Comparison: Best Sunshine Natural And Organic Planting Mix (Updated | Nov 11th)
We dug into the ingredients, tested it side-by-side with top competitors, and watched how plants responded over time. Spoiler: not all organic mixes are created equal. Let’s break down what makes Sunshine stand out—or fall short—so you can feel confident your plants get the nourishing start they deserve.
- Best for versatile indoor mix: SunGro Horticulture SUGRADV3.0 Advanced Mix #4 Sunshine Organic Plant Growth Mix for Garden
- Best for high air mix: SunGro SUGRMIX4 Sunshine Mix 4 Compressed Professional Growing Mix Enhance Root Development in Seedling
- Best for compact sunshine mix: Sunshine Growing Mix 3 cu. ft.
- Best for mycorrhizae seed starter: Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening
- Best for omri certified tray: Handy Pantry Sunshine OMRI Organic Original Soil Mix – 8 Quart Bag of Potting Soil – Animal Free Growing Dirt
- Best for all‑season organic potting: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening
- Best for ready‑use seed mix: Doter Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix 2qt
Product Comparison: Best Sunshine Natural And Organic Planting Mix
SunGro Horticulture SUGRADV3.0 Advanced Mix #4 Sunshine Organic Plant Growth Mix for Garden, Plant, and Root Growth, 3 Cubic Feet
- For use on houseplants, indoor containers and vegetables and herbs
- Sunshine Advanced Mix 4 Omri CompressedSpecifications
- Size: 2 Cubic ft.
- Weight: 75 lbs
- Package Quantity: 1
SunGro SUGRMIX4 Sunshine Mix 4 Compressed Professional Growing Mix Enhance Root Development in Seedling, Cutting, 3.8 Cubic Feet
- Organic Blend: SunGro Sunshine Professional Mix #4 is organic; Recommended for high air capacity; Contains dolomite limestone to adjust media pH and provide calcium and magnesium
- Plant Adaptability: Specially made for cutting propagation, bedding, and vegetable plants; ideal for hanging baskets, pot crops, herbs, houseplants, and seed germination
- Winter Hydroponics: Hydroponics mix for winter, water-sensitive crops, or where frequent leaching is required; Highly soluble nutrient charges for liquid feeding with comprehensive plant nutrition
- Growing Essentials: Contains Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss, Perlite, Dolomite Lime, Wetting Agent, Starter Nutrient Charge with Gypsum, and RESiLIENCE enhances root development
- Product Measurement: Plant food enhancer dimensions are length 14.9 inches by width 18.2 inches by height 24.5 inches, weight 83.5 pounds; Capacity 3.8 Cubic Feet
- Not sold in OR
Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix – All Natural & Organic Seed Starting Mix with Mycorrhizae. For Organic Gardening, 16 qt, bag – Pack of One
- CONTAINS: This organic Seed Stating soil mix is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss & perlite with yucca extract and lime to ensure correct pH.
- MYCO-TONE: A blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Use to germinate and start seeds. Great for flower, vegetable, herb & more plant types. Can also be used to root stem and leaf cuttings.
- PROMOTE ROOT GROWTH: Organic seed starter mix ensures ideal moisture retention and aeration.
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
Handy Pantry Sunshine OMRI Organic Original Soil Mix – 8 Quart Bag of Potting Soil – Animal Free Growing Dirt
- Free of animal products and animal by products
- OMRI Certified for Organic Production
- OMRI Certification: sgh-9358
- One 8 quart bag fills 2.5 to 3 (depending on soil depth) 20″x 10″ wheatgrass growing trays
Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix – All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 2 Cubic Foot bag. Pack of1
- FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Any time planting containers, whether starting a new plant or transplanting into a larger container. Plants require regular re-potting and fresh planting soil for optimum growth
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
Doter Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix 2qt, All Natural Seed Starter Mix for Fast Germination and Vigorous Seedlings with Strong Root Systems
- Ready to Use – Seed starter mix eliminates the need for complex soil preparation, making it a time-saving and effortless option
- Organic Gardening – Our organic seed starting mix is carefully formulated with a balanced blend of organic matter, peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and other essential ingredients
- Ideal Moisture Balance – The seed starting soil mix maintains an ideal moisture balance, retaining moisture for germination while preventing waterlogging that could harm roots
- Nutrient-rich Medium – Enriched with essential plant nutrients, our potting mix provides a nourishing environment for young seedlings
- Suitable for All Plants – Our seedling soil is incredibly versatile. It’s not only ideal for seed starting but also comes in handy for transplanting or propagating plants through root cuttings
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 key differences between SunGro Sunshine Mix 4 and SunGro Sunshine Advanced Mix #4?
