Comparison: Best Sta Green Potting Mix Plus Fertilizer (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re on the hunt for a potting mix that truly delivers, STA Green Potting Mix Plus Fertilizer might just be your new go-to. But is it really the best out there? We’ve dug into the details—ingredients, performance, value, and real user experiences—to help you decide if this popular choice lives up to the hype.
- Best for gnats-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix (6 qt.) and Indoor Plant Food (8 oz.) – Bundle for Growing and Fertilizing Houseplants
- Best for leaf shine bundle: Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
- Best for 3-day greening: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
- Best for seed starter mix: Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
- Best for extended coverage: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
- Best for root-boost starter: Jonathan Green (16008) Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding – 12-18-8 Starter Lawn Fertilizer (15
- Best for organic quick-feed: Earth-Care Plus 5-6-6 Organic Fast Acting Fertilizer for Plants – Water-Soluble Plant Food for Vegetables
- Best for eco-friendly veg: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Vegetable Garden – Plant Food for Vegetables
- Best for tomato boost mix: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic All Purpose Tomato & Vegetable Mix – Plant Food for Tomatoes
- Best for bark-free potting: Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix – Nutrient Rich Plant Food
Product Comparison: Best Sta Green Potting Mix Plus Fertilizer
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix (6 qt.) and Indoor Plant Food (8 oz.) – Bundle for Growing and Fertilizing Houseplants

- Pamper your houseplants with Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix and Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food
- The 6-qt. bag of potting soil has been blended for a wide variety of container plants and is designed to be less prone to gnats (contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
- This potting mix has an easy-to-water formula that helps the soil easily re-wet
- Instantly feed all indoor houseplants, including edibles, with this 8-oz. liquid plant food
- This bundle includes one 6 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix and one 8 fl. oz. bottle of Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Indoor Plant Food & Leaf Shine – Bundle of Potting Soil (6 qt.), Liquid Plant Food (8 oz.) & Leaf Shine (8 oz.) for Growing, Fertilizing & Cleaning Houseplants

- Grow amazing indoor container plants with Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food, and Miracle-Gro Leaf Shine
- The 6-qt. bag of potting soil has been blended for a wide variety of container plants and is designed to be less prone to gnats (contains no compost or bark, which are known to shelter fungus gnats)
- Instantly feed all indoor houseplants, including edibles, with this 8-oz. liquid plant food
- Clean and beautify all hard-leafed foliage plants with the 8-oz. water-based, mineral oil leaf shine
- Apply the plant food once a week for best results, and shine the plant leaves when they appear spotty or dull
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, Lawn Fertilizer Plus Iron Supplement for Greener Grass in 3 Days, 5,000 sq. ft., 16.67 lbs.

- Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a dual-action fertilizer and iron formula that feeds your lawn and provides deep greening in just 3 days
- This lawn care product contains 5% iron, a micronutrient that enhances the greening process for fast results
- Apply this fertilizer plus iron supplement to any grass type in the spring, summer, or fall
- Guaranteed not to stain concrete, driveways, or other surfaces surrounding your lawn (when used as directed)
- One 16.67 lb. bag of Scotts Green Max Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- OK to re-enter lawn immediately after product is applied
Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix, Enriched with Plant Food, For Starting Seeds or Cuttings in Containers, 8 qt., 3-Pack

- Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix is specially formulated for fast root development, and is excellent for starting cuttings
- This potting medium is enriched with Miracle-Gro Plant Food
- Excellent for germinating vegetable, flower and herb seeds, and for starting leaf, stem and root cuttings
- To start seeds, fill a container with mix, plant seeds according to packet directions, and water
- Bundle includes three 8 qt. bags of Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, Lawn Fertilizer Plus Iron Supplement for Greener Grass, 10,000 sq. ft., 33.33 lbs.

- Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a dual-action fertilizer and iron formula that feeds your lawn and provides deep greening in just 3 days
- This lawn care product contains 5% iron, a micronutrient that enhances the greening process for fast results
- Apply this fertilizer plus iron supplement to any grass type in the spring, summer, or fall
- Guaranteed not to stain concrete, driveways, or other surfaces surrounding your lawn (when used as directed)
- One 33.33 lb. bag of Scotts Green Max Lawn Food covers 10,000 sq. ft.
Jonathan Green (16008) Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding – 12-18-8 Starter Lawn Fertilizer (15,000 Sq. Ft.)

- GREAT FOR SEEDING & SODDING – Veri-Green Lawn Food for Seeding & Sodding is formulated to get new grass seedlings off to a great start. It helps your lawn grow strong roots and grow faster and thicker when seeding, overseeding, and laying sod.
- DEVELOPS DEEP & DENSE ROOTS – Our starter fertilizer has an analysis of 12-18-8. This formula is rich in phosphorus which is a key component in root formation for the development of new seedlings.
- PROVIDES NUTRIENTS FOR GROWTH – It also contains humates that enhance the efficiency, availability, and exchange of plant nutrients to and from the soil. It feeds for up to 2 months.
- EASY TO APPLY – Veri-Green Lawn Food for Seeding & Sodding should be applied using a rotary, drop, or hand-held spreader. Our fertilizer should be applied the same day as seeding or sodding.
- COMPLETE COVERAGE – This 45 lb bag covers up to 15,000 sq. ft. The best time to apply is when seeding in the spring or fall.
Earth-Care Plus 5-6-6 Organic Fast Acting Fertilizer for Plants – Water-Soluble Plant Food for Vegetables, Trees, and Flowers – Boost Growth for Lawns, & Gardens 4lb (1Pack)

- Versatile Organic Fertilizer: Our all-purpose organic fertilizer is perfect for a wide variety of plants, including vegetables like tomatoes, flowers, trees, and house plants. Suitable for gardens.
- Boosts Growth and Resilience with Robust Root Development: Our fertilizer promotes healthy root development and vigorous growth, especially in vegetable gardens and potted plants. This improved root mass enables plants to access nutrients and water more efficiently, improving performance, including increased growth and flowering.
- Water-Soluble Formula with Quick-Release Nitrogen: Easily mix our plant food with water for plants and gardening. The quick-release nitrogen rapidly feeds plants, stimulating vigorous growth and enhancing the overall health and appearance of your garden.
- Effective Weed Control and Soil Enhancement: By strengthening your plants, this fertilizer helps naturally suppress weeds and enhance potting soil for plants, contributing to a more manageable garden.
- Slow-Release Formula for Extended Effectiveness: The slow-release formula gradually disperses nutrients over time, extending its effectiveness up to 6 weeks. This prolonged nutrient release sustains plant health, minimizes maintenance efforts, and promotes convenience and efficiency, perfect for tree watering bags.
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Vegetable Garden – Plant Food for Vegetables, Herbs, Greens and Raised Beds 4-4-4, 5 lb

- Safe for the Environment: Non-toxic and safe for beneficial insects, pollinators, pets, and the surrounding ecosystem, promoting a healthier garden environment.
- Versatile and Easy to Use: Suitable for a wide range of vegetables, and the 5 lb box is easy to apply directly to the soil or mix into garden beds.
- Slow-Release Formula: Delivers nutrients gradually, ensuring long-lasting support for your plants and reducing the risk of nutrient leaching.
- All-Natural Ingredients: Made from premium organic materials, providing a chemical-free, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
- Perfect for Vegetables: Specifically formulated with a balanced 4-4-4 NPK ratio to support healthy, productive vegetable gardens with strong roots, foliage, and fruit development.
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic All Purpose Tomato & Vegetable Mix – Plant Food for Tomatoes, Peppers, Herbs and Flowers 4-6-2, 1 lb

