Potting soil or potting mix is different from regular garden soil by the fact that it is made up of a blend of materials like sphagnum moss, bark, perlite, vermiculite, compost or coir.
This mix is often used for growing plants in containers as it is fungus free unlike regular soil which is safer. The various components making up the potting mix can provide added benefits to plants as well.
There are also specialized potting mixes for specific plants to help them thrive. We have found the best potting soil options to give you the top options in one place to consider and find your ideal one.
COMPARISON CHART
If you’re growing organic herbs, vegetables or flowers in raised beds or patio plant pots, this growing mix will make the job a breeze. The all-natural organic mix releases essential nutrients immediately and continues to provide a stream of plant food for up to 3 months.
Formulated with sustainable coconut coir to retain moisture in soil, Burpee Premium Organic Potting Mix 0.12-0.12-0.12 keeps your outdoor or indoor plants well watered and fed. Coir is naturally disease-resistant and has better air circulation than peat – ideal for containers!
FEATURES
- All-natural mix: Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix is formulated with plant food & coconut coir to promote seed & root growth and healthy flower, vegetable & herb plants. OMRI Listed for organic use. This premium mix releases essential nutrients immediately.
- Perfect for containers: Use this growing mix for planting in containers or raised beds. The potting soil feeds plants instantly, then provides a slow release of plant food that feeds for up to 3 months. Whether you’re growing organic herbs, vegetable seeds or flowers in raised beds or patio containers, this growing mix will make the job a breeze.
- Retains moisture: Sustainable coconut coir helps hold the perfect amount of water for potted plants, indoor or outdoors. Coir is naturally disease-resistant and has better air circulation than peat. Coconut coir is an organic and sustainable resource that helps maintain moisture between waterings for vibrant flowers and delicious vegetables and herbs.
- 100% guaranteed: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. Each order is treated with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants & gardening supplies are packaged and sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, they aim to make it right!
WHAT WE LIKE
This potting soil it’s fluffy and ready to use rather than having to break up blocks of coco coir. Because of the moisture retention, it works well for germinating seeds, and the light and airy texture promotes healthy root growth.
This may seem like a small bag, but it is surprising how much it grows when you add water. It also helps to maintain moisture, is easily hydrated, and promotes root growth. The enriched mix releases plenty of nutrients allowing your plants to thrive.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
Unfortunately this potting mix attracts various arrays of bugs which is not ideal for your plants ultimate survival. It is definitely on the more expensive side when it comes to potting soil options which may not suit everyone’s pocket.
This potting soil also has instances of mold especially if you only use a portion of the bag, you may find the remainder with mold after storing for a while.
PROS
- Ready to use
- Good moisture retention
- Small bag that goes a long way
- Enriched mix for added nutrients
CONS
- Attracts bugs
- More expensive option
- Mold can occur with this mix
Nutrient rich, Happy Frog Potting Soil is highly recommended for container gardens. Ready to use right out of the bag and is pH adjusted to allow for maximum nutrient uptake. The benefits of this premium select potting soil are strong plant structure, vigorous vegetative growth, with enhanced fruit and flower production.
FEATURES
- Happy Frog Potting Soil is amended with soil that can help improve root efficiency and encourage nutrient uptake.
- Happy Frog Potting Soil is designed for container planting. Whether you’re growing a ficus in the dining room, a geranium on the patio, or a lemon tree on the deck, use our Potting Soil in your containers.
- Ready to use potting mix with the ideal pH
- Bundled with Pearsons Protective Gloves
WHAT WE LIKE
For autoflowers it works so much better not only because of the potassium but because it aerates better when you water. A very good potting soil that makes plants grow really well and doesn’t compact around the roots.
