I love switching the way I revamp my garden. Sometimes it’s adding decorative elements, or else it’s planting veggies and fruits!
Growing up, I used to help my father water plants, and together, we would keep an eye on each plant’s growth. I did the same with my kids when they were growing up; I call it a family tradition. This has led to me trying out many soil mixes to find what best suits the plants I grow.
If you also have green fingers, like me, and are looking for a little bit of clarity on what soil to use, you are in the right place! Hi! My name is Stacy and today, I will be reviewing the best garden soil to buy for your garden. Hopefully, by the end of the review, I would’ve successfully given you a better idea of what to buy.
Without further ado, let’s get right into it, shall we?
Best Garden Soil To Buy
1. Michigan Garden Magic Topsoil
The first product on my list is the Michigan Garden Magic topsoil. This is an excellent soil to consider as it is made by a company known for developing good quality soil.
Product Highlights
This one is an excellent buy for your garden, and the blend of sedge, peat, and sand provides adequate nutrients to the plants. Plus, it comes in a sturdy bag that is ready to use.
Another great thing about this soil is that it can be used as topsoil as well as to fill any holes in the garden bed. Moreover, it is quite versatile as it can be used for indoor as well as outdoor plants.
Additionally, this soil has a lot of excellent properties that are good for the plants that ensure they thrive. It helps loosen the clay in the soil and enhances the moisture as it has a high water retention capacity.
Overall, this product can be trusted as it is made by a well-known company in the gardening industry that screens their soil to ensure maximum consistency.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of the things that I loved about this soil is that it is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It was recommended to me by one of my close friends who loves gardening as well, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
As soon as I saw it, I noticed that the soil had a rich and clean look. On spreading it out and monitoring it over time, I realized that it has good moisture retention and does not need to be watered a lot!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I thoroughly enjoyed using this soil. However, I did find it a bit concerning that the 40 pound weight it claims to have is not accurate as it is mostly water weight. Moreover, it has some twigs here and there, making it challenging to work with.
Pros and Cons of Michigan Garden Magic Topsoil
Pros
Cons
- General purpose soil potting mix is ideal for both indoor and outdoor planting; Soil mix allows excess water to drain while retaining essential moisture, ensuring your plants stay healthy and vibrant
- Potting mix features a rich blend of reed sedge peat, perlite, and sand; Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home gardener, this potting mix is developed to cater to your specific needs
- Top soil potting mix can be used to loosen heavy clay soils and build up moisture retention in light soils or as a top dressing to fill holes in lawns and gardens
2. Miracle-Gro Garden Soil All Purpose
If you are looking for in-ground soil to use that will help the plants become strong and healthy, Miracle-Gro garden soil is the one to consider. It is an excellent product that will feed the right nutrients to your plants.
Product Highlights
The Miracle-Gro garden soil is quite helpful if the intention is to provide a little bit of boost to existing soil. This is an in-ground soil that enhances the plants’ growth as it can provide them with appropriate nutrients through a continuous release for up to 3 months.
The nutrients in this soil help improve the flower bed and strengthen the root of the plant. This ensures that the plant is well nourished so that it can thrive. Additionally, if you put the plants on a regular feeding routine with Miracle-Gro, there is a better chance of getting the results you desire.
Miracle-Gro is an environment-friendly company that puts in the effort to develop products that promote sustainability. They reuse and recycle material from forests, yards, and gardens that ultimately help their customers grow healthier plants.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was quite happy to see how beautifully few of my veggies were growing instead of the ones that were not fed this soil. This soil provided ample nutrients to the plants, and it is visible as they grow.
I also like that it was easy to use as all I had to do was mix this with my regular garden soil and let it work its magic!
What’s There Not To Like About It?
If you are not a fan of carrying heavy bags, I would advise you to avoid this brand. At my age, carrying heavy bags is not easy or recommended, which is why I had to ask my kids to help me move it around the garden. Other than that, there is nothing wrong with this soil!
Pros and Cons of Miracle-Gro Garden Soil All Purpose
Pros
Cons
- Start planting with the advantage of a complete in-ground garden soil, specially blended to grow bigger, more beautiful plants (versus unfed plants)
- Improves existing soil to build strong roots in annuals and perennials across all your in-ground gardens
- Feeds for up to 3 months with continuous release plant food
3. Organic Plant Magic Compressed Organic Potting-Soil
If carrying heavy bags of soil does not sound appealing, I suggest looking at Organic Plant Magic’s compressed potting soil. This is an excellent option to consider if you are looking for good quality soil that does not take up a lot of storage space.
Product Highlights
Organic Plant Magic’s soil is an excellent option as it is made for people who do not like to tug around big bags of soil. It is all compressed into a small bag, making it easy to carry around and even easier to store. When mixed with water, it claims to expand 7 times in size.
