Best Potting Soils

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Potting soil is essential for growing healthy plants in containers, providing the ideal mix of nutrients, moisture retention, and drainage that plants need to thrive. Unlike garden soil, it’s formulated to be lighter and more porous, making it perfect for pots. Quality potting soil supports strong root growth and overall plant health, typically consisting of organic materials like peat moss or coconut coir, with perlite or vermiculite for drainage. Some blends also include slow-release fertilizers for continuous feeding. When choosing potting soil, consider the specific needs of your plants—some require more acidic soil, while others prefer neutral pH. We tested several potting soils to find the best options for various types of container plants.

  • Miracle-Gro Potting Mix

    10

    We highly recommend this potting mix for indoor and outdoor container plants due to its nutrient-rich formula and long-lasting feeding capabilities.

    10

    We highly recommend this potting mix for indoor and outdoor container plants due to its nutrient-rich formula and long-lasting feeding capabilities.

    Pros

    • Promotes robust plant growth
    • Feeds plants for up to 6 months
    • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

    Cons

    • May be too rich for some sensitive plants
    • Can attract fungus gnats if overwatered
    • Slightly pricier than basic potting soils

    We’ve used Miracle-Gro Potting Mix in our container gardens, and the results are impressive. Our plants grew noticeably bigger and produced more blooms compared to those in regular soil. The mix has a good texture that holds moisture well without becoming waterlogged.

    What sets this potting mix apart is its ability to feed plants for up to 6 months. We noticed our container plants stayed lush and healthy throughout the growing season without needing extra fertilizer. This feature is a real time-saver for busy gardeners.

    The versatility of this mix is a big plus. We used it for both indoor houseplants and outdoor containers with great success. Our tomatoes in patio pots thrived, and our indoor ficus looked healthier than ever. While it’s a bit more expensive than basic potting soil, we think the added nutrients make it worth the cost for most gardening needs.

  • Michigan Peat Garden Magic Soil

    9.7

    We think this versatile potting mix is a solid choice for most indoor and outdoor plants, offering good moisture retention and nutrient content.

    9.7

    We think this versatile potting mix is a solid choice for most indoor and outdoor plants, offering good moisture retention and nutrient content.

    Pros

    • Works for many plant types
    • Retains moisture well
    • Ready to use from the bag

    Cons

    • May be pricey compared to store brands
    • Some users report inconsistent texture
    • Might be too heavy for some container plants

    We tested the Michigan Peat Garden Magic soil in various settings and were pleased with its performance. The mix felt rich and dark, with a nice crumbly texture that was easy to work with. We used it for both indoor potted plants and outdoor raised beds.

    Our houseplants seemed to thrive in this soil. It held moisture well, which meant we didn’t have to water as often. This was great for busy plant owners or those who sometimes forget to water. The soil also drained well enough to prevent root rot.

    In our outdoor tests, we found the soil worked well for vegetables and flowers. It provided good nutrients and helped plants establish strong root systems. The 20-pound bag went pretty far, covering several medium-sized containers or a decent portion of a raised bed. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the quality justifies the price for many gardeners.

  • Espoma Organic Potting Mix

    9.5

    We recommend this nutrient-rich organic mix for container gardening enthusiasts seeking top-quality soil for their plants.

    9.5

    We recommend this nutrient-rich organic mix for container gardening enthusiasts seeking top-quality soil for their plants.

    Pros

    • All-natural ingredients
    • Enriched with beneficial additives
    • Versatile for indoor and outdoor use

    Cons

    • Small bag size
    • May be pricier than some alternatives
    • Can be too rich for certain plants

    We recently tried out Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix in our container garden, and we were impressed with its quality. The soil felt rich and dark, without any unwanted debris like twigs or rocks. It has a nice, earthy smell that hints at its organic nature.

    When we used this mix to start some herb seeds, we noticed quick germination. Our basil and cilantro sprouted in just a few days. The soil retained moisture well, which meant we didn’t have to water as often as with some other potting mixes we’ve used.

    One thing to note is that the 4-quart bag is on the smaller side. It’s great for starting seeds or repotting a few small plants, but you’ll need more for larger projects. We found it perfect for our windowsill herb garden, but had to buy extra for our patio tomatoes. The premium price reflects its quality, but it’s worth it for gardeners who want the best for their plants.

  • FoxFarm Happy Frog Soil

    9.4

    We think FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil is a top choice for indoor and outdoor plants due to its nutrient-rich formula and pH-balanced blend.

    9.4

    We think FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil is a top choice for indoor and outdoor plants due to its nutrient-rich formula and pH-balanced blend.

