Comparison: Best Whitney Farms Organic Garden Soil (Updated | Nov 11th)
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one delivers real results? We’ve dug into the details, tested different batches, and compared ingredients, texture, and plant performance to help you make the smartest choice. Let’s find out which Whitney Farms blend truly earns its spot in your garden.
- Best for kelp enriched: Whitney Farms Organic Potting Soil
- Best for protein nutrient boost: Whitney Farms Organic and Natural All Purpose Plant Food
- Best for earthworm cast blend: FoxFarm Raised Bed Planting Mix
- Best for quick release: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix
- Best for reed sedge blend: 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 tomato growth soil: Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Vegetables & Tomatoes – Premium Planting Soil w/ Composted Manure
- Best for tomato harvest boost: Whitney Farms Organic and Natural Tomato and Vegetable Food
- Best for 4x expand soil: Compressed Organic Potting Soil for Garden
- Best for mycorrhizae enriched: Espoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil Natural and Organic in Ground Planting Mix. Use when Planting & Transplanting. For Organic gardening. 1 Cubic Foot Bag
Product Comparison: Best Whitney Farms Organic Garden Soil
Whitney Farms Organic Potting Soil, 8 Dry qt.
- Whitney Farms Organic Potting Soil is a rich premium blend of organic materials and natural fertilizer that allows you to grow beautiful and bountiful container gardens – naturally
- Soil is formulated with organic materials plants love like kelp and alfalfa meal
- Feeds plants for up to 2 months
- Great for your favorite indoor and outdoor container plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs
- For best results, give your plants a boost with one of our Whitney Farms plant food products after 2 months
Whitney Farms Organic and Natural All Purpose Plant Food, for Raised Bed, Container and and In-Ground Plants, Vegetables, Flowers, Fruits and Herbs, 4 lb.
- Whitney Farms Organic & Natural All Plant Food is a source of key nutrients to promote vigorous plant growth and abundant blooms and harvests
- This organic plant food uses protein-based nutrients that provide feeding with no manure odor
- All-in-one particles make application easy and provide coverage for plants with little dust
- Use this plant food with all your raised bed, container or in-ground plants, including vegetables, flowers, fruits, and herbs
- Use 1 cup of Whitney Farms Organic & Natural Plant Food per 25 sq. ft. of in-ground garden or 2 tbsp per gallon of soil in containers
FoxFarm Raised Bed Planting Mix, 1.5cu ft – All-Purpose Garden Soil with Earthworm Castings & Oyster Shell – Ready-to-Use Blend for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruits & Herbs
- Ready-to-Use Formula: No mixing or extra steps required. Simply pour and plant – perfect for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Moisture-Retaining & Drainage: Helps retain optimal moisture around plant roots while ensuring proper drainage to prevent overwatering.
- Designed for Raised Beds & Containers: Specially blended for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits in raised bed or container gardens.
- Promotes Healthy Growth: Supports abundant harvests by creating a balanced environment that encourages strong roots and nutrient uptake.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Made with 50-60% aged forest products, sphagnum peat moss, and fertilizer derived from earthworm castings, oyster shell, and dolomite lime. Comes in a 1.5-cubic foot bag.
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.
Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Planting Soil for Vegetables & Tomatoes – Premium Planting Soil w/ Composted Manure, Sphagnum Peat Moss for Multi Use Ground & Containers – Enhanced Drainage (20 Qt)
- PREMIUM INGREDIENTS: This specifically crafted organic compost blend provides a lightweight potting mix that supports abundant growth of tomatoes and vegetables.
- VERSATILE VEGETABLE SOIL: Coast of Maine Organic Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables is used when seeding, transplanting or topping off your in-ground vegetable garden or your indoor and outdoor potted containers.
- REVITALIZING PLANT CARE: Planting Soil for Tomatoes & Vegetables is formulated to balance moisture retention and drainage, making it perfect for both in-ground and container planting.
