Comparison: Best Natural Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
Not all mixes are created equal, and going natural can make a world of difference for your green friends. In this guide, we’ll break down the **best natural potting soil**s on the market, comparing ingredients, performance, and value so you can choose with confidence—no guesswork, just healthier, happier plants.
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free blend: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for pure organic mix: Natural & Organic Potting Mix
- Best for root-boost indoor: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for earthworm-enriched soil: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for acid-loving formula: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants Azalea
- Best for large-scale growth: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for coco coir power: 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 versatile natural mix: LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix – Organic Houseplant Soil – Natural Potting Mix for Indoor & Outdoor Plants – Potting Soil for Gardening – Ideal for Rooting Cuts & Germinating Seeds (0.5 Cu Ft)
Product Comparison: Best Natural 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.
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.
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants Azalea, Rhododendron & Berries – Premium Planting Soil w/Composted Manure, Sphagnum Peat Moss – Low pH, Enhanced Drainage (20 Qt)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: This specifically crafted organic compost blend has a low pH premium formulation that is naturally lightweight and contains just the right ingredients ensuring healthy growth and beautiful results.
- READY TO USE ORGANIC COMPOST: Coast of Maine Planting Organic Soil for Acid-Loving Plants improves and revitalizes plants that thrive in lower pH soils like rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies, blueberries, strawberries, ferns, fuchsias, camellias, dogwoods, and conifers.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Indoor and Outdoor Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants is formulated to balance moisture retention and drainage, making it perfect add-in to revitalize soil for beautiful blossoms and fruit.
- EARTH FRIENDLY COMPOST FOR SOIL: OMRI listed for organic use, our organic potting soil for acid loving plants reflects Coast of Maine’s commitment to nature-conscious, responsible gardening practices.
- HARVESTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE: Since 1996, Coast of Maine has been dedicated to sustainable, regenerative practices that nourish healthy plants. Our indoor and outdoor gardening products are made with all-natural components, providing a sustainable, planet-friendly solution for enriching garden soil. Our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship ensures that every product supports a healthier garden and planet.
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)
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!
LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix – Organic Houseplant Soil – Natural Potting Mix for Indoor & Outdoor Plants – Potting Soil for Gardening – Ideal for Rooting Cuts & Germinating Seeds (0.5 Cu Ft)
- ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS: LGM Soil All-Purpose Potting Soil Mix is crafted from composted forest products, wood fines, perlite, sphagnum peat moss, and a mix of beneficial microbes, providing optimal nutrition for indoor and outdoor plants, including houseplants, vegetables, and herbs.
- VERSATILE USE: This premium potting soil mix is ideal for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Whether you’re planting flowers, shrubs, or trees, rooting cuts, or germinating seeds, LGM Soil provides an ideal growing medium for all types of plants and garden soil for outdoor plants.
- PROMOTES HEALTHY GROWTH: The inclusion of chicken manure, volcanic ash, gypsum, feather meal, soy meal, and kelp meal in LGM Soil ensures strong root development and robust plant health. Ideal for indoor plant soil, potting soil for indoor plants, and outdoor potting soil for flowers and vegetables.
- RETAINS MOISTURE: LGM Soil’s unique blend conserves water by reducing moisture loss due to evaporation, making it an excellent choice for indoor potting soil for house plants, indoor plant soil, & outdoor potted plants. Your plants stay hydrated longer, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- READY TO USE: This all-purpose potting soil is pre-moistened and ready to use straight out of the bag. It comes in a convenient small bag size, making it easy to handle and ideal for potting soil indoor plants small bag needs, as well as for indoor and outdoor gardening, from houseplants to vegetables.
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 natural potting soil?
Look for organic components such as peat moss, composted forest products, or upcycled plant matter that provide structure and nutrients. Additives like mycorrhizae, kelp meal, or dolomitic limestone improve root development and pH balance. Avoid synthetic fertilizers if you prefer a truly natural blend.
How does a peat‑free mix compare to a peat‑based mix for indoor plants?
Peat‑free mixes, like Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix, use coco coir or wood fines, which have a lower carbon footprint and better moisture retention. Peat‑based mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, offer excellent aeration but rely on a finite resource. For indoor use, peat‑free options also tend to reduce gnats and pests.
Which product gives the best value for outdoor container gardening?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix (25 qt.) fills three 10‑inch containers, providing a cost‑effective volume for larger gardens. Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (12 qt.) offers a premium, peat‑free blend but at a higher price per quart. Consider the number of containers you need and the importance of sustainability when judging value.
Are there any potting soils that are specifically formulated for acid‑loving plants?
Yes, Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil is formulated with a low pH to support azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, and similar plants. Its blend balances moisture retention and drainage while remaining OMRI‑listed for organic use. This specialization can lead to healthier blooms compared with a general‑purpose mix.
What benefits do added mycorrhizae provide in potting soil?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake and water absorption. Products like Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and Back to the Roots Indoor Mix include both endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae for stronger root systems. This can translate to faster growth and increased resilience to stress.
How important is the moisture‑retention capability of the soil for indoor plants?
Indoor plants often receive less frequent watering, so a mix that retains moisture while still draining well is crucial. Coco‑coir based blends, such as Wonder Soil, can hold up to 50 % more water than traditional peat mixes. Combined with organic amendments, they help maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering.
Is there a noticeable difference in nutrient longevity between quick‑release and slow‑release fertilizers in organic mixes?
Quick‑release natural fertilizers, like those in Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix, feed plants for up to two months but may require re‑application for long‑term use. Slow‑release options, often provided by organic meals (aloe, kelp, feather) in mixes like Espoma, supply nutrients gradually over a longer period. Choose based on how often you plan to repot or amend the soil.
What should I consider regarding bag size and container compatibility?
Check the coverage guidelines: a 16 qt. bag typically fills a 12‑inch container, while a 25 qt. bag can cover three 10‑inch pots. Larger bags are more economical per volume but may be harder to store. Match the bag size to the number and size of containers you intend to fill for optimal value.