    Pros

    • Rich in nutrients
    • Improves root growth
    • Contains helpful microbes

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic soils
    • May be too strong for seedlings
    • Can attract gnats if overwatered

    We tested this soil in our container gardens and were impressed with the results. The plants grew faster and looked healthier than those in regular potting mix. The soil felt light and airy, making it easy for roots to spread.

    Our tomatoes and herbs thrived in this soil. We noticed they needed less fertilizer than usual. The pH-adjusted formula seemed to help with nutrient uptake. Plants showed less signs of deficiencies.

    One thing to watch out for is moisture levels. This soil can hold water well, which is great for thirsty plants. But it’s easy to overwater if you’re not careful. We found it worked best when we let the top inch dry out between waterings.

  • Espoma Organic Potting Mix

    9.3

    We recommend this versatile organic potting mix for indoor and outdoor container plants.

    9.3

    We recommend this versatile organic potting mix for indoor and outdoor container plants.

    Pros

    • All-natural ingredients
    • Enriched with beneficial additives
    • Suitable for various plants

    Cons

    • Pricier than non-organic options
    • May attract fungus gnats
    • Can dry out quickly

    We tested Espoma’s Organic Potting Mix in various containers and were pleased with its performance. The mix feels light and fluffy, making it easy to work with when potting or repotting plants. We noticed our herbs and vegetables thrived in this soil, likely due to the blend of natural ingredients like peat moss, humus, and perlite.

    One aspect we really liked was the addition of earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, and kelp meal. These natural fertilizers gave our plants a noticeable boost in growth. The mix also includes Myco-tone, a blend of mycorrhizae that helps roots absorb water and nutrients more easily.

    We found this potting mix works well for both indoor and outdoor container plants. It retained moisture nicely but still allowed for good drainage. Keep in mind that it may dry out faster than some other soils, so you might need to water more often. While it’s pricier than non-organic options, we think the quality ingredients make it worth the cost for gardeners who want to avoid synthetic chemicals.

  • Harris Cactus & Succulent Soil

    9.1

    We think this soil mix is a solid choice for cactus and succulent enthusiasts looking for a ready-to-use, nutrient-rich blend.

    9.1

    We think this soil mix is a solid choice for cactus and succulent enthusiasts looking for a ready-to-use, nutrient-rich blend.

    Pros

    • Fast-draining to prevent root rot
    • Balanced blend of essential ingredients
    • Convenient resealable packaging

    Cons

    • Dries out quickly, may need frequent watering
    • Pricier than some basic potting mixes
    • Can become hard when dry

    We tried out this Harris soil mix with our indoor succulent collection. The texture felt just right – not too dense, with enough grit for good drainage. Our plants seemed to like it right away.

    The mix has a nice balance of ingredients. We noticed perlite and small bits of bark, which help with aeration. The added nutrients gave our succulents a boost without burning their roots.

    One thing we liked was how fast it drained. We watered a newly potted echeveria, and the excess flowed out quickly. This is key for preventing root rot in these drought-loving plants.

    The resealable bag is handy. We didn’t use it all at once, so being able to zip it up kept the soil fresh for next time. It’s not a huge bag, but it went further than we expected.

    We did find we had to water more often with this mix. It dries out fast, which is good for the plants but means more work for us. Also, when it gets very dry, it can harden up a bit.

    All in all, we think this soil works well for cacti and succulents. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the quality ingredients make it worth considering for plant lovers who want to give their prickly friends the best.

  • Michigan Peat Premium Potting Mix

    9

    We recommend this versatile potting mix for its balanced blend and great value.

    9

    We recommend this versatile potting mix for its balanced blend and great value.

    Pros

    • Large 50-pound bag offers good value
    • Contains slow-release fertilizers
    • Suitable for both containers and beds

    Cons

    • May be too heavy for some indoor plants
    • Moisture content can vary between bags
    • Perlite amount might be insufficient for some needs

    We were impressed by the Michigan Peat Premium Potting Mix’s performance in our tests. This 50-pound bag packs a lot of value, making it a great choice for gardeners with multiple projects. The mix feels rich and dark, with a good balance of peat, sand, and perlite.

    When we used it in our container gardens, we noticed that plants seemed to thrive. The slow-release fertilizers gave our plants a steady supply of nutrients. We also liked that we could use it straight from the bag without any added amendments.

    One thing to keep in mind is that this mix can be a bit heavy for some delicate indoor plants. We found it worked best for outdoor containers and raised beds. The moisture level can also vary between bags, so you might need to adjust your watering routine accordingly. While the perlite content helps with drainage, some plants may need extra for optimal aeration.

