Comparison: Best Vigoro Organic Garden Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’re looking to give your garden the best shot at thriving, the soil you choose makes all the difference—and Vigoro Organic Garden Soil has been making waves among home gardeners. But is it really the top pick, or are there better options out there? In this honest comparison, we’ll dig into what sets the best organic garden soils apart, test their performance side by side, and help you decide if Vigoro lives up to the hype.
- Best for quick-release fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for ready-use topsoil: Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes
- Best for peat-free premium: Back to the Roots 100% Organic Potting Mix (Value 12 Quart) | Premium Blend | Made in The USA
- Best for 4x expandable supersoil: Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden
- Best for mycorrhizae rich mix: Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
- Best for large-volume fertilizer: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for all-purpose garden soil: Espoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil Natural and Organic in Ground Planting Mix. Use when Planting & Transplanting. For Organic gardening. 1 Cubic Foot Bag
- Best for lightweight topsoil: SCOTTS Organic Group 0.75 cu.ft. Proom Top Soil
- Best for expandable coir mix: Back to the Roots Organic Coir
- Best for peat-free raised bed: Miracle-Gro Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil with Quick Release Natural Fertilizer
Product Comparison: Best Vigoro Organic Garden Soil
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)
Michigan Peat 40 Pound Bag Garden Magic Organic Planting Potting Top Soil Blend Mix for Indoor and Outdoor Gardening and Landscapes, White
- Ready-to-Use for All Planting Needs: This general-purpose potting mix is ready to use out of the bag, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor planting without any additional preparation
- Optimal Moisture Retention & Drainage: Designed to allow excess water to drain effectively while retaining moisture, promoting healthy plant growth during dry seasons
- High-Quality Soil Blend: Features a dark blend of reed sedge peat, perlite, and sand, offering the best conditions for plant health and soil structure
- Perfect for All Gardeners: Developed for both new and experienced home gardeners, this soil mix enhances plant growth in various environments and gardening projects
- Improves Soil Quality: Ideal for loosening heavy clay soils and enhancing moisture in light soils, making it perfect for use as a top dressing to fill holes in lawns and garden beds
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.
Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden, Plants & Vegetables – Expands 4x When Mixed with Water – Indoor or Outdoor Use – Plant Food Mix Derived from Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT – Easy to use compressed soil granules quickly expand up to 4X and make up to 3 gallons of soil. Light, compact, easy to carry, resealable bag saves space.
- NOURISH & SEE THEM FLOURISH – Packed with every essential nutrient plus 55+ trace minerals, this concentrated super soil feeds and grows strong beautiful vibrant plants better than ever!
- FAST ACTING & LONG LASTING – Easy to wet and stays moist 3X longer. Living soil gets water, air and nutrients to roots on demand. Perfect for all seeds, starts, transplants, containers, raised beds and gardens!
- TRULY ORGANIC YOU CAN TRUST – 100% natural ground coconut coir, worm castings, compost, humic acids, amino acids, kelp and beneficial GroBiotics including mycorrhizae give your soil, flower, vegetable, herb, fruit, tree, shrub, raised bed, outdoor or indoor potted house plants and more a super-boost.
- EASY to USE – Just add water 1:1 to compressed soil to expand up to 4X. Use 1 tsp for small seeds, 1 tbsp for large seeds, 1/4 cup per seedling, 1 cup per small plant, and 4 cups per gallon plant. Use expanded soil straight or blend 1:2 with other soil. Prevents overwatering, re-wets easily, and stays moist 3X longer. As mulch or top dress, apply 1/4 inch expanded soil or spread compressed soil and water. A 2 lb bag covers up to 20 sq ft.
Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix – All Natural and Organic Potting Soil Mix for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Raised Garden Beds. for Organic Gardening.1.5 Cubic Foot Bag
- FOR USE: Ideal for raised garden beds and outdoor containers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil mix for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
- WHEN TO USE: Use to fill new raised beds or to enhance soil in existing beds. Ready to use
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used.
