Are you tired of your plants looking dull and unhealthy? Then, it is time that you introduce potting soil to your garden.
This plays a crucial role in maintaining the growth and vitality of all your plants. Be it your vegetable patch or your floral beauties, all plants can benefit significantly from this product. It aerates the soil and provides the proper nutrients to your plants, and in no time, your garden will become the talk of the town.
Honestly, there’s no shortage of potting soil in the market, but how do you select the best one? Hi, I am Stacy Smith! And today, I will recommend to you the best five potting soil that you can choose from. I have tested all these products to bring only the best to you.
So, without any more delay, let’s dive right in!
Top 5 Potting Soil Reviews
1. Miracle-Gro 70733430 Expand' n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix
I would say, do not go by the size. The Miracle-Gro 70733430 Expand' n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix may come in a small bag but shows incredible results. Unlike most of the traditional plant mixes, this item has a unique capacity to expand.
Product Highlights
I have seen that most potting mixes give you a hard time because they are so heavy to carry. But not this one! Unlike other composts, this one is light and can be easily carried around. No problem if you find it difficult to carry heavyweight compost. The packaging is relatively compact and can be easily stored even if the space is limited.
Moreover, from testing the soil, I noticed that it is highly fibrous and can be used to pot very young seedlings. The texture of the soil will help them germinate fast.
Additionally, even if you are new to gardening, you won't have a hard time figuring out how to use this. All you have to do is add â…“ of the amount you would initially put and mix it with an equal amount of water. Give it some time and watch the magic unravel as it starts expanding.
What's There To Like About It?
It is not possible for me to always use up the entire packet whenever I open it. And the best part about this is that it allows me to use it in small batches. The zip-lock packaging keeps the remaining soil safe and dry when not in use.
Also, after testing a number of products, I can say that this item stands out for the price. Even if you feel that the cost is a bit high, its efficiency in the garden makes it worth it.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Albeit not a major flaw, while purchasing this product, you must be careful about the type of plants you want to grow. This pack contains chemical nutrients and might be too intense for some seeds. Also, it is not suitable for organic farming.
Pros and Cons of Miracle-Gro 70733430 Expand' n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix
Pros
Cons
- Versatile: Can be used in pots, raised beds, or in-ground
- Expands up to 3X when water is added: .33CF expands up to 1CF
- Holds up to 50% more water than basic potting soil
2. Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix
The next suggestion for you is the Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix, which is best known for its water retention capacity. The formula contains all essential ingredients that help to maintain the pH level of your soil.
Product Highlights
The nutritional content of this potting mix is ideal for both indoor and outdoor plants. If you have flowering plants, rest assured that they will bloom well this season with this mix.
Furthermore, the myco-tone formula helps you understand how much water your plants need. With this, you will be able to put in the proper amount of water, as the mix effectively drains out any excess and does not let the water accumulate at the roots.
This also has an 11 strain feature that enables your plants to grow healthier and faster without having to experience any stress. Even if you want to repot, you can easily move it from one container to another.
What's There To Like About It?
I use a patch of my garden for organic plants, and this item is my go-to option for their nutritional needs. Everything in this pack is organic, and there are no chemicals at all. Your plants will get at least 2% phosphate, 2% potash, and 7% nitrogen.
Moreover, I am in love with the earthy smell that this potting mix has. While this is a subjective point, I’m sure most gardening enthusiasts would love waking up to its fresh fragrance.
What's There Not To Like About It?
When using this item, there's only one problem that I encountered. The soil type is loose and is difficult to put in a planter unless you use a binder. Now that will add up to some extra expenses.
Pros and Cons of Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix
Pros
Cons
- FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
- CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
- MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
3. Mother Earth HGC714901 Terracraft Potting Soil
To enjoy the best that nature has to offer, try the Mother Earth HGC714901 Terracraft Potting Soil. The manufacturer brought together a team of biologists, chemists, and horticulturalists to create one of the richest mixes that you can get your hands on.
Product Highlights
The best thing is that it is an all-purpose mix. You do not have to buy different items for different plants. Be it vegetables, flowers, or fruits, you can use this product to let your plants penetrate deep into the soil to soak nutrients and water better. As a result, your plants get a better foundation and grow faster.
In addition to that, it does not need any prior preparation. You can use it directly out of the bag for any kind of plant. And the versatility is not just restricted to that. It is equally suited to be used indoors and outdoors, in pots or raised beds.
Also, the aeration function of this mix is exceptional. Without good aeration, your plants will never mature well. But when using this item, you do not need to worry about that. Because of its praiseworthy aeration technology, its water retention capacity is excellent.