  • Burpee Organic Potting Mix

    8.7

    We think this premium organic potting mix is a top choice for container gardeners who want healthy, thriving plants.

    8.7

    We think this premium organic potting mix is a top choice for container gardeners who want healthy, thriving plants.

    Pros

    • Organic and nutrient-rich
    • Excellent moisture retention
    • Feeds plants for up to 3 months

    Cons

    • Pricier than basic potting soil
    • May be too rich for some plants
    • Can attract fungus gnats if overwatered

    We tried this Burpee organic potting mix in our container garden, and we were impressed with the results. The soil felt light and fluffy, making it easy to work with when planting. Our herbs and veggies seemed to love it, showing strong growth within days of transplanting.

    One thing we really liked was how well this mix held onto water. We didn’t have to water as often as with other soils we’ve used. The coconut coir in the mix does a great job of keeping moisture levels just right. Our plants stayed happy even on hot days.

    We noticed our plants looked healthier overall with this soil. The leaves were a nice deep green, and we got lots of flowers on our tomato plants. The slow-release nutrients meant we didn’t need to fertilize for a while. It’s a bit pricey, but we think it’s worth it for the quality you get.

  • Back to the Roots All-Purpose Mix

    8.7

    We think this organic, peat-free potting mix is a great choice for eco-conscious gardeners looking to grow healthy plants.

    8.7

    We think this organic, peat-free potting mix is a great choice for eco-conscious gardeners looking to grow healthy plants.

    Pros

    • Retains moisture well
    • Enhances root growth
    • 100% peat-free and organic

    Cons

    • Pricier than some alternatives
    • May attract gnats
    • Can be dusty when dry

    We tested this Back to the Roots mix in our indoor and outdoor gardens. The coconut coir did a great job holding moisture, which meant we didn’t have to water as often. Our plants seemed to thrive, with noticeably stronger root systems after a few weeks.

    The organic ingredients gave us peace of mind. We liked knowing we weren’t using harmful chemicals or contributing to peatland destruction. The mix worked well for various plants – from herbs to succulents to veggies.

    We did notice the soil was a bit dusty when first opened. It also seemed to attract some gnats in our indoor pots. While pricier than basic potting soil, we felt the quality and eco-friendly aspects made it worth the cost for our gardening needs.

  • FoxFarm Ocean Forest Soil

    8.6

    We think this potting soil is a top choice for most gardeners due to its versatility and nutrient-rich composition.

    8.6

    We think this potting soil is a top choice for most gardeners due to its versatility and nutrient-rich composition.

    Pros

    • Ready to use right out of the bag
    • Excellent moisture retention
    • Suitable for a wide variety of plants

    Cons

    • May be too rich for some seedlings
    • Pricier than basic potting soils
    • Can attract gnats if overwatered

    We’ve used FoxFarm Ocean Forest Soil in our gardens for several seasons now, and it’s become our go-to choice. The soil feels light and airy in our hands, with a pleasant earthy smell that hints at its rich organic content. We’ve found it works great for both indoor and outdoor plants.

    One thing we really like is how it retains moisture. Our plants seem to stay hydrated longer, which means less frequent watering. The soil also drains well, which helps prevent root rot – a common problem we’ve faced with other potting mixes.

    We’ve had great results using this soil for everything from houseplants to veggies. It’s packed with nutrients, so most plants don’t need extra fertilizer right away. Just keep in mind that it might be too strong for some delicate seedlings. We’ve also noticed it can attract gnats if we’re not careful with watering, so it’s best to let the top layer dry out between waterings.

Buying Guide

When shopping for potting soil, we recommend looking at a few key factors:

Ingredients

The best potting soils contain a mix of:

  • Peat moss or coco coir
  • Perlite or vermiculite
  • Compost or aged bark

These ingredients provide good drainage, aeration, and nutrients for plants.

Texture

A quality potting mix should feel light and fluffy. It shouldn’t be too dense or compact when squeezed. The texture affects how well roots can grow.

pH Level

Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Look for mixes in this range unless you’re growing acid-loving plants.

Nutrient Content

We suggest choosing a mix with some starter fertilizer already added. This gives young plants a boost. But don’t pick mixes with too much fertilizer, as this can harm tender roots.

Moisture Retention

A good potting soil holds moisture without getting waterlogged. Mixes with ingredients like peat moss or coco coir help retain the right amount of water.

Container Size

For small pots, pick a finer-textured mix. Larger containers do well with coarser mixes that drain faster.

By keeping these factors in mind, we can choose a potting soil that helps our plants thrive. The right mix provides a strong foundation for healthy growth.