Best Overall
Sungro Black Gold Natural and Organic Potting Mix
Runner-Up
Espoma Organic Potting Mix
Best Bang for the Buck
Burpee Premium Organic Potting Mix
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Formulated for containergardening , potting filth is an all - in - one mixture that provides plant with essential nutrients , wet retention , and structural support . Unlike soil amendment that mix into garden soil , pot soil is especially mixed to meet the alone motive of potted plant , guarantee they thrive indoors or outdoors . Whether you ’re grow houseplant , veg , or efflorescence yearbook , choose the correct potting soil can make a important conflict in works health and growing .
Not all potting grunge are make adequate . A eminent - tone mix should strike a equaliser between aeration , moisture holding , and nutrient subject matter . Some blending include organic materials like coco coir and perlite to improve bodily structure , while others add slow - freeing fertilizers for extended feeding . During testing , we tested six different products and evaluated a number of others , assessing their grain , wet retention , and versatility . While we have n’t tested every choice , we believeHoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil MixandMiracle - Gro Performance Organics Container Mixwould also be first-class option for specific applications . After hands - on examination , we found thatSungro ’s Black Gold Natural and Organic Potting Mixis the most versatile choice , making it our top passport .
before , learn more about the measure you should keep in mind while shopping , and discover why we think the options we ’ve highlighted are among the best potting grunge for your container - gardening needs .
Our Top Picks
pot soil is used for general container horticulture and for specific plant type . In this card , shoppers will rule some of our top choices , each of which offer something unique from the rest .
Sungro ’s Black Gold potting soil is a nutrient - fertile mixing paragon for growing most types of plants in containers . Its slow - release fertilizer portmanteau bear lush foliage , deep rooting , and overall plant life wellness . It contains Canadian sphagnum peat moss as well as worm castings , forest humus , and pumice . Its listing with the Organic Materials Review Institute ( OMRI ) ascertain this ware is certified constituent .
This potting soil is suited for both indoor and outdoor use . Its moderate drainage and water - retention capacity and its medium particle size make it work well for houseplants , hang up basket , patio containers , and container - basedvegetableand herb gardens . Although we thought its drain was good for most plants during our tests , we did find that it ’s not worthy for succulents , cacti , or other plants that need fast drainage . Also , it ’s quite pricey and may not be the most stinting choice if you have a large container garden . However , it ’s a nigh all - purpose selection great for growers with various potted plants .
What our examiner says:“I get it on how rich and fluffy the Black Gold potting soil is . It hold wet well without get under one’s skin waterlogged , which kept my container herbaceous plant thriving all season . The added worm castings and forest hummus made a obtrusive divergence in plant health compared to other mixes I ’ve used . “—Debbie Wolfe , merchandise Reviews tester and writer
Get the Sungro Black Gold pot dirt atAmazonorWalmart .
Runner-up
Espoma ’s mixture is an all - determination organic potting grease for indoor plants and outdoor container planting . One standout characteristic we liked is the cellular inclusion of beneficial mycorrhizal kingdom Fungi , which advertize strong beginning growth and improve nutritive assimilation . This mix is formulate with 35 to 45 pct bog moss peat moss , along with regionally sourced organic materials like cured forest products , humus , composted rice hull , perlite , and limestone .
The addition of nightcrawler castings , lucerne repast , kelp repast , and plume repast provides a steady supply of nutrients , while yucca extract helps the soil absorb and retain moisture more effectively . We detect this mix work well for indoor and out-of-door containers ; it performed quite well with our container - grown vegetables , herb , and flowering plants . It ’s also a neat choice for balcony or patio butterfly and pollinator garden .
Our only ill is that this mix retains too much moisture for succulents and cacti , which require a grittier , fast - drain medium . Otherwise , it ’s a versatile , nutritive - rich potting grime that supports tidy plant growth .
