Comparison: Best Organic Soil For Herbs (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever wondered why your basil keeps wilting or your thyme just won’t thrive, the answer might be right under your nose—your soil. Not all dirt is created equal, especially when it comes to growing flavorful, healthy herbs. That’s why we’ve dug deep—literally—to find the best organic soils that nurture roots, boost growth, and keep your kitchen garden flourishing. Skip the guesswork; we’ve tested, compared, and ranked the top options so you can grow with confidence and taste the difference.
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for long-lasting fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for triple seedstarter blend: Back to the Roots 3-in-1 Seed Starting Mix 6 Quarts
- Best for herb garden essential: Doter Organic Potting Soil Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Small Containers Including Herbs
- Best for water balance mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for mycorrhizae rich blend: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for all-purpose espoma: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. for Organic Gardening
- Best for expandable coir bulk: Back to the Roots Organic Coir
- Best for biochar living soil: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
- Best for large biochar soil: Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants
Product Comparison: Best Organic Soil For Herbs
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)
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
Doter Organic Potting Soil Mix for All Indoor & Outdoor Small Containers Including Herbs, Vegetables, and Flowers 1 qt
- 【All Nature & Chemical-Free】Features an all-natural mixture of peat moss, perlite, coconut coir, and worm castings. A great combination of ingredients to encourage health and new growth
- 【Proper Aeration】Gives your container plants the ability to draw the optimal amount of air and oxygen so that they can develop and turn into strong flowers, flavorful herbs, and juicy vegetables
- 【Good Drainage】These naturally-occurring perlite expands when exposed to heat. They are added to potting soil to improve breathability and water drainage
- 【Wide Usage】Whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. It is specially formulated for growing your indoor herb garden and works great for small planters and pots
- 【Enjoy Home-grown Herbs】Growing delicious herbs at home make cooking gourmet dishes easier and give you healthy flavors to your food
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, 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.
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.
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.
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 4qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 4 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 2-3 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
Rosy Soil Indoor Potting Soil for House Plants – Organic Potting Soil Mix for Indoor Plants – Enriched w/Root-Boosting Biochar for Foliage Plants, Flowers, Herbs – Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats – 8qt
- Thriving Growth Formula: Rosy Soil indoor potting soil for houseplants enhances the well-being of your indoor garden. Our indoor plant soil is enriched with biochar and pine bark fines for robust root systems, balanced moisture retention, and abundant, healthy plant growth. Say goodbye to wilting and welcome flourishing greenery!
- Ideal for All Types of Houseplants: Our indoor potting mix’s formula promotes living soil, which is teeming with beneficial microorganisms. These tiny organic soil allies work together with the plants to enhance their growth and are perfect for almost all types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowers, ferns, herbs, and tropicals.
- Easy Planting Instructions: Fill the base of a well-draining container with the indoor plant soil. Carefully transfer your houseplant, ensuring that you gently free its roots from any debris. Finally, water generously from the top until excess water drains through the container’s drainage hole, providing optimal hydration for indoor plants.
- New Package with Same Quality Soil: Our trusted indoor potting soil mix is now in a fresh, resealable, plastic-neutral bag that keeps soil fresh and easy to use. Made with sustainable, premium materials free from peat and synthetic additives, it’s the same high-quality blend you trust, now in an eco-friendly package.
- Living Soil (Made in USA): Our package contains 8 quarts of indoor potting mix, enough for 4-6 plants, ensuring your indoor oasis remains nourished and flourishing. Fortified with beneficial fungi & microbes to help promote healthy root development and lush foliage.
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 attributes should I prioritize when choosing an organic potting mix for herbs?
Look for a blend that balances moisture retention with good drainage, includes a neutral pH, and contains organic nutrients like composted worm castings or mycorrhizae. Herbs thrive in soils that are peat‑free or low‑peat to avoid overly acidic conditions, and a mix with added lime or dolomitic limestone helps maintain stability. Also consider mixes that are certified organic and free of synthetic chemicals for the healthiest flavor.
How does Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix compare to Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix for herb gardening?
Back to the Roots offers a peat‑free formula made from upcycled plant material, yucca extract for moisture control, and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, making it environmentally friendly and well‑suited for indoor herb containers. Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix contains responsibly sourced peat and a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, which can be advantageous for outdoor herb beds but may retain more moisture than needed for indoor pots. Overall, Back to the Roots provides better sustainability and moisture management, while Miracle‑Gro delivers a stronger initial nutrient boost for outdoor use.
Is a peat‑free soil mix better for growing herbs and the environment?
Yes, peat‑free mixes reduce carbon emissions associated with peat extraction and typically have a lighter carbon footprint. They also tend to have a more neutral pH, which is ideal for most culinary herbs that prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Products like Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix and the Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Seed Starting Mix are both peat‑free and promote healthier root development.
Which soil mix provides the best moisture control for indoor herb gardens?
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix includes yucca extract, which helps regulate water retention and prevents both over‑watering and drying out. Miracle‑Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix also claims protection against over‑ and under‑watering thanks to its blend of peat, coir, and a natural fertilizer. For the most consistent moisture balance, the Back to the Roots mix is often preferred because its peat‑free composition naturally drains faster while still holding enough moisture for herbs.
Do any of these mixes contain beneficial microbes or mycorrhizae to strengthen herb roots?
Both the Back to the Roots 3‑in‑1 Seed Starting Mix and the Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix list mycorrhizal fungi as part of their formulation, which enhances nutrient uptake and root vigor. Doter Organic Potting Soil Mix also includes worm castings, a natural source of beneficial microbes. Incorporating these mixes can lead to more robust herb growth and better resistance to stress.
How do bag size and price influence the overall value when buying organic soil for herbs?
Larger bags, such as the 12‑quart Back to the Roots Premium Blend or the 16‑quart Miracle‑Gro mixes, often lower the cost per quart and are ideal for multiple herb containers or larger garden beds. Smaller bags, like the 6‑quart Back to the Roots Seed Starting Mix, are convenient for starter kits or limited indoor space but have a higher price per volume. Evaluate how many pots you plan to fill and choose a size that minimizes waste while offering the best price‑per‑unit ratio.
Can I combine coconut coir with these mixes to improve herb yields?
Yes, adding coconut coir, such as the Back to the Roots Organic Coir, can increase aeration and water‑holding capacity, especially in peat‑free blends. Mixing coir with a base like the Doter Organic Potting Soil or the Back to the Roots Premium Blend creates a lighter, well‑draining medium that encourages healthy root expansion. Just blend in a ratio of about 1 part coir to 2 parts potting mix for optimal results.