SunGro Sunshine Mix 4 is a professional‑grade, organic blend designed for high air capacity and includes dolomite limestone for pH adjustment. The Advanced Mix #4 adds a starter nutrient charge, gypsum, and a RESiLIENCE additive that promotes stronger root development. While both are suitable for houseplants and vegetables, the Advanced version provides extra nutrition for faster growth.
Which product is best for seed starting and germination?
For pure seed starting, the Espoma Organic Seed Starter Premium Potting Soil Mix and Doter Organic Seed Starter Mix both contain peat moss, perlite, and mycorrhizae that create a light, moisture‑retentive environment. Espoma also adds yucca extract and lime for optimal pH, while Doter emphasizes a ready‑to‑use formula with balanced moisture. Either choice will give seedlings a strong start, but Espoma’s added mycorrhizae may give a slight edge in root health.
How does the organic content of Espoma Potting Soil compare to SunGro mixes?
Espoma’s potting soils are 100% natural, featuring peat moss, humus, earthworm castings, alfalfa, kelp, and feather meals, all certified organic with no synthetic chemicals. SunGro Sunshine mixes are also OMRI‑certified organic but rely mainly on peat, perlite, and dolomite limestone, with fewer organic amendments. Therefore, Espoma generally offers a richer organic matrix, while SunGro focuses on a balanced, lightweight blend.
Is the 2‑cubic‑foot Sunshine Growing Mix sufficient for indoor containers?
A 2‑cubic‑foot bag provides enough volume for several medium‑size indoor pots or a few larger containers, making it a practical choice for hobby gardeners. The mix’s high air capacity and peat‑perlite composition support healthy root growth in indoor environments. If you plan to fill many small pots, you may need to purchase an additional bag.
What should I consider regarding pH and nutrient balance when choosing a mix?
Look for mixes that include a pH‑adjusting component such as dolomite limestone or lime, which helps maintain a slightly acidic to neutral range ideal for most houseplants. SunGro mixes contain dolomite, while Espoma’s seed starter includes lime and a built‑in nutrient charge. Matching the mix’s pH to your plant’s needs reduces the risk of nutrient lockout and promotes steady growth.
How do the added mycorrhizae in Espoma mixes benefit plant health compared to SunGro?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving water and nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus. Espoma’s Potting Soil and Seed Starter both list a proprietary blend of endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae, whereas SunGro mixes do not specify this inoculation. This gives Espoma an advantage for plants that thrive on enhanced root efficiency.
Which mix offers the best value for large‑scale vegetable gardening?
SunGro Sunshine Mix 4 provides the largest volume (3.8 cubic feet) and includes a comprehensive nutrient charge, making it cost‑effective for extensive vegetable beds. Its high air capacity and winter‑hydroponics suitability also reduce the need for supplemental amendments. For growers focused on organic richness, Espoma Potting Soil offers a premium blend but at a higher price per cubic foot.
Are there any animal‑product‑free options among these mixes?
Yes, the Handy Pantry Sunshine OMRI Organic Original Soil Mix is explicitly free of animal products and by‑products, making it suitable for vegan gardening practices. Additionally, SunGro mixes are plant‑based and do not contain animal ingredients. Espoma’s blends include feather meal, which is an animal‑derived component, so they would not meet a strict animal‑free requirement.