Comparison: Best Sustainable Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re tired of guessing which potting soil is truly eco-friendly, you’re not alone. With so many options claiming to be “green” or “sustainable,” it’s hard to know what actually makes a difference. We’ve dug into the details—ingredients, sourcing, packaging, and environmental impact—to compare the top contenders. Whether you’re growing herbs on a windowsill or filling garden beds, choosing the right sustainable potting soil matters.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for certified peat blend: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for fern fiber formula: Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia
- Best for worm castings boost: Craft Organic Houseplant Potting Mix
- Best for gnats-resistant mix: Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized
- Best for mycorrhizae enriched: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
- Best for biochar aeration: Rosy Soil Aroid Soil Potting Mix – Peat-Free
- Best for aquacoir hydration: Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix
- Best for eco pumice blend: Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia
- Best for all-purpose tropical: Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia
Product Comparison: Best Sustainable Potting Soil
Peat-Free Premium
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
Back to the Roots
- 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.
Certified Peat Blend
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 16 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Fern Fiber Formula
Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia, Philodendron, Monstera Soil Mix, Chunky, Well Draining Potting Soil for Indoor Plants, All Tropical Plants & Houseplants, Sustainable & Peat Free 4QT
Grow Queen
- NUTRIENT RICH & PLANT FOOD COMPATIBLE: Our tropical plant soil is full of living beneficial microbes. Enriched with essential nutrients, organic matter, and worm castings, this tropical potting soil works perfectly with Grow Queen Organic All-Purpose Plant Food for robust and healthy growth.
- READY TO USE AND PET FRIENDLY: Pre-mixed and moist, this monstera potting mix is ready to use straight out of the bag, offering convenience for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Plus, this houseplant potting soil is safe for homes with pets, ensuring a non-toxic environment for your furry friends.
- MADE WITH NEW ZEALAND TREE FERN FIBER: New Zealand Tree Fern Fiber is especially beneficial to Alocasias, Anthuriums, and all tropical plants, this house plant soil acts as a soil conditioner and neutralizes pH down to 6.0, mimicking the natural pH of native tropical plant soil.
- PEAT- FREE AND PERLITE- FREE: Harvesting peat releases significant carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change, and depletes biodiverse habitats. Perlite production is energy-intensive, involving heating volcanic glass to high temperatures. Instead, we use eco-friendly pumice and lava rock—natural volcanic rocks requiring no additional processing—which enhance soil structure and drainage in this indoor potting soil for house plants.
- OPTIMAL DRAINAGE, ENHANCED AERATION, and ROOT HEALTH: This chunky aroid mix features large Douglas fir bark fines, lava rock, and pumice, which enhance aeration for instant drainage and consistent airflow. This makes it almost impossible to overwater, preventing root rot and ensuring your Monstera, Hoya, Pothos, ZZ plant, and Thai Constellation Monstera thrive.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC COCO COIR: Our coco coir is certified organic and sourced from a farm using sustainable farming strategies. It’s washed more times for salt than the competition, making it some of the cleanest, highest-grade coco coir on the market.
- OPTIMAL WITH ALL PLANTS: Built for Tropicals but optimal for all popular houseplants including, Pothos, Hoyas, African Violets, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plants, String of Pearls, Palms, Begonias and many more
Worm Castings Boost
Craft Organic Houseplant Potting Mix, Elite House Plant Soil, Chunky, Well Draining Potting Soil for All Indoor Plants, Tropical Plants & Flowers, Sustainable & Peat Free, Less Prone to Gnats, 2QT
Grow Queen
- COMPLETE INDOOR POTTING SOIL FOR HEALTHY ROOT DEVELOPMENT: A premium potting soil for indoor plants designed to replace generic potting mix or garden dirt. Balances moisture and airflow so roots can breathe and expand. Works as houseplant soil, monstera soil, pothos soil, peace lily potting soil, and tropical plant soil for thriving indoor potted plants of all kinds.
- BIOACTIVE & PRE-MOISTENED TO REDUCE TRANSPLANT SHOCK: Arrives gently pre-moistened, so you never deal with dry, hydrophobic soil. This indoor potting soil settles roots quickly, reducing stress after repotting. Ideal as indoor plant potting mix for fresh cuttings, new plant arrivals, and sensitive species that need stability from day one.
