Comparison: Best Soil Planting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever wondered why some plants thrive while others barely survive, the secret might be hiding right beneath the surface—your soil. Not all planting mixes are created equal, and choosing the best one can make all the difference between a flourishing garden and a forgettable one. In this comparison, we’ll break down top-rated soil mixes, weighing ingredients, texture, and real-garden performance, so you can pick the perfect blend with confidence—no guesswork, just healthier, happier plants.
- Best for organic outdoor feed: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for indoor gnat-resistant: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for peat-free organic: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for 6-month growth boost: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose power: Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
- Best for rapid seed starter: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Best for moisture control formula: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for indoor organic guard: Miracle-Gro Organic Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for gnat-resistant indoor: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
Product Comparison: Best Soil Planting Mix
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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)
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 an organic outdoor potting mix and a regular Miracle‑Gro mix?
If you garden in containers outdoors and prefer a natural fertilizer that feeds for up to two months, the Organic Outdoor Potting Mix is a solid choice. The regular Miracle‑Gro mix contains a synthetic fertilizer that lasts up to six months and promotes larger growth, which is great for maximizing blooms. Consider whether you value organic ingredients and peat‑free sourcing over the longer feeding period and higher nutrient density.
What are the advantages of the Moisture Control Potting Mix compared to standard potting soil?
Moisture Control Mix uses an AquaCoir formula that can absorb up to 33 % more water, helping prevent both over‑ and under‑watering. It also includes a built‑in fertilizer that feeds plants for six months, so you get longer‑lasting nutrition. This mix is ideal for gardeners who want a more forgiving soil that reduces the need for frequent watering checks.
Which product is best for indoor houseplants and helps reduce fungus gnats?
The Indoor Potting Mix and the Houseplant Potting Mix both contain perlite and sphagnum peat, which create a well‑draining environment less attractive to gnats. The Indoor Potting Mix adds coconut coir for water retention, while the Houseplant Mix is certified by the Mulch & Soil Council for quality. Either will work, but the Houseplant Mix explicitly mentions reduced gnat risk, making it a slightly better option for sensitive indoor growers.
Is the Back to the Roots 100 % organic, peat‑free mix a sustainable alternative?
Yes, this blend is made from upcycled plant material and wood fines, eliminating imported peat and lowering the carbon footprint. It also includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, offering comparable performance to conventional mixes. If environmental impact is a priority, this mix provides a strong, all‑purpose option for herbs, veggies, and flowers.
How does the duration of the built‑in fertilizer differ among the mixes?
The Organic Outdoor Mix and the Organic Indoor Mix each provide a quick‑release natural fertilizer that lasts about two months. Most standard Miracle‑Gro mixes, including the general Potting Mix, Moisture Control, and Indoor Mix, feed plants for up to six months. Seed Starting Mix contains a higher concentration of starter nutrients but is intended for the early growth phase rather than long‑term feeding.
What bag size should I buy for a specific container diameter?
A 16‑quart bag typically fills one 12‑inch pot, while a 4‑quart bag is enough for an 8‑inch container. The 8‑quart bags in the Moisture Control and Seed Starting lines each cover two 8‑inch pots, giving you flexibility for multiple small containers. Match the bag volume to the number and size of pots you plan to fill to avoid waste.
Do I need a special seed‑starting mix, or can I use regular potting soil?
Seed‑Starting Mix is formulated for rapid root development and contains extra starter fertilizer, which can improve germination rates. Regular potting mixes work, but they may retain more moisture and be slower to warm up, potentially leading to damping‑off disease. For the best results with delicate seedlings, a dedicated seed‑starting blend is recommended.
How does the cost per container compare across these products?
Generally, the larger 16‑quart bags of standard Miracle‑Gro mixes provide the lowest cost per 12‑inch pot because of their volume and longer fertilizer life. The organic and peat‑free options, such as the Organic Outdoor Mix and Back to the Roots, are priced higher per quart due to premium ingredients. Calculate the total price divided by the number of containers each bag fills to determine the most economical choice for your garden.