Gardening is all about getting the right things for your plants. Thus, every avid gardener knows the struggle of finding the right spaces, the right light, and the best potting soil mix for the plants to grow. While space and light are external factors, soil affects the plant internally. No matter how good planting space or sunlight is, it is the soil that will determine the output, so you should choose it wisely.
Nine Best Organic Potting Soil for Your Plants
So, here are the top 9 potting soils that you should consider using for your plants. We tested them all, and here are our top picks:
| Product | Title | Our Rating | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Organic Plant Magic Compressed Soil | 4.9 / 5.0 | $$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix | 4.87 / 5.0 | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | Black Gold SUGRBG16QT | 4.85 / 5.0 | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | Proven Winners All Purpose Potting Soil | 4.82 / 5.0 | $$$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | Espoma AP4 Organic Potting Mix | 4.8 / 5.0 | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | Miracle-Gro 72776430 Indoor Potting | 4.77 / 5.0 | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | FoxFarm FX14240 FX14054 Happy Frog Potting Soil | 4.73 / 5.0 | $ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Organic Mix | 4.72 / 5.0 | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | Miracle-Gro VB00009 Potting Mix | 4.7 / 5.0 | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
Both indoor and outdoor plants require the best potting mix to get all the nutrients. Furthermore, getting the right potting soil for indoor plants is especially crucial as these are deprived of sunshine and rains.
So, if you are wondering what your friend does to have a beautiful garden, you know the drill. It is mainly the choice of potting soil that makes a huge difference.
In this article, we are here to guide you through the world of potting soil so that you fetch the beauty out of your plants. Let’s have a look.
How Should You Determine the Best Organic Potting Soil?
With so many potting soil mix options in the market, it is likely for you to get overwhelmed. However, there are simple rules that you need to follow to get the best soil mix.
Fertilizer: The best potting soil is the one that is specially tailored for your plants with added fertilizer. Potting mixes come in either slow release fertilizer or starter fertilizer. If you are considering using the potting mix to start growing new seeds, then the slow fertilizer option is your best bet. If you need potting soil to enrich your garden, or transplant plants, then the slow release fertilizer option is the way to go. Slow release fertilizers definitely last longer, but you should consider adding additional fertilizer after 4-6 weeks.
Potting Mix Weight: Heavier definitely does not equate to better when it comes to potting soil mixes. In fact, you should consider buying a lightweight potting mix as this will help in proper root aeration which is essential for healthy plant growth.
Heave mixes usually contain unneeded elements such as sand or other unwanted materials. That is something we definitely do not need.
Properly Maintaining Moisture Levels: The added ingredients in your potting soil mix that are mainly responsible in maintaining proper moisture content in your soil, enhance drainage, along with soil aeration enhancement are either perlite or vermiculite. Usually one or both of those are added to the commercial potting mixes.
In our 9 picks, we looked into the potting soil mixes that have all the important aspects we just mentioned:
The best 9 Potting Soils That You Should Consider Buying in 2020
Pick Number 1) Organic Plant Magic Compressed Organic Potting-Soil (OUR TOP PICK)
This soil mixture contains all those essential nutrients required for stable plant growth. Another great feature of this soil is that it expands to seven times its size when added to water. It contains bacteria, worm castings, and coconut coir that makes it natural and healthy for plant growth. Furthermore, it has an odd moisture-retaining capacity. Apart from expanding with water, it also holds the water well up to three times longer than other soils. If you are looking for a chemical-free potting soil, this one is the best option for you.
PROS
• Very light and easy to transport
• Expands up to 7x when mixed with water
• Holds up to 50% more water for 3x longer
• Organic potting soil mix (Chemical Free)
• Includes fertilizers to feed your plants for months
CONS
• Expensive
Pick Number 2) Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix
This potting mix from Burpee is again a unique product made with special ingredients. Surprisingly, this potting mix contains coconut. The potting mix is specifically created, keeping a special plant food diet in mind. It has potassium, nitrogen, and phosphate in just the right amount. The other essential items are also added to create a perfect balance. Moreover, coconut coir adds the cherry on the cake. Now, you might wonder why coconut coir? Naturally, coconut coir is used to retain moisture in plant soil. Unlike other chemicals, this one is natural and renewable. So, you are feeding your plants with natural ingredients. It also has an extended-release profile, but it is shorter as compared to other mixes. It can work for up to three months. After three months, you will need to replant or replenish the oil supply. Again, this soil is suitable for flowers, vegetables, and herbs. If you wish to add it to other plants, you might need to add different ingredients.