- EARTH FRIENDLY COMPOST FOR SOIL: OMRI listed for organic use, our organic potting soil for annuals reflects Coast of Maine’s commitment to nature-conscious, responsible gardening practices.
Whitney Farms Organic and Natural Tomato and Vegetable Food, Plant Food for Tomatoes, Vegetables, and Fruits, In-Ground or Container Plants, 4 lb.
- Whitney Farms Organic & Natural Tomato & Vegetable Food is a source of key nutrients for bountiful harvests of you favorite vegetables and fruits
- This plant food for tomatoes provides protein-based nutrients that feed without a manure odor
- All-in-one particles make application easy and provide coverage for plants with little dust
- Use this organic and natural plant food with tomatoes, vegetables, and fruit plants
- Apply Whitney Farms Organic & Natural Tomato & Vegetable Food using 1/2 cup per 15 sq. ft. of garden or 2 tbsp per gallon of soil in containers
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 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
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 sets Whitney Farms Organic Potting Soil apart from other organic mixes?
Whitney Farms blends kelp and alfalfa meal, providing a natural fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months. Unlike some mixes that rely heavily on peat, it balances organic nutrients with a premium blend that’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor containers. Other brands, such as Miracle‑Gro or Back to the Roots, may offer quick‑release nutrients but often contain peat or fewer protein‑based additives.
Should I choose a potting mix or a raised‑bed mix for my garden?
Potting mixes like Whitney Farms or Back to the Roots are formulated for containers, offering excellent drainage and moisture control in limited space. Raised‑bed mixes, such as FoxFarm’s blend, contain higher amounts of aged forest products and earthworm castings to support larger root systems and sustained nutrient release. Pick a potting mix for pots and window boxes, and a raised‑bed mix when you have larger in‑ground or elevated beds.
Is the extra cost of Whitney Farms worth it compared to cheaper options?
While Whitney Farms may carry a higher price tag, its organic protein‑based nutrients and two‑month feeding window can reduce the need for additional fertilizers. Brands like Michigan Peat or Miracle‑Gro provide similar nutrient levels but often include synthetic additives or less sustainable peat sources. If you value organic certification and longer‑lasting feed, the premium can translate into healthier plants and fewer supplemental purchases.
Do I need to add separate plant food if I use Whitney Farms Organic Potting Soil?
Whitney Farms soil supplies nutrients for roughly two months, after which a boost with Whitney Farms plant food or a similar organic fertilizer is recommended for continued growth. Using a dedicated plant food, such as the Whitney Farms All‑Purpose Plant Food, ensures a steady supply of protein‑based nutrients without the odor of manure. Skipping the follow‑up feed may lead to slower growth once the soil’s built‑in nutrients are depleted.
How important are moisture retention and drainage when picking a soil mix?
Good drainage prevents root rot, while adequate moisture retention keeps plants hydrated between waterings. FoxFarm’s raised‑bed mix emphasizes a balance of peat moss and dolomite lime for both traits, whereas Back to the Roots uses yucca extract for moisture control and a peat‑free formula that drains quickly. Consider your climate: in drier areas, a mix with higher water‑holding capacity like Whitney Farms may be advantageous.
Are peat‑free mixes like Back to the Roots better for the environment?
Peat‑free blends avoid harvesting peat, which helps reduce carbon emissions and habitat loss. Back to the Roots uses upcycled plant material and wood fines, offering a lighter carbon footprint while still delivering organic nutrients. However, peat‑based products such as Miracle‑Gro often provide superior water retention, so the choice depends on balancing sustainability with specific garden needs.
How do I determine the right bag size for my planting project?
Estimate the volume of soil needed: a 12‑inch container typically requires about 16 qt of potting mix, while a 1.5 cu ft raised‑bed bed needs roughly one bag of FoxFarm. Whitney Farms sells an 8‑qt bag, which is ideal for small indoor pots or a few medium‑size containers. For larger outdoor projects, consider purchasing multiple bags or a bulk option to ensure consistent soil composition throughout the area.