- PREMIUM ORGANIC WORM CASTINGS FOR VIBRANT, GREEN GROWTH: Loaded with premium organic worm castings, not compost filler. Castings enrich soil for indoor plants with natural micronutrients for lush foliage and steady growth. Creates a living, nutrient-rich organic potting soil for indoor plants that supports plants long after repotting.
- CHARGED BIOCHAR TECHNOLOGY: High drainage potting soil with permanent soil structure; Enhanced nutrient retention in this indoor plant dirt; Superior to standard potting mix; Maintains ideal moisture balance for all houseplant varieties
- OPTIMAL DRAINAGE, ENHANCED AERATION, and ROOT HEALTH: This chunky aroid mix features large Douglas fir bark fines, lava rock, and pumice, which enhance aeration for instant drainage and consistent airflow. This makes it difficult to overwater, preventing root rot and ensuring your Monstera, Hoya, Pothos, ZZ plant, and Thai Constellation Monstera thrive.
- UNIVERSAL MIX FOR FLOWERS, HERBS & TROPICAL HOUSEPLANTS: Not just an aroid potting mix—this is a universal potting soil for flowers, foliage houseplants, indoor herbs, tropical plants, and even outdoor potted plants. A true all-purpose potting soil indoor/outdoor solution that maintains ideal texture and hydration in containers year-round.
- LESS PRONE TO GNATS & CLEAN FOR INDOOR LIVING SPACES: Designed to avoid the soggy, compost-heavy conditions that attract fungus gnats. This indoor potting soil dries evenly and maintains airflow, keeping your home clean and plants healthy. Ideal house plant soil indoor choice for apartments, windowsill gardens, and tierra para plantas de interior.
- LONG-LASTING NUTRIENT SUPPORT & PERFECT WITH OUR PLANT FOODS: Provides steady nutrition for months, reducing feeding frequency and preventing burn. Formulated to work perfectly with Grow Queen’s organic plant foods, enhancing root strength, color, and growth. Safe for seedlings, calatheas, philodendrons, succulents, and tropical plant soil setups.
- SUPERIOR TO STANDARD POTTING MIXES & GARDEN SOIL: Unlike garden soil, top soil, or mass-produced miracle grow potting soil blends, this mix resists compaction and stays bioactive. Designed specifically as indoor potting soil for house plants in containers where oxygen and drainage matter most. Made to help indoor plants actually thrive, not just survive.
- PEAT-FREE & PERLITE-FREE FOR CLEANER, SUSTAINABLE SOIL: Made without peat or perlite, which means no dusty mess, no floating white chunks, and no collapsing soil structure. Uses renewable, bioactive ingredients that support long-term soil for indoor plants health. A sustainable organic potting soil choice that performs better and lasts longer in containers.
Gnats-Resistant Mix
Miracle-Gro Houseplant Potting Mix: Fertilized, Perlite Soil for Indoor Gardening, Designed to Be Less Prone to Gnats, 4 qt.
Miracle-Gro
- 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
Mycorrhizae Enriched
Back to the Roots 100% Organic Indoor Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Promotes Healthy Houseplant Growth| Made in The USA
Back to the Roots
- 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
Biochar Aeration
Rosy Soil Aroid Soil Potting Mix – Peat-Free, Microbially Active Biochar Powered Soil for Aroids – Superior Aeration & Drainage for Aroid Plants – Ideal for Indoor Gardening – 4 Quarts
Rosy Soil
- Ideal for Aroid Plants: Formulated specifically for aroids like Monstera, Alocasia, and Philodendron; offers excellent aeration and drainage for healthier roots; perfect aroid potting mix that promotes strong growth and vibrant foliage; designed for both indoor and outdoor aroid plants, ensuring optimal conditions for thriving plants!
- Chunky Texture for Better Drainage: This indoor potting mix features a chunky texture to prevent compaction and root rot; promotes excellent drainage and aeration for aroids, ensuring roots thrive in optimal conditions; perfect for gardeners looking for potting soil for indoor plants that provides superior airflow for root health.
- Organic & Nutrient-Rich Formula: Enriched with organic garden soil components like worm castings, mycorrhizae, and pine bark fines; promotes healthy, nutrient-rich soil for your plants; a great option for potting soil indoor plants and outdoor plants alike; helps improve soil structure and supports natural plant growth.
