Comparison: Best Soil Mix For Plants (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever wondered why some plants thrive while others just barely hang on, the secret might be right under your fingertips—your soil mix. Not all dirt is created equal, and choosing the best blend can mean the difference between a lush jungle and a sad, droopy houseplant. In this guide, we’ll break down the top soil mixes that actually deliver results, tailored to different plant types and care styles—because great gardening starts from the ground up.
- Best for indoor thrive mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for water‑smart formula: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for growth‑boost blend: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for organic outdoor boost: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for indoor water guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for peat‑free all‑purpose: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for root‑boost indoor: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for vibrant growth mix: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for gnat‑resistant indoor: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for rapid seed starter: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Soil Mix For 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 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, 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 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)
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
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 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
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 in a potting mix for indoor houseplants?
Choose a mix that balances moisture retention with good drainage, contains organic nutrients, and is resistant to fungus gnats. Look for ingredients like perlite, peat moss, or coconut coir, and consider mixes with added fertilizer for up to six months of feeding.
How does Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix differ from the Organic Indoor version?
The standard Houseplant Mix includes perlite, sphagnum, and peat moss and is fertilized for quick growth, while the Organic Indoor Mix uses certified peat, coir, and a natural fertilizer for a gentler, organic approach. Both aim to reduce gnats, but the organic version emphasizes sustainable sourcing.
Is the Moisture Control Potting Mix better for plants that need less watering?
Yes, its AquaCoir formula absorbs up to 33% more water than basic soil and includes a wetting agent, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. It also feeds plants for up to six months, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
Which mix offers the best value for larger containers?
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix (two 16‑qt bags) and the Moisture Control Mix (two 8‑qt bags) both fill larger pots, but the larger 16‑qt bags provide more volume per purchase, reducing per‑quart cost. If you need to fill several 12‑inch containers, the 16‑qt options are more economical.
Are there peat‑free options for environmentally conscious gardeners?
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix is completely peat‑free, made from upcycled plant material and wood fines, and includes yucca extract for moisture control. This reduces carbon footprint while still delivering good drainage and nutrient balance.
What benefits do mycorrhizal fungi add to an indoor potting mix?
Mycorrhizal fungi, featured in Back to the Roots Indoor Mix, enhance root development and improve nutrient uptake, leading to healthier, faster‑growing plants. They also help the plant better tolerate stress and improve overall soil health.
How long will the built‑in fertilizer last in each product?
Most Miracle‑Gro mixes, including the standard, Moisture Control, and Indoor blends, provide feeding for up to six months, while the Organic Outdoor mix offers about two months of natural fertilizer. Seed Starting Mix includes a starter boost but is intended for early growth only.
Which potting mix is best for seed starting and cuttings?
Miracle‑Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix is formulated with fast‑root development nutrients and added plant food, making it ideal for seeds and cuttings. Its lightweight texture promotes quick germination, whereas regular potting mixes are better suited for established plants.