Comparison: Best Organic And Natural Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
We’ve dug deep (literally) to compare the **best organic and natural potting mix**es on the market, evaluating ingredients, performance, and value. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in a backyard garden, we’ll help you choose a mix that feeds your plants—and your peace of mind—naturally.
- Best for quick-feed outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for premium organic blend: Natural & Organic Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free all-purpose: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- 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 blend: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for big-volume outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for dual pack outdoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for versatile organic soil: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
Product Comparison: Best Organic And Natural Potting Mix
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.
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)
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)
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 should I consider when picking an organic potting mix for outdoor containers?
Look for a mix that contains a balanced, slow‑release organic fertilizer to feed plants for several weeks, and check whether the peat is responsibly sourced. Volume matters: larger bags (e.g., 25 qt) can fill multiple 10‑inch pots, offering better price per container. Also verify that the mix is suitable for the plant types you plan to grow, such as vegetables, herbs, or perennials.
How does a peat‑free mix like Back to the Roots compare to traditional peat‑based mixes?
Peat‑free blends use upcycled plant material and wood fines, which reduces carbon emissions and avoids depleting peat bogs. They often include additives like yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, providing similar performance to peat mixes. However, they may feel lighter and require slightly more frequent watering than dense peat‑based soils.
Which product offers the best value per container size?
Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix in the 25‑qt bag fills roughly three 10‑inch containers, giving a low cost per pot compared with 12‑qt or 16‑qt bags. Back to the Roots 12‑qt peat‑free mix is priced competitively for indoor use but fills fewer large containers. If you need both indoor and outdoor mix, the bundled two‑bag Miracle‑Gro 16‑qt set provides convenience while still delivering good volume for medium‑sized pots.
Are there mixes that help prevent indoor pests and are safe for pets?
Back to the Roots 100 % Organic Indoor Potting Mix is formulated without bark or compost, which reduces the likelihood of gnats and other pests, and it is marketed as safe for pets and people. Espoma’s Organic Potting Soil Mix also avoids synthetic chemicals, making it a pet‑friendly choice, though it does contain peat which can attract some insects if over‑watered.
What benefits do added mycorrhizae provide, and which mixes contain them?
Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, and enhancing drought resistance. Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix includes a proprietary Myco‑Tone blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae, while Back to the Roots Indoor Mix adds root‑boosting mycorrhizae for indoor plants. Both options can give a noticeable growth boost compared with mixes lacking these microbes.
How important is the quick‑release fertilizer in a mix, and which brands include it?
A quick‑release organic fertilizer provides an immediate nutrient surge, helping seedlings establish faster and supporting flowering or fruiting cycles. Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor and Indoor Potting Mixes both contain a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months. If you prefer a fertilizer‑free blend, peat‑free options from Back to the Roots rely on balanced organic amendments instead.
Can I use the same mix for both vegetables and ornamental plants?
Yes, many of the listed mixes are all‑purpose and work well for a variety of container plants. Espoma’s Organic Potting Soil Mix and Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix are designed for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennials alike. For indoor ornamental plants, Back to the Roots Indoor Mix offers a peat‑free formula that supports foliage health while minimizing pest issues.
What environmental considerations should influence my purchase?
Choose mixes that use responsibly sourced peat, as indicated on Miracle‑Gro’s packaging, to ensure sustainable harvesting. Peat‑free blends like Back to the Roots reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions and have a lighter carbon footprint. Additionally, look for products that incorporate recycled materials or local manufacturing, which further lessen environmental impact.