What's There To Like About It?
Going to the supermarket every time I run out of the potting mix is quite a tedious task. So, it helps to have a product that carries a sufficient amount in a single packet.
On a similar note, it is great when I do not have to buy separate mixes for different plants. Be it growing flowers for my indoor decoration or tomatoes for my kitchen garden; this item is suitable in all scenarios.
What's There Not To Like About It?
There are hardly any complaints that I have with how exceptionally this item performs. However, storing it might seem like a task. Once opened, you cannot lock it. So, I recommend that you transfer the rest of it to a resealable bag for future use.
Pros and Cons of Mother Earth HGC714901 Terracraft Potting Soil
Pros
Cons
- Mother Earth Terracraft Potting Soil is formulated with peat moss, perlite, forest products, and earthworm castings to give your plants the foundation they need to flourish
- Our plant soil provides a nutrient charge so you don't need to apply your first round of fertilizer until weeks 2 or 3
- Excellent for all outdoor and indoor plants
4. FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix
Up next, we have the FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix, which brings the best of both earth and sea. This is the ultimate potting mix that will help your plants get the best nutrition. It is a bag full of goodness for your plants.
Product Highlights
I was quite impressed by the quantity that this bag offers. This 11.2 pounds mix is one of the best potting options that you can get your hands on. It is well-liked and recommended by professional gardeners. You do not need to mix it with any other substance and can use it directly for your plants.
Additionally, the mix is great for growing container plants. The draining capacity of this soil is exceptional, and it does not let water get accumulated, which generally harms the roots. It is a good mixture of sandy loams, forest humus, moss, and essential nutrients that help to boost plant growth.
Moreover, it helps in maintaining the pH balance of the soil. So, be it any season, you can apply it without any worry. It would not affect the alkalinity of the soil, which otherwise has a detrimental impact on the plants.
What's There To Like About It?
I'm not particularly eager to buy things separately for my plant growth, and this item takes good care of that need. The fertilizers present in the mix work for 30 long days, ensuring that my plants get the initial growth boost. Therefore, I do not need to purchase fertilizers separately.
Furthermore, it is easy to store the item. It comes in a compact bag that you can keep in any corner of your garage or shed. Use a zip-lock in case you do not use the entire mix at one go.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Despite its remarkable performance, there's one complaint that I have with this item. The mixing soil gets very hot under the sun and might be harmful to certain plants, especially saplings. So, I recommend you use it indoors if your garden gets a lot of direct sunlight.
Pros and Cons of FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix
Pros
Cons
- Ultimate potting soil that has everything your plants need in one bag
- Ocean Forest is pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake
- Ocean Forest has a light, aerated texture that's perfect for indoor and outdoor plants
5. Dr. Earth 749688008136 813 Gold Premium Potting Soil
As the final entry on the list, I have the Dr. Earth 749688008136 813 Gold Premium Potting Soil for you. This all-purpose potting soil is well-loved by gardeners because of the versatility it brings to the table. Take up any garden project, and rest assured that this item will have your back.
Product Highlights
There are no questions that can be raised on how good the product quality is. It is MycoApply certified and also OMRI listed. So, even if you are using it around your kids and pets, or they end up playing in your garden, there's nothing to worry about. It is entirely safe for them.
Plus, if you want to boost the growth and improve the health of your in-ground plants, this mix is your best bet. It helps to rejuvenate old roots, making the plants get a new touch of life. So, I can safely say that it is as safe for plants in containers as it is for those in the ground.
Additionally, the nutrient content of this item is simply incredible. It has a good dosage of alfalfa meal, fish bines, mushroom compost, and so on. I would recommend using a little cold water while watering to lock all the nutrients in the soil. And your plants will soon be at the pink of their health.
What's There To Like About It?
My grandchildren visit me often, and I do not like putting their health at risk. And this item takes complete care of that. Even when they play in the garden, I have no worries as this potting soil is completely harmless and does not adversely affect their health.
Moreover, I can apply it to any plant that I desire. I do not have to buy separate mixes for different plants anymore.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only thing that left me a little disappointed is the packaging. The poor-quality plastic, unless handled carefully, can easily get torn. Therefore, I recommend that you shift the potting mix into a different container as soon as you receive it.
