listed mixes, such as Espoma’s and Back to the Roots, are suitable for both seed germination and rooting stem or leaf cuttings because they provide excellent moisture retention and aeration. The inclusion of mycorrhizae and organic extracts further encourages root formation. Just ensure the medium stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.