Another great thing about this soil is that it retains 50% more moisture than any regular soil and is also quick to provide the required nutrients. With this soil, you can rest assured that the right amount of air and water is fed to the roots.
This compressed soil is made of organic and non-toxic tonic. It has coconut coir and worm casting to give the soil an extra boost, and is chemical-free and biodegradable. Hence, it can have no adverse effects on the plants or any pets that play around in the garden.
What’s There To Like About It?
My favorite thing about this soil was that I had no problem using and storing it myself. It is quite a small bag with a decent amount of soil in it. Since it was all compressed, there was no need to use a lot of it in one go.
Also, it did not require huge quantities of water. Judging by my flowers’ beautiful growth, I was confident they received the right amount of air, water, and nutrients.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Many people who have used this soil, myself included, think it is a bit overpriced. Although it has a lot to offer and I found the quantity to be just right, the cost was a bit much for me. And even though it did expand a considerable amount, I don’t think it expanded 7 times in size.
Pros and Cons of Organic Plant Magic Compressed Organic Potting-Soil
Pros
Cons
- 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!
4. Espoma Company Organic Soil
Another great in-ground soil that enables healthy plant growth is the Espoma organic soil. This company is a small family-owned business committed to building a safer and greener world for the future generation. This soil provides proper nutrition to the plants and is safe to use around pets and children.
Product Highlights
This Espoma variant is made regionally to suit the type of soil present in the area; certain contents depend on the soil it will be mixed with. However, most of them definitely have ingredients like limestone to adjust the soil’s PH, peat moss, aged humus, alfalfa meal, feather meal, yucca extract, and many others.
Needless to say, this soil is made of organic materials that makes it safe to use around children and pets. It is a rich and good quality soil that visibly makes a difference to the plants that grow in it. Moreover, it works like magic not just for garden plants but also for indoor potted plants.
Another thing that stood out with this product was that it does not have a strong smell, making it easy to work with. The company that manufactures this soil takes an extra effort to create a greener planet and actively tries to reduce its carbon footprint, which is always appreciated.
What’s There To Like About It?
Before I got this bag as a gift from my son, I was a bit concerned about a few potted plants that seemed to be dying. My son said this soil is great to revitalize the plants, and boy was he right! It brought my plants back to life, looking healthier than ever.
It was only after the success with my potted plants that I used this in my garden. And, out of most of the branded soil that I have tried, this blend benefitted my veggies the most.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
The only issue was that the soil had a lot of bugs. I am usually not affected by this, but if you get squirmish looking at bugs, it would be best to avoid this bag. Plus, many people who used this brand of soil did find it to be a bit overpriced for the quantity.
Pros and Cons of Espoma Company Organic Soil
Pros
Cons
- FOR USE: Use when planting or transplanting to improve native soil.
- CONTAINS: This organic Vegetable & Flower 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
5. Wonder Soil Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix
The Wonder Soil potting soil mix has a great blend of organic materials that are good for your garden. It is compressed and enables quick use and easy storage. It is available in two variants - 3 pounds that expands to 12 quarts and 6 pounds that expands to 24 quarts (on adding water).
Product Highlights
If you are looking for soil that is very easy to use, then the search ends with Wonder Soil’s potting mix. This soil comes pre-mixed and is ready to use in the garden with seeds or even as a booster for the natural soil. It mainly contains coco coir, or coconut fiber, with additional amendments like worm castings, kelp, perlite, and magnesium.
To enable ease of use, it comes compressed and claims to expand 4 times in size on adding water. The bag is not very big, making it easy to carry as you walk around with it. Moreover, it comes in a resealable bag and does not take up a lot of space, making it convenient for storage.
Additionally, it has tremendous water retention capacity since it has coconut fibers in it. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use, this soil guaranteed proper aeration and water for the roots.
What’s There To Like About It?
After reading its positive reviews, I had to try it and was not disappointed. This soil is quite versatile and is quite clean with a rich look. It worked brilliantly on my veggies, fruits, and flowers.
I loved that the only thing that needs to be done is to add water, and the soil takes care of the rest. It is a small and portable bag of soil that does what it says.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I had nothing to complain about as it worked as expected. However, I noticed that the soil expanded like it claimed to do but also contracted quite fast. There was a need to add more than what is usually added while using compressed soil, making me think that this bag might not last as long as the others.
Pros and Cons of Wonder Soil Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix
Pros
Cons
- NUTRIENT RICH & INDOOR/OUTDOOR FAST GERMINATION… Wonder Soil Premium Organic Potting Soil Mix is the only dry compressed coco coir mix with added amendments of worm castings, mycorrhizae, kelp, perlite and more! Grow your plants faster with stronger roots! Peat free, all natural, family and pet safe!