What our tester says:“Espoma ’s organic potting mix made a obtrusive divergence in my container garden . My herbs and flowers took off with riotous emergence , and I love knowing the mycorrhizal fungi are work behind the scenes to beef up the roots . Just be mindful — it holds wet really well , so it ’s not the proficient pick for succulent . ”—Debbie Wolfe , Product Reviews examiner and writer
Get the Espoma potting soil atAmazonorWalmart .
We tested Burpee ’s all - purpose potting stain for plant and chance that its texture is quite similar to the Sungro Black Gold product we review earlier . Overall , we liked this mix , especially its enjoyment of sustainable coconut coir , which helps keep back wet — great for plants that run to dry out out promptly . The company blends in a slow - waiver fertiliser , render consistent feeding for up to 3 months , which is a nice bonus . Plus , at 9 quart , it offers more time value compared to similar products in small old bag . In short , this pick test cheap potting soil does n’t think of low - caliber potting territory .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
The grime has good aeration and drainage , induce it suitable for a variety of industrial plant , from houseplants to vegetables . It also influence well for patio container and hang baskets fill with annual flowers . However , like the Black Gold mix , we found the grain to be a spot too all right for succulents and cacti , which typically call for a grittier , quicker - drain medium .
Get the Burpee pot soil atAmazon .
Best for Vegetables
Pro-Mix Organic Vegetable and Herb Mix
originate vegetablesat home is both rewarding and challenging , and prefer the right potting soil is essential for success . We tested this organic potting territory from Pro - Mix and have intercourse its well - balanced formula , which include Mycorrhizae to promote strong theme development and a dim - release fertilizer that nourishes plants for up to 3 month .
The mix hold sphagnum peat moss , perlite , and peat humus , creating a fine - textured land that retains wet while still appropriate for proper drainage . We also like its versatility — it works well for vegetables and herb and can even be used for seed starting . However , for the good results , we come up that it performs better when mix with a coarser - textured stain to improve aeration and root support .
Overall , this is an adaptable , nutrient - rich potting intermixture that supports hefty plant growth , but pairing it with a chunky mixture enhances its benefits .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Pro - Mix potting soil atAmazonandAce ironware .
Best for Orchids
Perfect Plants Organic Orchid Potting Mix
This organic orchid potting mix from Perfect Plants contains more than just barque , unlike many other orchid mixes we ’ve used . The portmanteau of charcoal , sponger rock candy ( perlite ) , pine bark , and coconut coir chips creates a balanced metier , providing both aeration and moisture holding without compacting or choke delicate orchid roots .
One of the things we really liked about this mixture is its versatility . While it ’s designed for epiphytic orchids like Phalaenopsis , Oncidium , Cattleya , Dendrobium , and Paphiopedilum , it also works well for African violet and bromeliads . For terrestrial orchids , we commend mixing the potting commixture with adequate share of an all - purpose potting soil for unspoilt backup .
Our only veridical drawback is the price . At just one quart per bag , it ’s on the expensive side , especially for those repot multiple orchid . However , the quality component and thoughtful expression make it a solid pick for orchid enthusiasts .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Perfect Plants pot soil atAmazonorPerfect Plants .
Best for Houseplants
Rosy Soil Houseplant Mix
We were impressed with the grain and overall execution of this indoor potting mix from Rosy Soil . Ideal as a houseplant potting soil , this intermixture has a ok , low - dust consistency that make it easy to wreak with , and we found it to be well - balanced between moisture retention and drainage . Unlike many traditional potting soils , this one is entirely peat - free , using sustainable ingredients like biochar to tolerate soil health and beneficial microbes . Biochar improve aeration , enhance nutrient keeping , and assist determine moisture , reducing the risk of overwatering . It ’s designed for houseplants , and in our experience , it worked well for variousindoor plant , from leafy tropicals to potted herbaceous plant .
One standout feature we noticed was the significant root development of potted cuttings after just 3 weeks . The blend include mycorrhizal fungi , which help encourage strong root growth , and we saw a noticeable difference in the overall health of our plant .