Pros and Cons of Dr. Earth 749688008136 813 Gold Premium Potting Soil
Pros
Cons
- Soil comes in an 8 qt. bag, includes Pro-Moisture Hydrate, is OMRI listed, MycoApply certified and perfectly safe for both pets and people
- Formulated for both indoor and outdoor potting and container use, this soil is a perfect match for your herbs, vegetables, indoor gardens, all container plants and flowers
- You can use it as a soil amendment for the in-ground planting of trees, shrubs, bare roots, flowers and vegetables
Buyers Guide
Now that I have given you a detailed overview of the five best potting soil, were you able to decide which one would be the best? Well, I understand that making this decision is not that easy.
In order to make a good choice, you need to take a few more things into consideration. And in this section, I am going to talk about some of those factors. Let's take a look.
1. The Plant Type
As a gardening enthusiast, I have learned one thing: it is essential to understand your plants. Once you figure that out, you'll be able to know what works best for them.
So, before buying potting soil, I suggest that you consider the plant that you will pot. Every plant is unique and has distinct nutritional and hydration needs. And you will have to select a mix that would specifically fulfill these requirements.
Take succulents, for example. They need light soil that helps to drain water fast. If you get the wrong mix that is heavy and retains too much water, the roots can get waterlogged, and your plant might perish. A little research, and you will be able to figure all of this out.
It is, therefore, crucial that you know the kind of plant you will be cultivating before deciding on what to buy. If you are not sure, it is best to go for multi-purpose variants as they can easily fulfill the oxygenation and nutritional needs of a range of plants.
2. Organic vs. Non-Organic
I have to say that this is a matter of complete preference which one you want to go for. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
However, from my experience, I would say that I see most of my fellow gardeners prefer organic mixes over non-organic ones. This is mainly because the chemicals present in the mix can damage the plants unless administered carefully.
For organic mixes, the nutrients remain intact and do not break down easily. So, your plants get the required nutrition without losing any through the water. Most of the organic mixes are made of worm castings, compost, mushrooms compost, soybean, and bone meal.
Non-organic variants, on the other hand, are a unique blend of natural and chemical components. They mainly include vermiculite, peat moss, perlite, and bark. And in some products, you would even find styrofoam, which helps create extra space for air and water.
However, do not forget to carefully administer non-organic mixes if you do not want to harm your plants.
Now, organic potting soil might look like a clear winner, but there's a minor drawback. They are relatively a bit costly as compared to their non-organic counterparts. But the good thing is that organic mixes can be reused.
3. Air Circulation
During my initial days of gardening, I lost many plants because I failed to understand how crucial air circulation is. Just like us, plants need to breathe, and we need to make sure that they do not suffocate. Unless the roots get proper air circulation, they will perish soon, leading to plant decay.
So, you need to go for a potting mix that provides enough oxygen to the plants. Opt for a mix that is sandy, fluffy, and lightweight. This will allow the air to pass well. If the soil is too dense, it might have a detrimental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you go for non-organic mixes that contain peat moss, the chances are that it will start decomposing after a while and lose all nutrients. Moreover, when putting your plants in pre-used soil, be careful of the pathogens that might be already present.
To get the best results, I recommend that you change the potting mix at the beginning of every season without fail. This way, all the nutrient loss will also be fulfilled. Keep in mind that once opened, you should use the mix within six months. And if you do not open it, you can use it within 1-2 years of purchase.
A lot of people reuse potting soil. But I would suggest you stay away from this practice unless you are a seasoned gardener. This is because it enhances the chances of your plants getting sick.
One way to prevent diseases from spreading is to put the soil under sunlight for a few days before you reuse it. This way, all the deadly pathogens get killed by the strong sun rays. And to purify it further, consider adding fresh peat moss and coconut coir. This will help make the soil lighter and also enable it to drain water better.
To add the nutrients back into the soil, consider putting new compost, earthworm castings, bone meal, and so on. This helps rejuvenate the soil significantly.
Another pro tip is to not reuse the soil for the same kind of plants. If you have used it in a flower bed during the previous season, consider using it in your vegetable patches this time. And the most important thing to remember is to discard the soil if the plants have fallen sick before. It's not worth it to risk your plants' lives.
My Final Recommendations
That’s all I have for you today, friends!
I hope after reading this comprehensive guide, you will be able to make a wise choice. With a bit of research and a good understanding of your plant’s needs, you will be able to make the best decision. But before I say goodbye, I would love to give you a peek into my favorites.Â
The Miracle-Gro 70733430 Expand' n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix is my all-time favorite. And if you are looking for an entirely organic product, the Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix is an excellent choice.Â
With that, it’s a wrap. Share your favorites with me in the comments section below.Â
And until next time, happy gardening!