Comparison: Best Vegan Potting Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)

A vegan potting soil contains no animal-derived ingredients such as bone meal, blood meal, or fish emulsions, and it avoids by‑products of animal processing. Look for labels that mention “plant‑based,” “vegan,” or list all components explicitly. Certifications or statements from the manufacturer confirming vegan status provide extra confidence.

Katie’s Vegan Soil is a concentrated 5‑pound super‑soil that you dilute with water and combine with your own compost, perlite, and coco coir, giving you full control over the final blend. Unlike pre‑mixed bags such as Back to the Roots or Miracle‑Gro, it contains no peat and is marketed specifically as vegan. The trade‑off is the extra step of mixing, but it can be more cost‑effective per gallon of finished soil.

The 16‑quart bag of Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills a 12‑inch container and includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that lasts up to two months, making it economical for outdoor beds. For vegans, Back to the Roots 12‑quart peat‑free mix offers a comparable volume with a lower price per quart and adds yucca extract for moisture control. Both provide ready‑to‑use soil, but Katie’s Vegan Soil can stretch further once diluted, potentially delivering the lowest cost per cubic foot if you have the extra ingredients on hand.

Yes, Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix and its indoor variant are both peat‑free, using upcycled plant material and wood fines, and they are certified organic. Wonder Soil’s coco‑coir based mix is also peat‑free, contains worm castings, kelp, and mycorrhizae, and is marketed as family‑ and pet‑safe. Both meet vegan standards while reducing the carbon footprint associated with peat extraction.

Coco‑coir based blends like Wonder Soil and Miracle‑Gro Moisture Control offer superior water retention while still providing excellent drainage thanks to perlite and AquaCoir technology. The biochar‑enhanced Wakefield blend excels at fast drainage for succulents, preventing root rot. Katie’s Vegan Soil, when mixed with perlite and coco coir, can be customized for either moisture‑holding or quick‑draining needs, giving you flexibility that pre‑mixed formulas lack.

For indoor houseplants, the Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Potting Mix and Back to the Roots Indoor Potting Mix are formulated to reduce gnats and include ingredients like sphagnum moss and yucca extract that support indoor humidity. Outdoor gardeners may prefer Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix or Katie’s Vegan Soil, which are designed for larger root zones and can handle the harsher temperature swings of exterior environments.

Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor, Indoor, and Moisture Control mixes all contain quick‑release natural fertilizers derived from plant sources, so they remain vegan. However, some products like the standard Miracle‑Gro Houseplant Mix include synthetic nutrients that are not animal‑based but may not be labeled as vegan. If you prefer a completely fertilizer‑free option to add your own amendments, Katie’s Vegan Soil or the peat‑free Back to the Roots mixes are good choices.

Mycorrhizae, found in Wonder Soil and Back to the Roots Indoor Mix, form symbiotic relationships with roots, improving nutrient uptake and drought tolerance, which can boost growth especially in container settings. Biochar, featured in Wakefield’s cactus blend, acts as a micro‑reservoir for water and nutrients, enhancing long‑term soil structure and reducing the need for frequent watering. Including these components can lead to healthier, more resilient plants, making them valuable upgrades for both vegans and non‑vegans.