Comparison: Best Roots Organic Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve dug deep (pun intended) to compare top contenders, focusing on ingredients, root health, and real results. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in a raised bed, the right soil makes all the difference. Let’s break down what actually matters so you can grow with confidence—naturally.
- Best for all-purpose organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for indoor root boost: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for peat nutrient blend: Roots Organics Lush Peat Based Potting Soil
- Best for expandable coir: Back to the Roots Organic Coir
- Best for hydroponic coco mix: Roots Organics ROD75 Hydroponic Gardening Original Coco Fiber Based Potting Soil 0.75 Cubic Feet
- Best for outdoor quick-fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for original roots soil: Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Original Potting Soil
- Best for water-guard indoor: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for formula 707 media: Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Formula 707
Product Comparison: Best Roots Organic Potting 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.
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
Roots Organics Lush Peat Based Potting Soil, 1.5 CuFt
- 1.5 CUBIC FEET OF SOIL: 1.5-Cubic feet of Roots Organics Lush Ready-To-Use Peat Based Potting Soil Mix for your hungry plants
- POTTED PLANT APPLICATION: Ideal potting soil mix used in rigid or fabric container with adequate drainage and can also plant directly in the bag
- IDEAL NUTRIENT BLEND: Blend of a precise ratio of peat, coir, perlite, pumice, worm castings, and premium nutrients
- NPK BLEND: Features a 1-0.5-0.5 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) blend
- SOIL MIX BENEFITS: Designed to maximize yield in mature flowering plants and increase fertility levels in mature seedlings
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.
Roots Organics ROD75 Hydroponic Gardening Original Coco Fiber Based Potting Soil 0.75 Cubic Feet
- 5.6 GALLON POTTING SOIL: 5.6 gallons (0.75 cu Ft) of Roots Organics Coco-Fiber Original Potting Soil for your hungry plants
- APPLICATION: Comes in a heavy-duty, ready-to-grow, camouflage print bag; Simply poke holes in the bottom, cut off the top, and plant
- INGREDIENTS: Organic ingredients including bat guano, premium earthworm castings, fish bone meal, feather meal, green sand, mycorrhizae, glacial rock dust, soybean meal, humic acid
- BALANCED MIX: Mix created with a balanced air to water ratio of porosity and water retention to allow for excellent drainage and a vigorous root system supporting enormous potential growth
- BENEFITS: Ready-to-use coco fiber-based potting soil that encourages healthier plants and better yields; Highest quality coco fiber/coir on the planet that is repeatedly washed for an incredibly low EC
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)
Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Original Potting Soil, 0.75 cu ft
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)
Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Formula 707, Organic Growing Media with Beneficial Mycorrhizae, 3 Gallon Plant-in-Bag
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 main differences between Back to the Roots organic potting mixes for indoor versus outdoor use?
The indoor mix (ASIN B0CRGLN3CT) emphasizes yucca extract for moisture retention and includes mycorrhizal fungi to boost root development, while the outdoor/value mix (ASIN B0CMSLHLWZ) is a all‑purpose blend designed for herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers with a broader nutrient profile. Both are peat‑free and made in the USA, but the indoor version is formulated to reduce gnats and is pet‑safe, whereas the outdoor version focuses on larger volume and versatility.
How does a peat‑based mix like Roots Organics Lush compare to peat‑free options such as Back to the Roots Coir or Aurora Innovations coco‑fiber?
Roots Organics Lush (ASIN B093LW268M) uses a traditional peat, coir, perlite, and worm castings blend that provides a higher initial nutrient content, ideal for mature flowering plants. Peat‑free options like Back to the Roots Coir (ASIN B0CRBDX9BK) and Aurora Innovations coco‑fiber (ASIN B010NQR5WQ) offer a lighter carbon footprint and excellent aeration, making them better for seed starting and plants that prefer a more balanced pH.
Which product offers the best value for large‑scale planting or container gardening?
The Back to the Roots 12‑quart Value Mix (ASIN B0CMSLHLWZ) provides the most volume for the price and includes a satisfaction guarantee, making it a cost‑effective choice for filling many containers. For growers needing even more bulk, the Back to the Roots Coir expands to over 2 cubic feet from a 51‑quart bag (ASIN B0CRBDX9BK), delivering high volume with peat‑free, all‑purpose performance.
Are any of these mixes safe for pets and children, and how do they address indoor pests?
The indoor Back to the Roots mix (ASIN B0CRGLN3CT) is formulated without bark or compost, reducing the risk of gnats and making it safe for pets and people. Similarly, the Coir blend (ASIN B0CRBDX9BK) is peat‑free and OMRI‑listed, which also minimizes pest issues and is considered safe for household environments.
How important is pH balance and moisture control, and which mixes include ingredients for that?
Maintaining a stable pH and consistent moisture is crucial for healthy root growth; both Back to the Roots mixes incorporate dolomitic limestone to buffer pH and yucca extract to regulate moisture. The Aurora Innovations coco‑fiber (ASIN B010NQR5WQ) also offers a balanced pH and a proprietary air‑to‑water ratio, ensuring excellent drainage and water retention.
What should I consider when choosing a mix for seed starting versus mature plants?
For seed starting, a light, well‑aerated medium like the Back to the Roots Coir (ASIN B0CRBDX9BK) or Aurora Innovations coco‑fiber provides optimal root penetration and moisture control. Mature plants benefit from nutrient‑rich blends such as Roots Organics Lush (ASIN B093LW268M) or the Back to the Roots 12‑quart Value Mix, which contain added organic fertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi.
Do any of these products include additional benefits like charitable programs or guarantees that add extra value?
Both Back to the Roots mixes feature a “GrowOneGiveOne” program that donates a Kids Grow Kit and STEM curriculum to a classroom of your choice when you share a garden photo. Additionally, all Back to the Roots products come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and the Coir blend (ASIN B0CRBDX9BK) offers a similar refund or replacement promise, enhancing buyer confidence.