When buying potting mix, your most important consideration should be the type of plants you're looking after. Potting soil shouldn't be too dense – this will weigh down your soil and prevent the flow of air to your plants' roots. It will also feed your plants and keep them healthy, For herbs and vegetables which have long lives and bright and vibrant flowers, the best potting mix should also be nutrient rich.
The right mix will vary depending on the type of plant you're potting, but we think the Miracle-Gro Potting Mix is a great all-rounder potting soil for a variety of options.
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix
Retains moisture at a reasonable price
Use indoor and outdoor, for a variety of plants.
Pros:
- Well priced
- Feeds for up to six months
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons:
- Not for large tasks
One eight quart bag of the Miracle-Gro Potting Mix will fit two eight inch wide pots, but you can find this potting soil in a variety of weights if you want it for larger container gardens. It's designed to use for the vast majority of potted plants, making it a true all-rounder potting mix.
Espoma AP4 4-Quart Organic Potting Mix
A natural potting mix
Organic potting soil for vegetables and herbs.
Pros:
- Myco-tone water saving formula
- For organic gardening
- Comes in a range of sizes
Cons:
- Expensive
You don't need to use organic potting mix, but many home gardeners prefer it. If you're growing herbs, fruits, and vegetables, you may want to avoid potting mixes with added chemicals, and the Espoma AP4 4-Quart Organic Potting Mix is a great choice for this.
Pros:
- Well priced pack of two
- Coconut coir helps re-wet
- Designed to prevent gnats
Cons:
- Less versatile
The Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix is an indoor gardener's best friend. It's designed to prevent gnats and other plant pests by avoiding compost and bark, and the coconut coir holds and releases water to not overwhelm your potted plant.
Pros:
- Coconut coir controls moisture
- Use indoors and outdoors
- Organic
Cons:
- Expensive
Potted plants can be expensive, so investing in premium potting mix can actually save you the cost (and devastation) of replacing your favorite plants by stocking up on nutrients and top-tier ingredients. The Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix is organic and involves coconut coir to help control moisture release.
Sun Bulb 5002 Better-Gro Special Orchid Mix
Your orchids will thank you
For fiddly houseplants which need extra love.
Pros:
- Use for all types of orchids
- Great drainage
- Expertly mixed
Cons:
- Not the cheapest
Even orchid enthusiasts will struggle with how temperamental they can be, which is why Sun Bulb 5002 Better-Gro Special Orchid Mix will give you some extra control over your potted orchids. It includes western fir bark, hardwood charcoal, and sponge rock, which will increase root ventilation and drainage.
Our verdict
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The Miracle-Gro Potting Mix is a great all-rounder, but many home gardeners will have specific preferences when searching for potting soil. For indoor potting, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix will hit the spot. We also love the Sun Bulb 5002 Better-Gro Special Orchid Mix for - you guessed it - orchids. Many prefer organic potting mixes, and we've got two organic picks in our roundup. The Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix and Espoma AP4 4-Quart Organic Potting Mix are worthwhile considerations, especially for veggies and herbs.