PROS
• Perfect for container gardening
• Perfect for raised bed gardening
• Slow release plant food for 3 months
• Organic potting soil mix (Chemical Free)
• High water holding capacity
• Resealable Package
CONS
• Only sold in small in 8 qts bags which makes it not very cost effective if you need a large amount.
Pick Number 3) Black Gold Natural and Organic Potting Soil
Just like its name, this soil can be called the gold standard of soils. Why? Because it has got everything, your plant needs to grow healthy and happy. The other soils mentioned earlier are suitable for every type of plant. However, this particular soil is suited for specific types. You can use it perfectly for flowers, shrubs, herbs, and vegetables. The texture of this soil is loamy, and it is loaded with all essential nutrients. Also, the loamy soil retains moisture brilliantly. Furthermore, it also contains perlite and pumice that keeps the pores and air spaces open. Overall, it creates a perfect environment for vegetables and flowering plants to grow. So, you don’t need to add anything extra. This potting mix gives you a pH of 6.5. So, you might need to adjust the pH according to your plant needs.
PROS
• Ideal for herbs , flowers and vegetables grown in containers
• Fertilizer enriched along with pumice, perlite and worm castings
• Organic potting soil mix (Chemical Free)
• Decent water holding capacity
CONS
• Expensive
• A little chunky for tiny seedlings
Pick Number 4) Premium All Purpose Potting Soil
Now, if you are in search of a soil that fits every plant, this is the one for you. The Proven Winners Premium Potting Soil solves all of your soil issues. Firstly, this soil is fairly priced. You get around two pounds of potting soil for a good price. Thus, it is cost-effective with various sizes to choose from. The star benefit of this soil is that you can use it with any potted plant. For instance, annuals, perennials, shrubs, or herbs, vegetables, and other DIY plant projects, this one is just right for every use. The one thing to take notice of is that this soil is prepared without fertilizer. So, if you wish to improve your soil a little more, you will need to add fertilizer by yourself. Furthermore, unlike other soils mentioned previously, this one is medium weight soil. If we talk about potted plants, these require light soil to create an airy environment. However, this particular soil is more on the heavier side that might need a little extra care from your side.
PROS
• Has a controlled release long-lasting fertilizer that lasts up to 6 months
• Contains wetting agents to maximize soil moisture content
• Organic potting soil mix (Chemical Free)
• Excellent drainage and porosity.
CONS
• Very Expensive
• Comes in small packages which is inefficient if you need a large supply.
Pick Number 5) Espoma AP4 Organic Potting Mix
The Espoma potting mix has been trusted by many gardeners for its miraculous effects on plants. You can check the reviews online about how users have benefited from this soil. This soil is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. The excellent ingredient list ensures that your plants attain a good height and grow both below as well as above the soil. Thus, you get stronger roots along with greater blooms. Another advantage of this soil is that it retains moisture. It doesn’t make your plant all dry. This is because of its drought preventing ingredients that lock moisture in the soil. Thus, this soil is suitable for all those plants that require a lot of moisture to grow. Furthermore, it also contains peat moss, peat humus, perlite, and dolomitic limestone. Overall, there’s no doubt that this soil makes the perfect balance for your plants.
PROS
• For indoor and outdoor container gardening.
• Drought stress protection
• Excellent water retention
• Organic potting soil mix (Chemical Free)
• Excellent drainage and porosity.
CONS
• A bit pricey
• Some people reported gnats. So stick to outdoor use if you are concerned. (Our package was perfect with no presence of gnats or fungus)
Pick Number 6) Miracle-Gro 72776430 Indoor Potting Mix
Another potting mix from Miracle-Gro, this soil is packed with all those ingredients your soil needs to grow. Furthermore, this soil also protects your plants from gnats. The Miracle-Gro has specifically designed this potting mix to keep the pests off from your plants. Thus, you no longer need to worry about the damages caused by pests to the plants. Apart from this, it is quite similar to the previous Miracle-Gro potting mix. Also, it has an extended-release design. So you can rest assured that your plants get all the food they need.
PROS
• For indoor container gardening.
• Slow release fertilizer that feeds up to 6 months
• Excellent water retention
• Does not contain compost or bark, to prevent gnats and/or fungus
• Excellent drainage and porosity.