It is very rich in nutrients that helps your plants thrive. The soil is rich, but loose, and retains enough moisture. Makes indoor plants grow much faster and stronger. They get more air and better watering with this soil. The PH levels hold right at the perfect level to keep your plants healthy.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The potting soil can arrive damaged with bags ripped and exposed to the elements which unfortunately can result in mold. Bugs and fungus are unfortunately drawn to this mix and this is not ideal. This is a more expensive potting soil option
PROS
- Works well on autoflowers
- Good soil that does not compact roots
- Nutrient rich makes plants thrive
- Good pH hold
CONS
- Packaging arrives damaged
- Bugs and fungus are possible with this mix
- More expensive option
Pot of Gold All Purpose Potting Soil is recommended for use in all outdoor and indoor potting and container applications. In addition to container planting, it can be used as a soil amendment for in-ground planting of trees, shrubs, bare root, flowers and vegetables.
TruBiotic® technology ensures organic nutrients are broken down and released in the soil for plant roots to absorb them as they are needed, contributing to drought tolerance, enhanced nutrient availability and increased plant performance. It contains no synthetic ingredients, GMO infested chicken manure or sewage sludge and is designed to grow the healthiest and most productive plants any time of the year.
FEATURES
- Contains TruBiotic beneficial soil microbes plus mycorrhizae. TruBiotic ensures organic nutrients are thoroughly broken down and then released in the soil for plant roots to absorb them as they are needed, contributing to drought tolerance, enhanced nutrient availability and increased plant performance.
- Designed for Indoor and outdoor containers. All purpose potting soil created to grow the healthiest and most productive plants any time of the year.
- Organic Transparency; OMRI (Organic Material Review Institute), OIM (Organic Input Materials), CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) and NOP (National Organic Program).
- Sustainably made in the U.S.A. through a collaboration of high level environmentalists inspired to positively change the world. Formulated by Milo Shammas, founder of Dr. Earth, to grow Home Grown Foods.
WHAT WE LIKE
This potting mix is great for both indoor and outdoor use. It is 100% organic and natural hand crafted which is better overall for your plants and from an eco-friendly point of view. It also provides abundant nutrients and ideal drainage for your plants allows them to thrive perfectly. It can be used to amend existing soil to a healthier option.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
As with other potting mix options this one is also prone to attracting bugs which is not good for your plants. The packaging is not always durable and does not always hold in transit. Exposure to the elements if the bag is open results in mold growth.
PROS
- Good for indoor and outdoor use
- 100% organic
- Provides great nutrients
- Good to amend existing soil
CONS
- Attracts bugs
- Packaging not durable
- Exposure to elements causes mold
A truly exceptional ready-to-use coco fiber-based potting soil. With a base of the highest quality coco fiber on the plant which is repeatedly washed for an incredibly low EC and composted for over twenty-four months and is specially blended with extra long fibers.
This soil is amended with only the highest quality organic ingredients including bat guano, premium earth worm castings, fish bone meal, feather meal, green sand, mycorrhizae, glacial rock dust, soybean meal, humic acid and many more. Already blended with correct proportions of perlite and pumice for excellent drainage and a vigorous root system, Roots Organics potting soil encourages healthier plants and better yields.
FEATURES
- Roots Organics Original is a ready to use mix created with a balanced air to water ratio of porosity and water retention to allow for frequent feeding of fast growing, heavy feeding plants
- For exceptional results, feed with high quality nutrients, such as the Roots Organics fertilizer line
- Roots Organics soil bags double as pots – just cut the top off, drop the plant in, and you’re ready to go
- Also contains beneficial mycorrhizal fungi: Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, Septoglomus desertícola to enhance uptake of plant nutrients, increase root biomass, and help container grown plants resist stress
WHAT WE LIKE
The soil is completely organic which adds to the eco-friendliness of this potting soil and your plants will be better off using organic products. The potting soil is a ready to use mix that you can start using on your plants as soon as you receive it.
The fact that you can use the bag the potting mix comes in can also be used as pots for your plants adds to its versatility. The potting soil holds water well and provides adequate drainage as well keeping water levels just right.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The soil tends to get infested with fungus gnats at every stage of life. Even after baking the soil as recommended to kill them they still came back.