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, for Outdoor Container Plants, Contains Quick-Release Natural Fertilizer, OMRI Listed, 25 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 25 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills three 10-inch containers (amount may vary based on the size of the root ball)
Espoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil Natural and Organic in Ground Planting Mix. Use when Planting & Transplanting. For Organic gardening. 1 Cubic Foot Bag
- FOR USE: Use when planting or transplanting to improve native soil. For everything you plant in the garden or landscape
- CONTAINS: This organic All-Purpose Garden soil mix is a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enriched with earthworm castings
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae
- WHEN / HOW TO USE: Any time planting in the garden; simply mix thoroughly with native garden soils
- ORGANIC GARDENING: Contains a rich blend of only the finest natural ingredients. No synthetic plant foods or chemicals are used
SCOTTS Organic Group 0.75 cu.ft. Proom Top Soil
- Scotts Premium top soil
- Lighter blend of organic materials than ordinary heavy topsoil
- Excellent for Leveling and filling holes in your lawn and garden
- Premium soil blend and peat Moss for improved results
- No sewage sludge or bio-solids
Back to the Roots Organic Coir, 51 Quart Expanding Soil, Great for Seeds and Potting
- A balanced pH, which means it’s truly all-purpose. Use alone or as an amendment for anything in a pot or in the ground — vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even starting seeds.
- Expands to over 2 cubic feet
- Peat Free OMRI Listed, assuring organic production, handling, and processing
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you are not satisfied or have any issues with this Organic Coconut Coir, just shoot us a note and our dedicacted customer support team will make sure we get you growing or send you a refund/replacement.
- GROWONEGIVEONE — Share a photo of your growing garden and we’ll donate a Grow Kit and STEM elementary school curriculum to a classroom of your choice.
Miracle-Gro Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil with Quick Release Natural Fertilizer, Peat Free, 1 cu. ft., 2-Pack
- Miracle-Gro Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil is a soil blend with quick release natural fertilizer
- Feeds plants for up to 2 months
- This organic soil blend is peat free and formulated with upcycled green waste
- Successful Organic Gardening Made Attainable
- This bundle includes two 1 cu. Ft. bags of Miracle-Gro Organic Raised Bed & Garden Soil
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 key factors should I look at when picking an organic garden soil?
Check the ingredient list for peat‑free or responsibly sourced peat, as this affects sustainability and moisture retention. Look for added organic fertilizers or mycorrhizae, which boost nutrient availability for longer periods. Also consider the intended use—raised beds, containers, or direct ground planting—to ensure the mix has the right texture and drainage.
How does Miracle‑Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix compare to Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix?
Miracle‑Gro includes a quick‑release natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months, while Espoma relies on a blend of earthworm castings, kelp, and feather meal for slower, steady nutrition. Miracle‑Gro uses responsibly sourced peat, whereas Espoma’s formula is peat‑free and enriched with mycorrhizae for root health. Both are ready‑to‑use, but Espoma may be a better choice for gardeners avoiding peat.
Is a peat‑free mix like Back to the Roots or the Coconut Coir blend better for the environment?
Yes, peat‑free mixes reduce pressure on peat bogs, which are critical carbon sinks. Products such as Back to the Roots and the Coconut Coir blend use upcycled plant material or coconut fibers, offering comparable moisture control with a lighter carbon footprint. They also tend to have a neutral pH, making them versatile for many plant types.
Which mix offers the best value for large‑area planting, such as raised beds or garden rows?
Compressed organic potting soil (the 4‑X expanding blend) provides the most volume per pound, covering up to 20 sq ft from a 2‑lb bag, making it economical for big projects. Miracle‑Gro’s 25‑qt bag fills three 10‑inch containers, while Espoma’s raised‑bed mix comes in 1‑cu ft bags, which are convenient but less cost‑effective per square foot. Consider the expansion factor and how much you need to fill before deciding.
Do mixes with added mycorrhizae, like Espoma’s Myco‑Tone, make a noticeable difference?
Mycorrhizae form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, improving water and nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus. Gardeners often see stronger, more resilient growth in the first season when using soils that contain both endo‑ and ecto‑mycorrhizae. While the benefit can vary by plant type, it’s generally a worthwhile addition for organic growers.
Can I use a potting mix designed for containers in my raised‑bed garden?
Yes, many container mixes work well in raised beds because they’re lightweight and drain efficiently. However, raised beds benefit from added organic matter like compost or worm castings to improve soil structure over time. If you choose a container mix, consider blending it with a coarse amendment such as perlite or sand for optimal aeration.
What should I do if a soil mix doesn’t meet my expectations after purchase?
Most reputable brands, including Back to the Roots and Espoma, offer satisfaction guarantees with refunds or replacements. Keep the original packaging and receipt, then contact the seller’s customer service within the stated return window. Document the issue with photos or a brief description to speed up the resolution process.