- A LITTLE DOES A LOT… your little BIG bag of compressed indoor potting soil & garden soil for outdoor plants expands to 4 TIMES THE SIZE when mixed with water; easy to carry & saves vital shed space.
- PRE-MIXED & READY TO USE ORGANIC POTTING MIX … Pre-mixed and ready to use organic potting soil and garden soil mix to help make your gardening or hobby growing a breeze. Simply transplant your desired plants into their new container and add our soil mix or pour our soil mix and plant your seeds.
Buyers Guide
Having a garden brings about a ton of responsibilities, and it all starts with using the right soil. Only knowing the product names of the best garden soil to buy is not enough.
Depending on the type of natural soil and plant, it is vital to pick the right soil, especially if it grows fruits and veggies. It is important that the food that grows in the garden is nutritious and healthy. And the only way to do that is by ensuring that the soil is clean and able to facilitate healthy growth.
Here are some pointers that need to be kept in mind while looking for the best garden soil to buy.
1. Choosing The Right Blend
Plants require a ton of nutrients that they do not usually get from the natural soil around them. That’s why it is important to pick a healthy blend of organic ingredients that will ensure that the plants are well fed. While you can choose between organic and non-organic blends, going for an all-organic blend is definitely better.
Non-organic blends have chemical fertilizers that can be harmful to the plants, pets, and children. Keep an eye out for ingredients like coco coir, aged humus, worm castings, and seaweed, as those can make a significant improvement in the soil.
2. Retention Capacity
Once the right blend of soil has been chosen, it is vital to ensure that it has an excellent capacity to retain water. Moisture is a very important catalyst that ensures that the plants grow healthy and beautiful. So, it is crucial to see that the soil has elements that will aid water retention.
If the soil cannot retain water properly, it increases the chance of using too much or too little water that can spoil the plants. Peat moss is one such ingredient that helps the soil retain water and builds moisture.
3. Aeration
Like moisture, air is just as important for the soil, so the right mix ensures that enough air reaches the roots. I advise looking at soil mixes that are light, and a bit fluffy as that will ensure the correct amount of air is going through. The soil needs to maintain its lightness even after it is wet, as dense soil can smother the plant.
4. Soil Density
Dense soil can be a problem. If the soil mix becomes too thick after adding water, then there is a chance of mold formation that can suffocate the plant. To ensure the plant’s proper growth, it is necessary to check the soil before spreading the soil mix.
One way to clarify if the soil mix is dense, is by poking a finger through it. If it feels like there is some wiggle room, then the plants are going to be fine. You can also lift the bag of soil mix to check if it is heavy, as that can indicate the addition of fillers that aren’t good for the plants.
5. Quality Over Weight
One of the earliest mistakes I made while trying out different soil was that I would buy bigger bags thinking it would be better but, I was sadly mistaken. Some of the big bags of soil mix I ordered had a lot of unnecessary fillers like sand and twigs that did not benefit the plants. Plus, it had a considerable amount of bugs as well!
Some of the most incredible soil mixes that I used came in smaller bags but offered more. They are a bit expensive but are worth the money spent. I would strongly recommend looking at some good quality brands and buying them regardless of the soil amount.
6. Specific Plant Needs
Lastly, make a note of the kind of plants you wish to grow. Soil mixes are usually versatile and can be used on the whole garden for all fruits, vegetables, and flowers. However, certain plants like rose, cactus, and orchid require unique soil mixes that cater to their needs. So, if you plan on growing these types of plants, make sure to choose the right blend.
FAQs
This depends entirely on the plant that is being grown. What I have noticed and read is that the seeds take about 2 weeks to germinate. So, with the right soil and gardening practice, you can have proper plant growth within a month of planting.
It is important to remember that different soil types retain water at different capacities, which is why I found that the best way is by checking the soil. If it looks or feels dry, it needs water. But the general amount is about one to two inches per week, and I would advise using a hose rather than depending on a watering system.
Absolutely! Mulching the soil is important and should be done with appropriate organic materials. It helps retain moisture and keeps weeds from growing. Barks and leaves are great to use for mulching. However, certain leaves like eucalyptus and walnut leaves are not suitable for the plants. It will help to research the ideal mulching ingredients before getting into it.
My Final Recommendation
Choosing the best garden soil to buy is never an easy task, but I hope I have answered most, if not all, of your questions.
Before I leave, allow me to tell you my favorite soil mixes. If somebody can help out by carrying the bag, then I would suggest getting the Miracle-Gro Soil Mix. However, if small bags that guarantee quality are what you’re looking for, then choose the Organic Plant Magic Soil.
And with that, I shall take your leave. Until next time!