- Balanced Nutrient Profile (4-6-2): Provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium tailored for tomatoes and vegetables.
- Organic & OMRI Listed: Safe and approved for certified organic gardening.
- Supports Healthy Root & Fruit Development: Encourages strong root systems and bountiful, flavorful harvests.
- All Natural Ingredients: Made from sustainably sourced organic materials for soil health.
- Easy to Use: Ideal for garden beds, raised beds, and container plants.
Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix – Nutrient Rich Plant Food, Protects Against Under and Over Watering (8 QT)

- This all purpose potting mix is great for a variety of uses including Bedding Plants, Flowering Plants, Hanging Baskets, Foliage, Cuttings, Seed Germination, Indoor and Outdoor, Shurbs, Container, Vegetables and Tropicals.
- Designed for optimum water retention.
- Contains no bark filler for more nutrient density.
- Contains Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, Coarse Horticultural Perlite, Dolomitic limestone, Calcitic limestone, Starter Nutrient Charge, Wetting Agent.
- See product label for use instructions. Great for indoor and outdoor use.
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 the different Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix bundles?
Look at the extra items each bundle includes: the basic bundle gives you potting mix and liquid plant food, while the larger bundle adds a leaf‑shine spray for foliage. If you want a complete indoor‑care kit and plan to keep leaves glossy, the three‑item bundle provides better value. Otherwise, the simpler bundle is sufficient for feeding and growing houseplants.
What are the benefits of buying a potting mix that already contains plant food?
A pre‑enriched mix saves you a step by delivering nutrients directly to the root zone as the soil wets, which can promote faster establishment. It also reduces the need to store separate fertilizer containers, keeping your indoor gardening area tidier. However, if you prefer to control nutrient levels precisely, separate fertilizer lets you adjust feeding schedules.
Can I use a lawn fertilizer like Scotts Green Max on indoor container plants?
Scotts Green Max is formulated for turfgrass and contains a high iron content that creates rapid greening on lawns, but it is too strong for most indoor containers and can burn roots. Indoor plants generally need a milder, balanced fertilizer with lower salt index. Stick to fertilizers labeled for houseplants, such as Miracle‑Gro Indoor Plant Food, for safe indoor use.
How does an organic fertilizer compare to synthetic options for a vegetable garden?
Organic fertilizers, like Down To Earth’s 4‑4‑4 blend, release nutrients slowly and improve soil structure over time, which is gentler on beneficial microbes and the environment. Synthetic products, such as Scotts Green Max, provide quick, high‑dose nutrition that can boost growth faster but may lead to nutrient leaching. Choose organic if you prioritize soil health and sustainability, or synthetic if you need rapid results for a short‑season crop.
What should I look for in a starter fertilizer for seeding or sodding?
A good starter fertilizer has a higher middle number (phosphorus) to encourage root development, like Jonathan Green’s 12‑18‑8 formula. It should also include humates or other soil conditioners that improve nutrient availability. Apply it the same day you seed or lay sod for the best establishment results.
Are seed‑starting mixes worth the extra cost compared to regular potting soil?
Seed‑starting mixes are formulated for fine, sterile media that promotes quick, uniform germination and reduces disease risk, which can improve overall success rates. Regular potting soil often contains larger particles and organic matter that may retain excess moisture, slowing germination. If you frequently start seeds or cuttings, the specialized mix can save time and reduce waste.
Why do some indoor potting mixes avoid bark or compost, and is that important?
Bark and compost can harbor fungus gnats and retain too much moisture, leading to root rot in indoor containers. Mixes like Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix are designed without these ingredients to create a drier, gnats‑resistant environment while still providing good aeration. This makes them a safer choice for most houseplants, especially in low‑light or humid homes.
Which product offers the best overall value for indoor container gardening?
The Miracle‑Gro Indoor Potting Mix bundle with plant food provides a balanced combination of growing medium and nutrients at a competitive price, covering both soil and feeding needs. Adding the leaf‑shine spray adds aesthetic value for foliage plants without a large price increase. For gardeners who want a single purchase that handles soil, feeding, and leaf care, this bundle delivers the most comprehensive value.