- Eco-Conscious Packaging: Sustainable packaging that aligns with eco-friendly values; resealable bag designed for reuse, promoting responsible plant care; ideal for those who prefer gardening soil that’s both effective and environmentally responsible; perfect for gardeners looking for quality, eco-conscious soil options.
- Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: Peat-free formula that reduces environmental impact; biochar acts as a moisture retainer and carbon store; supports plant health while being net carbon negative; packaged in a resealable, eco-friendly bag made from 60% recycled material, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious gardeners!
AquaCoir Hydration
Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Potting Mix, For Container Plants, Protects against Over- and Under-Watering, 8 qt., 2-Pack
Miracle-Gro
- 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)
Eco Pumice Blend
Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia, Philodendron, Monstera Soil Mix, Chunky, Well Draining Potting Soil for Indoor Plants, All Tropical Plants & Houseplants, Sustainable & Peat Free 8QT
Grow Queen
- NUTRIENT RICH & PLANT FOOD COMPATIBLE: Our tropical plant soil is full of living beneficial microbes. Enriched with essential nutrients, organic matter, and worm castings, this tropical potting soil works perfectly with Grow Queen Organic All-Purpose Plant Food for robust and healthy growth.
- READY TO USE AND PET FRIENDLY: Pre-mixed and moist, this monstera potting mix is ready to use straight out of the bag, offering convenience for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Plus, this houseplant potting soil is safe for homes with pets, ensuring a non-toxic environment for your furry friends.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC COCO COIR: Our coco coir is certified organic and sourced from a farm using sustainable farming strategies. It’s washed more times for salt than the competition, making it some of the cleanest, highest-grade coco coir on the market.
- PEAT- FREE AND PERLITE- FREE: Harvesting peat releases significant carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change, and depletes biodiverse habitats. Perlite production is energy-intensive, involving heating volcanic glass to high temperatures. Instead, we use eco-friendly pumice and lava rock—natural volcanic rocks requiring no additional processing—which enhance soil structure and drainage in this indoor potting soil for house plants.
- OPTIMAL DRAINAGE, ENHANCED AERATION, and ROOT HEALTH: This chunky aroid mix features large Douglas fir bark fines, lava rock, and pumice, which enhance aeration for instant drainage and consistent airflow. This makes it almost impossible to overwater, preventing root rot and ensuring your Monstera, Hoya, Pothos, ZZ plant, and Thai Constellation Monstera thrive.
- MADE WITH NEW ZEALAND TREE FERN FIBER: New Zealand Tree Fern Fiber is especially beneficial to Alocasias, Anthuriums, and all tropical plants, this house plant soil acts as a soil conditioner and neutralizes pH down to 6.0, mimicking the natural pH of native tropical plant soil.
- OPTIMAL WITH ALL PLANTS: Built for Tropicals but optimal for all popular houseplants including, Pothos, Hoyas, African Violets, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plants, String of Pearls, Palms, Begonias and many more
All-Purpose Tropical
Craft Aroid Potting Mix- Elite Organic Alocasia, Philodendron, Monstera Soil Mix, Chunky, Well Draining Potting Soil for Indoor Plants, All Tropical Plants & Houseplants, Sustainable & Peat Free 1QT
Grow Queen
- NUTRIENT RICH & PLANT FOOD COMPATIBLE: Our tropical plant soil is full of living beneficial microbes. Enriched with essential nutrients, organic matter, and worm castings, this tropical potting soil works perfectly with Grow Queen Organic All-Purpose Plant Food for robust and healthy growth.
- READY TO USE AND PET FRIENDLY: Pre-mixed and moist, this monstera potting mix is ready to use straight out of the bag, offering convenience for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Plus, this houseplant potting soil is safe for homes with pets, ensuring a non-toxic environment for your furry friends.
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC COCO COIR: Our coco coir is certified organic and sourced from a farm using sustainable farming strategies. It’s washed more times for salt than the competition, making it some of the cleanest, highest-grade coco coir on the market.
- PEAT- FREE AND PERLITE- FREE: Harvesting peat releases significant carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change, and depletes biodiverse habitats. Perlite production is energy-intensive, involving heating volcanic glass to high temperatures. Instead, we use eco-friendly pumice and lava rock—natural volcanic rocks requiring no additional processing—which enhance soil structure and drainage in this indoor potting soil for house plants.
