Comparison: Best Organic Planting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever wondered why some gardens thrive while others struggle, the secret often lies beneath your feet—your soil. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one’s truly the best? Let’s dig into the top contenders and find out which organic soils really deliver on their promises.
- Best for peat-free power: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for extended fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose topsoil: Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes
- Best for water balance mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for coco nutrient boost: 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 acid-loving formula: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Acid Loving Plants Azalea
- Best for mycorrhiza enriched: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. for Organic Gardening
- Best for tomato growth blend: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Vegetables & Tomatoes – Premium Planting Soil w/ Composted Manure
- Best for expanding coir mix: Back to the Roots Organic Coir
Product Comparison: Best Organic Planting Soil
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)
Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes, White
- Ready-to-Use for All Planting Needs: This general-purpose potting mix is ready to use out of the bag, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor planting without any additional preparation
- Optimal Moisture Retention & Drainage: Designed to allow excess water to drain effectively while retaining moisture, promoting healthy plant growth during dry seasons
- High-Quality Soil Blend: Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat, perlite, and sand, offering the best conditions for plant health and soil structure
- Perfect for All Gardeners: Developed for both new and experienced home gardeners, this soil mix enhances plant growth in various environments and gardening projects
- Improves Soil Quality: Ideal for loosening heavy clay soils and enhancing moisture in light soils, making it perfect for use as a top dressing to fill holes in lawns and garden beds
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)
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!
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.
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. for Organic Gardening, 4qt. 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 Vegetables & Tomatoes – Premium Planting Soil w/ Composted Manure, Sphagnum Peat Moss for Multi Use Ground & Containers – Enhanced Drainage (20 Qt)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: This specifically crafted organic compost blend provides a lightweight potting mix that supports abundant growth of tomatoes and vegetables.
- VERSATILE VEGETABLE SOIL: Coast of Maine Organic Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables is used when seeding, transplanting or topping off your in-ground vegetable garden or your indoor and outdoor potted containers.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Planting Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables is formulated to balance moisture retention and drainage, making it perfect for both in-ground and container planting.
- EARTH FRIENDLY COMPOST FOR SOIL: OMRI listed for organic use, our organic potting soil for annuals reflects Coast of Maine’s commitment to nature-conscious, responsible gardening practices.
Back to the Roots Organic Coir, 51 Quart Expanding Soil, Great for Seeds and Potting
- 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 over 2 cubic feet
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this Organic Coconut Coir, just shoot us a note and our dedicacted 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 Grow Kit and STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice.
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 factors should I look at when picking an organic potting mix?
Focus on the ingredient list, especially the presence of peat alternatives, organic fertilizers, and soil conditioners like perlite or coir. Check the pH range to match your plant’s needs, and verify moisture‑retention versus drainage balance. Also consider bag size, price per cubic foot, and any guarantees or sustainability certifications.
How does Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix compare to Miracle‑Gro’s organic mixes?
Back to the Roots uses a peat‑free blend of upcycled plant material and wood fines, while Miracle‑Gro relies on responsibly sourced peat plus a quick‑release natural fertilizer. The Back to the Roots mix includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, whereas Miracle‑Gro emphasizes a two‑month feeding window. Both are all‑purpose, but Back to the Roots scores higher on carbon footprint and peat‑free claims.
Which product offers the best moisture control for indoor containers?
Back to the Roots’ mix incorporates yucca extract, which helps regulate water availability and reduces the risk of over‑watering. Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix also protects against over‑ and under‑watering with a blend of peat, coir, and a quick‑start fertilizer, but it still contains peat. For a completely peat‑free, water‑retentive option, Wonder Soil’s coco‑coir blend with perlite and worm castings is also highly effective.
Are there peat‑free options and why might they be important?
Yes, Back to the Roots, Wonder Soil, and Back to the Roots Organic Coir are all peat‑free, using wood fines, coco‑coir, or upcycled plant material. Peat extraction can damage wetlands and release carbon, so peat‑free mixes provide a more environmentally friendly choice. They also tend to have better aeration and water‑holding balance for many houseplants.
How do added nutrients like worm castings, mycorrhizae, and kelp influence plant health?
Worm castings supply a slow‑release source of organic nitrogen, phosphorus, and beneficial microbes that boost root development. Mycorrhizae form symbiotic relationships with roots, increasing nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus, and improving drought tolerance. Kelp adds micronutrients and natural hormones that promote vigorous growth and stress resistance.
Which mix is specifically formulated for acid‑loving plants such as blueberries and azaleas?
Coast of Maine’s Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Acid‑Loving Plants is designed with a low pH formula and ingredients that keep soil acidic while providing good drainage. It’s OMRI‑listed and ideal for rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies, and blueberries. Other general‑purpose mixes can be amended with sulfur, but this product offers the right balance out of the bag.
What value does buying a larger bag provide compared to smaller containers?
Larger bags, like the 12‑quart Back to the Roots or the 51‑quart Coir, usually lower the cost per cubic foot and reduce packaging waste. They are convenient for multiple containers, raised beds, or bulk projects, and many brands offer resealable bags to keep the soil fresh. However, ensure you have a dry storage space; otherwise, a smaller bag may stay fresher longer.