Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Earthbox (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever wondered why some EarthBox gardens thrive while others barely survive, the secret might be hiding right beneath the surface—your potting mix. In this comparison, we’ll break down the top potting mixes tailored for EarthBox success, weighing ingredients, moisture retention, and real-garden results—so you can skip the guesswork and start growing with confidence.
- Best for quick release: 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 gnat-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for 6-month feed: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for bulk organic mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for moisture master: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for root-boost mix: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for balanced water mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for rapid seed starter: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Best for bundle organic mix: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Potting Mix For Earthbox
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.
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 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 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 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)
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
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 Seed Starting Potting Mix, 8 Quarts (Pack of 2), For Use in Containers
- Specially formulated for fast root development
- Enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- Excellent for starting cuttings
- Use when starting from seed and with leaf, stem or root cuttings
- This bundle includes two 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
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 are the key differences between organic and non‑organic potting mixes?
Organic mixes, like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor and Back to the Roots 100% Organic blends, use natural fertilizers and peat‑free or responsibly sourced peat, providing a slower, steady nutrient release. Non‑organic mixes, such as the standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix, contain synthetic quick‑release fertilizers that feed plants for up to six months. Choose organic if you prefer environmentally friendly ingredients and a gentler feeding schedule, or non‑organic for rapid growth and higher immediate nutrient levels.
Which potting mix is best for outdoor containers like an earthbox?
For outdoor earthbox containers, the Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix (16 qt or 25 qt bags) is a solid choice because it feeds plants for up to two months and is made with responsibly sourced peat. The regular Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix also works well, offering up to six months of feeding and promoting larger blooms. If you want a peat‑free option, Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix provides a lighter carbon footprint while still supporting vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
How does the Moisture Control potting mix compare to standard mixes for water‑wise gardening?
Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix uses an AquaCoir formula that can absorb up to 33 % more water than basic soils, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. Standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix relies on traditional peat and fertilizer without the extra water‑retention technology. If you live in a region with irregular rainfall or want to reduce watering frequency, Moisture Control offers better water efficiency.
Are there any potting mixes that are peat‑free and more environmentally friendly?
Yes, Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (both outdoor and indoor versions) is completely peat‑free, made from upcycled plant material and wood fines, and includes yucca extract for moisture control. The Back to the Roots Indoor Mix also adds mycorrhizal fungi for root health while remaining peat‑free. These blends lower carbon emissions and are a good fit for eco‑conscious gardeners.
Which mix offers the longest feeding period for container plants?
The standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix and the Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control Mix both claim up to six months of feeding, making them the longest‑lasting options. In contrast, the organic mixes (Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor, Organic Indoor, and Back to the Roots) typically feed for about two months before supplemental fertilization is needed. For extended feeding without extra fertilizer, choose one of the six‑month formulas.
What should I consider when choosing a potting mix for indoor houseplants versus outdoor plants?
Indoor mixes should prioritize light weight, good aeration, and resistance to gnats; Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix and Back to the Roots Indoor Mix both meet these criteria. Outdoor mixes need durability, nutrient density, and sometimes added peat for moisture retention; Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor and the regular Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix are formulated for these conditions. Also consider container size and the plant’s specific water and nutrient needs.
How do the bag sizes and coverage affect overall value?
Larger bags, like the 25 qt Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix, can fill three 10‑inch containers, offering a lower cost per container compared with smaller 4‑qt or 8‑qt bags. Bundles (e.g., two 16 qt bags of standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix) provide a bulk discount and are convenient for multiple projects. Compare the amount of soil needed for your container size against the bag’s coverage to determine the most economical option.
Is there a mix that includes added nutrients specifically for seed starting or cuttings?
Miracle‑Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix is specially formulated with extra plant food and a fine texture to promote rapid root development for seeds and cuttings. It comes in a pack of two 8‑qt bags, making it ideal for small propagation trays. For a more general indoor option, the Organic Indoor Mix also supports seed starting but without the dedicated seed‑starting additives.