The only downside is the Mary Leontyne Price . While we loved using this potting mixture , it would be expensive for someone with a large plant collection to apply it exclusively . However , for those look for a high - quality , sustainable option that further healthy growth , this admixture is a keen pick .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Rosy Soil potting soil atAmazonorRosy Soil .
More Great Options
In improver to our tested picks , we found other highly rated potting ground that stand out based on their feature and user reviews . These options ply to specific works needs , offer excellent drainage , wet retention , and nutrient support .
Cacti & Succulents Pick
Hoffman Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix
This dirt mix is designed to provide a sound environment for cacti andsucculentroots to penetrate deeply while supporting drainage and healthy bloom maturation . The formula contains a blending of Canadian bog moss peat moss , reed sedge peat , perlite , sand , and limestone . It ’s an constitutional mix designed to help gardeners grow both desert and jungle cacti , as well as succulents .
This cactus and succulent potting dirt does n’t let in a plant food for thought component because of the wide variation in nutrient requirements in this plant category , so fertilizer is sell one by one . Handling cacti can be challenge , but the soil label include helpfulrepotting tips .
Get the Hoffman potting dirt atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Best for Raised Beds
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics Container Mix
Miracle - Gro has clear a strong repute in the horticulture world for its wide of the mark reach of affordable soils , fertilizers , and amendment . This nutrient - rich potting soil offers a blend of ingredients from a variety of source , including processed timberland products , peat , coir , compost , centre moss , perlite , and plant food .
This container mix contains a wetting agentive role , which serve the peat moss steep weewee the first prison term it ’s moisten . The cellular inclusion of perlite prevents compaction while improving drain and aeration . Since it include added fertilizers , once applied , this Miracle - Gro mix has the nutrients to support plants for up to 3 months .
Get the Miracle - Gro potting ground atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Or, DIY Your Own Potting Soil
While there are plenty of commercially produced potting mixes on the marketplace , it ’s also potential tomake your own homemade potting soil mixture . A secure start compass point is mixing equal part of peat moss , perlite , and compost . All of these ingredients should be usable in their organic form at any garden center or major home improvement store . For add social organization and aeration , gardeners can also add vermiculite or backbone to the commixture in lowly amounts depending on how well drain a mixture is involve for specific plants .
For additional food and minerals , consider mixing in fertilizers such as pearl meal or Pisces the Fishes photographic emulsion . finally , if take , contribute some basswood gunpowder to bring up thepH levelas desire .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Potting Soil Mixes
After researching the key nutrients and morphological components necessary for successful potted plant growth , we appraise a miscellanea of pot soils to identify the best pick . We believe over a twelve brands and products , focusing on cardinal factors such as factor character , moisture memory , drain efficiency , alimentary composition , and overall versatility . Sustainability was also a major condition , with extra attention to peat - free and eco - well-disposed options .
To quiz these potting stain , we assessed texture , wet retentiveness , and performance across a variety of plant types , include houseplant , vegetables , and succulents . The test aimed to evaluate each soil mixture ’s texture and square up its suitability for the specific plant type it was plan for . We monitor moisture retention and drainage by observing how well the dirt hold body of water without becoming too compacted . Additionally , we tested radical development by repot works cuttings and chase after their increase over three weeks . Each product was rated based on its overall effectiveness , ease of use , and long - term plant wellness financial backing .
Ultimately , we selected potting mixes that balance aeration , moisture mastery , and nutrient availability while being easy to work with . Our top pick cater to various horticulture motivation , secure reliability and strong plant growth .
Photo: Amazon
What to Consider When Choosing Potting Soil
Potting soil mixes contain a blend of organic and mineral ingredients , as well as wetting agents and fertilizer . Different soil blends perform well under unlike circumstance . When choosing a undecomposed potting soil , consider the type of flora and its fertilisation needs , as well as the potting grease commixture ’s ingredients and texture .