- OPTIMAL DRAINAGE, ENHANCED AERATION, and ROOT HEALTH: This chunky aroid mix features large Douglas fir bark fines, lava rock, and pumice, which enhance aeration for instant drainage and consistent airflow. This makes it almost impossible to overwater, preventing root rot and ensuring your Monstera, Hoya, Pothos, ZZ plant, and Thai Constellation Monstera thrive.
- MADE WITH NEW ZEALAND TREE FERN FIBER: New Zealand Tree Fern Fiber is especially beneficial to Alocasias, Anthuriums, and all tropical plants, this house plant soil acts as a soil conditioner and neutralizes pH down to 6.0, mimicking the natural pH of native tropical plant soil.
- OPTIMAL WITH ALL PLANTS: Built for Tropicals but optimal for all popular houseplants including, Pothos, Hoyas, African Violets, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Snake Plants, String of Pearls, Palms, Begonias and many more
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 prioritize when choosing a sustainable potting mix?
Look for peat‑free formulations, recycled or renewable ingredients, and certifications that confirm organic or low‑carbon sourcing. Materials like upcycled plant matter, wood fines, coconut coir, pumice, and lava rock reduce environmental impact while maintaining soil structure. Also consider added benefits such as mycorrhizae, worm castings, or biochar that improve plant health without synthetic fertilizers.
How does Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix compare to Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Mix?
Back to the Roots is entirely peat‑free, using upcycled plant material and wood fines, while Miracle‑Gro still relies on responsibly sourced peat. The Back to the Roots blend includes yucca extract for moisture control and dolomitic limestone for pH balance, whereas Miracle‑Gro adds a quick‑release natural fertilizer for up to two months. For indoor use, Back to the Roots also offers lower gnat risk and pet‑friendly composition.
Which mix offers the best drainage for aroids like Monstera and Philodendron?
The Craft Aroid Potting Mixes (both the Elite Organic Alocasia and the similar variants) use a chunky blend of Douglas fir bark, pumice, and lava rock, providing excellent aeration and preventing over‑watering. Their peat‑free, perlite‑free formulation mimics tropical forest soil and includes mycorrhizae for root health. Compared to standard mixes, these aroid soils reduce the chance of root rot and promote vigorous foliage.
Is there a potting mix that balances moisture retention with low gnat attraction?
Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix combines organic yucca extract for moisture retention while remaining peat‑free, which naturally lowers gnat habitats. Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix also includes perlite and sphagnum moss, offering good moisture control but can attract gnats if kept too damp. For the best balance, choose a mix that is pre‑moistened and includes biochar or pumice, such as the Craft Organic Houseplant Potting Mix.
What value‑added features do the Craft mixes provide over generic store brands?
Craft mixes incorporate premium organic worm castings, biochar, and mycorrhizal fungi, delivering long‑term nutrient release and improved soil structure. Their peat‑free, perlite‑free formulas use sustainable volcanic rocks, reducing carbon footprint. Additionally, many Craft products are pet‑friendly and come in resealable, eco‑conscious packaging, adding convenience and environmental benefits.
Can I use the same potting mix for both indoor and outdoor container plants?
Yes, some blends like Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix are designed for a wide range of outdoor containers, while Back to the Roots Indoor Mix works well for indoor herbs, veggies, and flowers. However, mixes formulated specifically for aroids (e.g., Craft Aroid Potting Mix) excel in indoor tropical settings but may be over‑engineered for simple outdoor veggies. Choose a versatile all‑purpose mix if you need one product for both environments.
How do price and performance compare among the listed potting soils?
Back to the Roots offers a value 12‑quart bag at a competitive price, providing organic, peat‑free soil with moisture‑control additives. Craft’s premium mixes tend to be higher‑priced due to specialty ingredients like biochar, worm castings, and volcanic rock, but they deliver superior drainage and nutrient density for demanding plants. Miracle‑Gro products sit in the mid‑range, offering quick‑release fertilizers and reliable performance, though they may include peat.
Which potting mix is best for gardeners concerned about carbon emissions?
Peat‑free options such as Back to the Roots, Craft Aroid Potting Mix, and Rosy Soil Aroid Soil minimize carbon release associated with peat extraction. These mixes use upcycled plant matter, coconut coir, pumice, and biochar, all of which have lower lifecycle emissions. Selecting any of these products supports a more sustainable gardening practice.