Comparison: Best Roots Organics Original Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re on the hunt for a potting soil that truly delivers, you’ve probably heard buzz about Roots Organics Original. But does it live up to the hype? We dug into the details—literally—to see how it stacks up against the competition. From nutrient content to root development and ease of use, we’re breaking down what makes this beloved blend a favorite among gardeners. Spoiler: it’s not just about being organic. Let’s explore what sets the best options apart and whether Roots Organics truly earns its top spot.
- Best for premium coco blend: Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Original Potting Soil
- Best for hydroponic ready mix: Roots Organics ROD75 Hydroponic Gardening Original Coco Fiber Based Potting Soil 0.75 Cubic Feet
- Best for organic mycorrhiza boost: Roots Organics Original Potting Soil
- Best for lush peat blend: Roots Organics Lush Peat Based Potting Soil
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for formula 707 blend: Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Formula 707
- Best for expandable coir mix: Back to the Roots Organic Coir
- Best for large container formula: Roots Organics RO70715 Formula for Soil
- 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 greenlite drainage mix: Roots Organics ROGL Greenlite Fertilizer
Product Comparison: Best Roots Organics Original Potting Soil
Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Original Potting Soil, 0.75 cu ft
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
Roots Organics Original Potting Soil, Organic Growing Media with Mycorrhizae, 3 Cubic Foot Plant-in-Bag
- A truly exceptional ready-to-use coco fiber-based potting soil
- we begin with the highest quality coco fiber/coir which is repeatedly washed for low ec and composted
- this soil is amended with organic ingredients including bat guano, earth worm castings, fish bone meal, feather meal, green sand, mycorrihzae, glacial rock dust, soybean meal, humic acid and many more
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 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.
Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Formula 707, Organic Growing Media with Beneficial Mycorrhizae, 3 Gallon Plant-in-Bag
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 RO70715 Formula for Soil, 1.5 cu. ft.
- Designed with greater water holding capacity, less perlite and pumice and specific ingredients for large container gardening
- Just punch holes in the bottom, cut off the top and plant
- Made from only the finest ingredients
- Its base is peat moss, coco fiber, compost, perlite and pumice
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 ROGL Greenlite Fertilizer, 1.5 cu. ft.
- An aggressively free draining indoor and outdoor potting mix
- Calculated to give you control and accelerate your garden for vigorous plants and root systems
- Green Lite is designed with more perlite and pumice to give you enhanced drainage and greater oxygen in the root zone and with specific ingredients for versatile container gardening
- Item Weight: 25.6 lbs
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
How do I choose between coco‑fiber‑based and peat‑based potting mixes?
Coco fiber mixes, like Roots Organics Original, offer excellent drainage and a low EC because the coir is repeatedly washed, making them ideal for plants that prefer aerated roots. Peat‑based blends, such as Roots Organics Lush, provide higher water‑holding capacity and a balanced NPK ratio, which can benefit moisture‑loving seedlings. Consider your plant’s water needs and whether you want a peat‑free, more sustainable option.
What are the benefits of the organic ingredients like bat guano and mycorrhizae in Roots Organics soils?
Bat guano and other organic amendments supply slow‑release nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients that feed plants over time, reducing the need for frequent fertilizing. Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with roots, expanding the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, especially phosphorus. Together they promote vigorous growth, higher yields, and healthier root systems.
Which product gives the best value for large‑container gardening?
Roots Organics RO70715 Formula (1.5 cu ft) is designed for big containers, with extra water‑holding capacity, less perlite, and a blend of peat, coco fiber, and compost that supports deep root development. Its larger volume per bag reduces the cost per cubic foot compared with smaller 0.75 cu ft packs. For the most economical choice, compare the price per cubic foot of each product.
Is the Back to the Roots 100% Organic indoor mix suitable for indoor plants compared to Roots Organics Original?
The Back to the Roots indoor mix is peat‑free, uses yucca extract for moisture control, and includes mycorrhizae, making it well‑suited for indoor environments where over‑watering is a concern. Roots Organics Original provides a coco‑fiber base with excellent aeration, which also works indoors but may retain slightly more moisture. Choose the Back to the Roots blend if you prefer a peat‑free, low‑gnat formula for houseplants.
How does water retention and drainage differ among the coco‑fiber mixes?
Roots Organics Original emphasizes a balanced air‑to‑water ratio, offering good drainage while still holding enough moisture for steady growth. The Formula 707 blend reduces perlite and pumice, increasing water‑holding capacity for larger containers that dry out slower. Greenlite adds more perlite and pumice for faster drainage and higher oxygen levels, ideal for plants that dislike soggy roots.
What size potting mix should I buy for a 5‑gallon container?
A 5‑gallon pot holds roughly 0.67 cu ft of soil, so a 0.75 cu ft bag (like Aurora Innovations Roots Organics Original) provides a comfortable margin for settling and top‑up. If you prefer a peat‑based blend, the 1.5 cu ft Roots Organics Lush will give you extra for future repotting. Buying the slightly larger bag prevents running short mid‑season.
Are there any pet‑safe or low‑gnat options among these mixes?
Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix is formulated without bark or compost, which reduces the likelihood of fungus gnats and is safe around pets and children. The coco‑fiber based Roots Organics soils are also low in organic debris, minimizing gnat breeding sites. Always keep the soil surface dry between watering to further discourage gnats.
How important is the EC (electrical conductivity) level in these soils?
A low EC indicates fewer soluble salts, which helps prevent nutrient burn and promotes healthier root uptake, especially in coco‑fiber mixes that are repeatedly washed. Roots Organics highlights its low‑EC coir, making it suitable for sensitive seedlings and hydroponic setups. Checking the EC rating can guide you toward a mix that matches your plant’s tolerance for salts.