Types of Potting Soil
Potted plants do best when they ’re grown in grease especially articulate for container growing in certain environments . outside container , for instance , are dependent to hot sun , wind , and sudden rains that disrupt an idealistic watering schedule — this mean the ground used in outside containers should provide superior absorbency and aeration .
Indoor container , on the other hand , are subject to temperate temperatures , infrequent sunshine , and water from the gardener ’s hired hand only . Potting mixes should facilitate consistent wet levels and refuse debasement for these containers to avoid the need to repot the plant life oftentimes .
Next , this templet explores different type of pot dirt that are well suited for specific requirements and covers what to look for in each category .
Photo: Amazon
All - purpose potting soils are blended to equilibrise moisture retention along with surplus water drain for potted plant andcontainer gardens . They are suitable for both indoor and outside use . These soil blending are unspoilt for gardeners who position their potted plant in various configurations but favor to purchase only one ware .
While this eccentric of grunge can be used to grow a wide range of plants in various container case , all - purpose potting soils can dry out more quickly out of doors or retain too much water for sure houseplant . All - function potting mix often control a conventional fertilizer that ’s released as the works is water .
Many all - design soils are sterilized ( heating plant - treat ) to eliminate all bread and butter organism , including pot germ , insects , and plant diseases . Once unfold , apply the entire contents of a udder of unimaginative potting mix or tight andstore it securelyto maintain the benefit of its sterilization and moisture - retention qualities .
Photo: Ace Hardware
semen start premix is designed to germinate seed for plants that gardeners graft to a permanent home base in the undercoat or a container . Gardeners typically use it in multicell trays in a highly controlled environment . germ starting mix usually check aseptic , fine textured peat moss and perlite .
Sometimes , seed starting mixes contain no fertilizer because they ’re intended for short - term use only — no longer than a month — during which metre the youthful seedling welcome aliment from the nutrients inside their germ finishing . When the seedlings must remain in the tray a bit longer , growers often add liquid fertiliser to assist them thrive .
Outdoor potting mix is heavy and coarser than indoor mix . In summation to retaining wet in the spicy sunlight , it must cast anchor plants to defy stiff current of air . out-of-door potting mix has long fibers and a large particle size of it , which helps reduce the surface region and increase its body of water - hold capacity as it resists compaction .
Photo: Amazon
The open soil structure allows water to locomote expeditiously through the land stomate , where it ’s either absorbed by the large particle or drains aside freely . On hot , cheery , and ironic days , the chunky soil mote gradually release their moisture , which help keep the works hydrous .
While even potting dirt works well for most plants , a few plant type have adapted to very different growing conditions ; as a final result , they need pot soil with alone characteristics to help them thrive .
Cacti and succulent choose a mix that dries out quickly without compacting or flinch off from the pot . Cactus mix , which often has a gravelly or sandy texture , usually contains a bit of constituent fabric to hold some moisture and nutrients .
Photo: Amazon
sealed orchids and bromeliads are epiphytic works ; in their innate habitat , they turn among tree canopy in humid mood with no contact with soil . These plant life do well when potted in coarse bark or a mixture of bark , perlite , and peat moss .
Plant Type
Many plant can thrive in potting soils , so an all - purpose soil is a good option for general use with houseplants and outside potted flora . However , when grow edible herbs , veggie , and fruits , constitutive soil mixes are the best choice to debar consume potentially harmful chemicals .
Cacti and succulent plant require fast - draining soil with just a routine of constituent issue , so look for a speciality cactus mix for these plants . Many orchidaceous plant and bromeliads dislike “ smashed foot , ” but they still need a humid surround . Again , opt soil mix specifically for orchids for the undecomposed spring up conditions .
Ingredients
Potting soil ingredients add weighting and density in addition to helping the soil retain moisture , all characteristics that are helpful when raise plant life in outdoor containers andraised garden layer . Potting mixes often contain a combining of bog moss peat moss , pine acerate leaf , coconut coir , perlite , and vermiculite .