There is an issue with the growth of plants with this soil. You expect fast growth but the growth of plants is rather slow plus the plants tend to be small as well which is not ideal. Packaging often shows up damaged and broken which is not ideal exposing your soil to the elements and not getting the full amount delivered.
PROS
- Organic and eco-friendly
- Ready to use mix
- Versatile bags
- Maintains good water levels
CONS
- Tends to infested with fungus gnats
- Slow and poor plant growth
- Packaging is not durable
Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens for better aeration and drainage. With a mix of 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite, this is a great alternative to potting soil and other traditional growing media.
Plant directly in the mix and allow its consistency to help you feed, without worrying about over-watering.
FEATURES
- Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
- Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
- Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
- Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite. Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)
WHAT WE LIKE
Overall it has a nice consistency which is good in potting soil. The weight for the product is accurate which is helpful to get what you pay for. It is a good and affordable price which should suit most pockets.
Each bale hydrates to a very clean coir. The texture, it’s stringy and spongy but not at all dusty once hydrated.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The product unfortunately comes with dust and sand meaning it needs to be rinsed out before use.
Despite stating it contains buffers it does not seem to be the case and additional buffers need to be added. The mix smells of chemicals or solvent which is not ideal from an organic and eco-friendly point of view.
PROS
- Good consistency
- Weight is accurate
- Affordable price
- Hydrates well to a good texture
CONS
- Mix needs to be rinsed
- Does not contain buffers as advertised
- May have chemicals or solvents – Not organic
Perfect Plants Organic Potting Mix is an all natural blend of nutrient-boosting ingredients that help enhance soil conditions for plants that are grown in containers.
This potting mix is suitable for indoor and outdoor use because of its moisture management — making it ideal for use with potted fruit & vegetable plants, trees for the home, or for annual bloomers kept on the patio.
Moisture retention and water absorption by the soil is maintained with three main soil components. Perfect Plants crafted a potting mix that not only manages moisture, but sufficiently enriches the soil conditions of containerized plants.
FEATURES
- All natural mix suitable for use on edible plants like fruits & vegetables
- Mycorrhizae enrichment — aids root growth and flushing harmful bacteria
- Easy-to-manage drainage — blended with perfect plants perlite
- Best for plants in containers — great for indoor and outdoor use
- Resealable, heavy duty bag perfect for storage
WHAT WE LIKE
Its texture overall is fluffy but not too fluffy to where you think it’s foam. When it arrives it is dry, and not too moist either.
The soil comes in a large ziploc-type bag, which was fantastic because you can reseal what you don’t use. It’s not a giant bag like some potting mix so it’s really user-friendly if you just have house plants and not a huge yard. It is overall excellent quality.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
While this product is recommended for indoor use it contains much larger chunks of material that won’t suit well for indoor plants which need a much finer texture. This potting soil suffers the same fate as others in attracting unwanted bugs. The bag it came is not zipped all the way so a bit of dirt gets out and exposes the rest to the elements.
PROS
- Good overall texture and quality
- Resealing bag is an advantage
- Smaller size bag is user friendly
- Arrives dry and moisture can be added as needed
CONS
- Consistency not ideal for indoor use
- Attracts unwanted bugs
- Bag is not always sealed on arrival
FINAL VERDICT
Wanting to give your plants the very best products is normal for a passionate gardener and these potting soil mixes will keep your plants happy indeed. Our top choice is Burpee Organic Potting Soil which really gives the best overall potting soil experience. It is 100% organic full of nutrients that will have your plants thriving with an eco-friendly mix that you feel comfortable using.
It appears to be a smaller bag but it really goes a long way and you will manage all your planting needs with ease. A potting soil that comes with a guarantee is also not so common so you know this is a quality brand that you can trust. The moisture control this potting mix provides is just the right amount to keep your plants growing beautifully. This potting soil is the best all-rounder potting soil that will give your plants the boost they need.
If you loved this post about the best potting soil, consider checking out these articles.