Comparison: Best Potting Soil Outdoor Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
With so many options on the shelves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve tested and compared top contenders to help you find the perfect blend that delivers nutrients, drainage, and root support your outdoor plants will love. Let’s dig into what really works.
- Best for organic quick-fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for six-month growth boost: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for aquacoir moisture guard: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for bulk growth pack: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for large organic supply: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-in-one ocean: FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
- Best for versatile topsoil blend: Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for expandable coco mix: 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
Product Comparison: Best Potting Soil Outdoor Plants
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 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 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 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)
FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, 12qt – Light, Aerated Texture, Designed for All Container Plants – pH Adjusted for Optimal Nutrient Uptake, Effectively Retains Moisture (12 Quart (1 Pack))
- ALL-IN-ONE POTTING SOIL SOLUTION: FoxFarm ocean forest potting soil is a blend designed to give your plants everything they need to thrive. Ideal for container plants, this planting soil provides optimal nutrient and soil aeration
- MOISTURE-LOCKING NUTRIENT BLEND: This organic potting soil for plant is packed with aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings, bat guano, and fish emulsion, each ingredient enhances moisture retention and nutrient uptake
- TOP-NOTCH SOIL FOR EVERY PLANT: From roses and shrubs to seedlings and trees, this garden soil supports vigorous growth and branching. This outdoor & indoor plant soil’s pH-adjusted blend promotes healthy, lush foliage for all plant varieties
- YOUR GO-TO SOIL FOR ALL MEDIUMS: Our potting soil mix is perfect for container gardens, houseplants, and outdoor setups. Ocean plant versatile blend provides a balanced environment for robust growth, ensuring your plants thrive in any setting
- CONVENIENT SOIL READY TO USE: This houseplant potting soil is ready to use out of the bag, no additional ingredients are needed. Use for planting or top-dressing, with the optional pairing of FoxFarm liquid fertilizers for enhanced growth all season
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
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.
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!
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 choosing a potting mix for outdoor containers?
Look for a blend that offers good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrients suitable for the plants you plan to grow. Organic mixes often use peat or coir and include natural fertilizers, while synthetic mixes may provide longer‑lasting feed. Also check the bag size to ensure it will fill your containers without waste.
How does Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix compare to the standard Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix?
The organic version uses responsibly sourced peat and a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, making it a greener choice. The standard mix includes a synthetic fertilizer that lasts up to six months and promotes faster growth and brighter blooms. If you prefer an organic formulation and shorter feeding period, the organic mix is ideal; for longer‑term feeding and rapid growth, the regular mix may be better.
Is the Moisture Control Potting Mix worth the extra cost?
Moisture Control Mix contains an AquaCoir formula that absorbs up to 33% more water and protects against over‑ and under‑watering, which can reduce watering frequency. It also feeds plants for six months and claims to double plant size compared to unfed soil. If you struggle with watering consistency or have hot, dry climates, the added technology can provide valuable peace of mind.
Which product offers the best value per container for larger outdoor gardens?
The 25‑qt. bag of Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10‑inch containers, while the 16‑qt. bundles of standard Miracle‑Gro fill two 12‑inch containers each. FoxFarm’s 12‑qt. Ocean Forest mix is premium and all‑in‑one but may require supplemental fertilizers for maximum yield. For sheer volume and cost efficiency, the larger organic or standard Miracle‑Gro bags generally give the best value.
How do the organic, peat‑free options like Back to the Roots and Wonder Soil differ from peat‑based mixes?
Back to the Roots and Wonder Soil replace peat with upcycled plant matter, wood fines, or coco coir, reducing the environmental impact of peat extraction. They also include added amendments such as worm castings, kelp, and mycorrhizae for nutrient richness. While peat‑based mixes provide excellent water retention, peat‑free blends often offer better aeration and a lighter carbon footprint.
Can I use a single potting mix for both indoor and outdoor plants?
Yes, many of the listed mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro Potting Mix and FoxFarm Ocean Forest, are formulated for both indoor and outdoor use. However, outdoor mixes may contain added fertilizers for longer feeding periods, while indoor mixes often focus on light texture and disease prevention. Choose a mix that matches the watering schedule and nutrient needs of your specific plants.
What are the key differences between the 8‑qt. and 16‑qt. bag sizes?
The 8‑qt. bags are convenient for small projects or testing a new soil blend, while the 16‑qt. bags provide better cost per volume for larger container gardens. Some products, like the Moisture Control Mix, are sold in bundles of two 8‑qt. bags, effectively matching the volume of a single 16‑qt. bag. Consider the number of containers you plan to fill and storage space when selecting size.
How important is the added fertilizer in these mixes for long‑term plant health?
Fertilizer‑infused mixes, such as Miracle‑Gro’s standard and Moisture Control blends, supply nutrients for up to six months, which can reduce the need for supplemental feeding. Organic mixes provide a natural, slower‑release feed that may need re‑application after two months. For gardeners who prefer minimal maintenance, a fertilizer‑rich mix offers convenience, while organic enthusiasts may prefer to add their own amendments over time.