Nutrients
In tropical regions , soil is continuously fed by biodegrading plants , fauna droppings , and aeration by red worm . As a result , the grime is course nutrient - rich . However , once that soil is reap and processed to destroy pathogens , nutrient are often turn a loss .
manufacturer using this grease may prefer to replace them by adding trace minerals such as boron or Mg or by adding dried earthworm castings to the mixture . Some potting mixes come up without any add up nutrients , which leave buyers free to choose their own type of fertilizer .
Fertilizer
The bestraised bedpotting soils contain nutrients that fuel growth . Organic , raw fertiliser include compost , ocean kelp , and worm castings . These fertilizer heighten the quality and experimental condition of the soil without gardener having to worry about contaminant .
The tiresome - liberation properties of organic plant food forestall potentially harmful buildup and ensure that the plants are n’t harmed by a flood of nutrients all at once .
Some soil mixture may contain synthetic fertilizers . They provide a quick nourishing boost but do n’t amend soil condition and grain like organic options . This is why it is undecomposed to choose or make a soil mix with organic nutrient reservoir .
Photo: Amazon
Moisture Retention
Peat moss absorbs as much as 30 times its weight in piddle , while coco coir can take in nine times its system of weights . These attributes make them good base materials , but plants need a correspondence to ensure that excess water drains away . Perlite help ensure that plant roots get enough moisture but not too much .
Some potting soils admit a water - holding polymer that grabs even more excess wet and easy release it after the surrounding soil has dried out . These element help oneself keep plants alive outdoors in intensely dry weather .
Fungal Growth
miry soil has an increase endangerment of fungous growth , which can top to origin rot and the last of the plant . The best plan for foreclose fungal increase is to utilise a well - aerated , well - run out , moisture - retentive growing mix and take care to avoid over - watering .
Plants that are uprise outside are less likely to acquire fungal diseases since they ’re exposed to drying zephyr . When arise indoors , open a window occasionally or turn a gentle buff on low to produce helpful aura circulation through the leafage .
Aeration
Well - oxygenize grunge makes it easier for plant roots and water to penetrate through the mix , and it promotes healthy gas central between root and the atmosphere . Varied particle size and decay - resistant ingredients help maintain good aeration .
High - quality peat moss is compose of a mixture of large and small particle , and it ’s naturally resistant to decay . As mineral , perlite and vermiculite do n’t disintegrate , and they avail ply a level-headed , open soil structure .
FAQs
For best solution , be sure to opt a potting soil suitable for your garden plants . Read on to learn a scrap more about opt the best potting soil with the help of these answers to coarse inquiry .
pot grime and potting admixture are two names for the same type of product . Also , determine for the terms “ container soil ” and “ container mix . ” All four of these products are “ potting soil . ” Avoid buying a Cartesian product labeled “ surface soil ” or “ garden soil ” for container plants without first check the recording label because , typically , these products are intended for in - earth utilization , not containers .
plant postulate consistent moisture , good aeration , a steady alimental supply , and a solid anchoring system . pot soil is the best kind of soil for raise plants in container because it meets all of these indigence .
Photo: Amazon
Indoor potting ground dries out too promptly to be used out of doors , while outdoor pot soil hold too much wet to be used indoors . If you desire to grease one’s palms only one product , all - purpose potting soil is design to work well indoors or out .
Potting soil depth calculate on the works eccentric , but most potted plants need at least 6 to 12 inches for goodly source development .
pot dirt can lose nutrient , develop mold , or become compress over clip , so it ’s skillful to use it earlier rather than later .
Potting dirt should be refresh every 1 to 2 years to refill nutrients and improve aeration .
No , avoid packing the soil down when repotting . Gently tauten it to eliminate air air pocket , but keep it loose enough for radical to breathe and water to enfeeble right .
Yes , but it ’s speculative . Without drain hole , excess water can induce root rot .
Yes , gently loosen or dress circling roots when repot to boost intelligent outgrowth . For root - bound plant life , breaking up the roots help them spread into the novel soil more efficaciously .
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