Comparison: Best Patio Plus Potting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
We’ve tested the top contenders to find the **best patio plus potting mix** that keeps your plants thriving, whether they’re on a sunny balcony or a cozy windowsill. Spoiler: the right blend makes all the difference. Let’s dig into what actually works.
- Best for quick release: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for six-month feed: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for gnat resistant: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for bulk organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for moisture control: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose growth: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for coconut coir mix: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for water-balanced organic: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for bundle organic mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Patio Plus 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)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16. qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds container plants for up to 6 months so you get more blooms for more color (vs. unfed plants)
- How to use: To use this potting medium, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix, place your plant in the soil, and fill the rest of the pot, pressing lightly
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch container (exact amounts may vary based on root ball size)
- Where to Use: Use this home gardening product with all types of container plants, including annual and perennial flowers, vegetables, herbs and shrubs
- This potting soil mix Grows Plants Twice As Big (vs. unfed plants)
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
- Growing indoors is easy under the right conditions; Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix combines key elements plants need to thrive
- Recommended for growing beautiful indoor houseplant varieties like Pothos, Spider Plants, Monstera, Philodendron, English Ivy and more
- This indoor plant soil is less prone to gnats, thanks to the combination of perlite, sphagnum and peat moss that’s just right
- Certified by the Mulch & Soil Council as a quality product in compliance with industry standards
- A single 4-qt bag fills an 8-inch container; for even more spectacular results, start regular feedings with Miracle-Gro Plant Food 30 days after planting
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)
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 Moisture Control Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Protects against Over- and Under-Watering, 8 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix feeds plants for up to 6 months and Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs unfed plants)
- This potting medium protects against over and under watering; also absorbs up to 33% more water than basic potting soil* with exclusive AquaCoir Formula (*soil that does not contain sphagnum peat moss, coir, and wetting agent)
- Use this gardening product with all types of container plants, including flowers, vegetables, annuals, perennials, and shrubs
- To use this potting soil, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; place your plant in the pot and cover with more mix
- This bundle comes with two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix; each fills two 8-inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, For Indoor or Outdoor Potted Plants, Flowers, Vegetables, Shrubs, Annuals, and Perennials, Feeds Up to 6 Months, 8 qt.
- Feeds all potted plants: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix feeds all types of potted plants, including flowers, vegetables, shrubs, annuals, and perennials for up to 6 months
- Promotes growth: This potting soil Grows Plants Twice As Big! (vs. unfed plants)
- Boosts color: Get more blooms for more color (vs unfed plants)
- Application: To apply this potting medium, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix, place your plant in the soil, and fill the rest of the pot, pressing lightly; water thoroughly
- Coverage: Each 8 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Potting Mix fills two 8 inch containers (exact amounts may vary depending on the size of the root ball)
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Blended for a Variety of Houseplants, Feeds for up to 6 Months, 16 qt., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix feeds houseplants for up to 6 months and is designed to be less prone to gnats (contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
- This potting mix contains coconut coir, which holds and releases water and helps soil re-wet
- Where to use: Blended for a wide variety of indoor container plants, including climbing, foliage, flowering, and tropical plants
- How to use: To use, fill a container about 1/3 full with potting mix; add more mix after placing your plant in the pot
- What’s included: This bundles includes two 16 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, each able to fill one 12-inch containers (exact amount may vary based on the root ball size)
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)
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)
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 look for when choosing a potting mix for patio containers?
Consider the mix’s nutrient content, water retention, and whether it’s organic or synthetic. Look for a blend that matches the plant type—flowers, herbs, or vegetables may need different pH levels and fertilizer rates. Also check the bag size to ensure it fills your container without waste.
How does an organic outdoor potting mix compare to a standard Miracle‑Gro mix?
Organic mixes, like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor, include a quick‑release natural fertilizer and use responsibly sourced peat, feeding plants for about two months. Standard Miracle‑Gro mixes feed for up to six months and often promote faster growth, but they rely on synthetic nutrients. Choose organic if you prefer natural ingredients and a lighter environmental footprint.
Is the Moisture Control Potting Mix worth the extra cost?
The Moisture Control blend contains AquaCoir technology that holds up to 33% more water, reducing over‑ and under‑watering risks. It also feeds plants for six months and claims twice‑as‑big growth. If you have a busy schedule or live in a climate with fluctuating moisture, the added convenience can justify the price premium.
Which product offers the best value for large patio gardens?
For larger projects, the 25‑qt. bag of Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10‑inch containers, providing a lower cost per cubic foot. The bundled two‑bag packs of standard or moisture‑control mixes also give good volume, but the larger single bag reduces packaging waste and often costs less per unit.
Can I use an indoor‑focused potting mix for outdoor patio plants?
Indoor mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro Houseplant or Indoor Potting Mix, are formulated to deter fungus gnats and may lack the coarse texture needed for outdoor drainage. While they can work in a pinch, outdoor mixes with added perlite or coir provide better aeration and water management for patio containers.
What are the benefits of a peat‑free, 100% organic mix like Back to the Roots?
Back to the Roots offers a peat‑free blend made from upcycled plant material and wood fines, reducing carbon footprint. It includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, making it versatile for herbs, veggies, and flowers. This option is ideal for eco‑conscious gardeners who want a fully organic product.
How do bag sizes translate to container capacity?
A 16‑qt. bag typically fills one 12‑inch pot, while a 4‑qt. bag is suited for an 8‑inch container. Larger 25‑qt. bags can cover three 10‑inch pots, and 8‑qt. bags usually serve two 8‑inch containers. Matching bag size to your pot dimensions helps avoid over‑buying and ensures proper soil depth.
Should I prioritize a potting mix with built‑in fertilizer or add my own?
Mixes with built‑in fertilizer, like most Miracle‑Gro products, simplify care by providing nutrients for several months. However, if you prefer precise control over feeding schedules or want to use organic amendments, a fertilizer‑free mix lets you customize nutrient inputs. Both approaches work; choose based on your gardening style and plant needs.