CONS
• Not organic
Pick Number 7) FoxFarm FX14047 Happy Frog Potting Soil
Another potting mix by FoxFarm, this is similar to the above product. The only difference is in the ingredient list. This potting soil also contains nitrogen and phosphate but in different proportions. The N-P-K ratio of this soil is around 4-1-7, which is pretty good for most of the plants. Furthermore, it also contains humic acid, and mycorrhizal that allow the plant to grow aggressively. You can use this potting mix for both indoor and outdoor plant settings. It has a light texture, and you can either use it stand-alone or mix it up with other soil.
PROS
• For indoor and outdoor container gardening.
• pH adjusted to guarantee optimal nutrient intake
• Excellent water retention
•Includes beneficial microbes and fungi to help with healthy growth
• Comes in big packages
• Great price
CONS
• While we did love this mix, we noticed small pebbles and debris that was not screened out.
• Drainage was not bad, but we needed to add additional perlite to enhance drainage
Pick Number 8) FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
This potting soil is not popular, but it still offers all that you need. For instance, if you look at the ingredient list, you will find a perfect balance of ingredients. This soil contains a good amount of nitrogen and phosphate that is crucial for your plants. Furthermore, you will also find some other essential nutrients that make it a perfect mix. The potting soil is made up of natural components, including bat guano, earthworm castings, and more that provide nutrients. On the other hand, forest humus and sandy loam keep the soil moist and light. The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that this soil gives you a pH between 6.3-6.8. Thus, you need to adjust the pH according to your plant needs.
PROS
• For indoor and outdoor container gardening.
• Ideal for seedlings and cuttings
• pH adjusted for optimal nutrition absorption.
• Excellent water retention and aeration
• Organic potting soil mix (Chemical Free)
• Excellent drainage and porosity.
• Comes with free quality gardening gloves
CONS
• Some people reported that it grew mould. But we never had such a issue while using it for nearly 4 months.
Pick Number 9) Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
Miracle-Gro is a trusted brand when it comes to the potting mix. If you are an experienced gardener, you must have given this soil a shot once in your life. Like its name, this soil is packed with all those nutrients your plants need to grow. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. Furthermore, it has a light texture that makes it suitable for roots to spread and grow. Aside from this, the soil has an extended-release design. Thus, it continues to nourish your plants for up to six months after the initial feeding. With proper nourishment, this potting soil can turn your plants beautiful by producing twice as many flowers. Whether you choose to use it a stand-alone soil or you wish to mix it with your other, it is perfect for every setup.
PROS
• For indoor and outdoor container gardening.
• 6 month of slow release fertilizer
• Decent water retention and aeration
• Ideal as a flower growing potting soil mix
• Excellent drainage and porosity.
• Comes with free quality gardening gloves
CONS
• Some people reported gnats.
• We did not like the results with our veggies using this potting soil mix
Frequently Answered Questions
Q) Can you use outdoor potting soil for indoor plants?
To put it concisely, both indoor and outdoor potting soils are the same. These are both made with the same amount of nutrients. The only difference lies in the labeling of the product.
Furthermore, some plants can only grow outdoors, including shrubs. Thus, outdoor potting mixes are specially designed for such plants.
If we talk about core ingredients, these are essentially the same. So, you can use an outdoor potting mix for indoor plants.
Q) What is the Difference Between Potting Soil and Potting Mix?
While potting soil and potting mix might sound similar, there is a little difference that makes them distinct.
Potting soil is nothing but the regular soil you put in your plants. It is not specifically designed to amp up nutrients in the soil. This is mostly suitable for outdoor plants. You can also call it gardening soil.
On the contrary, the potting mix is different. It is specifically designed for potted plants. It is lighter in consistency as potted plants need more air for root expansion. These are usually suitable for indoor potted plants.
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To Sum It Up
Good soil is the basic necessity of a plant. Apart from rains and light, your plant requires proper nutrients for growth and nourishment.
Potting mixes available in the market are specifically designed to cater to all your plant needs in one go. However, you cannot just buy any potting mix you see because it creates a huge difference. The products mentioned here are curated, keeping potted plants in mind. Most of these are best-selling organic potting soil mixes, so you can rest assured about their quality and performance. Simply check them online, read a couple of reviews, and place an order for a potting mix that is suitable for your gardening goals.
Buying the best potting mix is simple. All you need to do is know the requirements of your plants, including the basic ingredients, required pH, or moisture, and you are halfway already.
Happy gardening – keep visiting our space for more genuine product reviews!