The 10 Best Potting Soils
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in April of 2020. Potting soil is a critical component for the life of your plants and garden, and you want to make sure you find the right mixture for the varietals you plan to cultivate and propagate. Some soils contain fertilizers, while others will need this element to be added, and some formulas can contain slow-releasing nutrients so they are ready to use right out of the package. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Happy Frog Potting Soil
2. Burpee Organic Premium
3. Black Gold All Purpose
Editor's Notes
May 06, 2020:
Having good soil is critical to your plant's health and can make or break its ability to absorb nutrients. Because these plants will likely be put into containers, they'll be in a limited environment, which means everything that can be done to promote their optimal conditions must be taken into account. Many soils have beneficial things like perlite and vermiculite mixed into them, which make the soil light and allow water to flow through easily, which also prevents compaction. However, these are non-renewable sources, which organic products do not use, opting instead for natural additives. Whatever option you choose is up to you, but be sure to do some research before you put your plant in its new soil home. When you're ready, grab your plant pots and a maybe a tool set and dig in.
If you have cacti or succulents, you'll definitely want to check out the Hoffman Cactus and Succulent Mix which has the blend required for these arid plants, as well as a better drainage ability which mimics their natural habitat.
If you want an all purpose soil that is pH-balanced for optimal nutrient uptake then check out Happy Frog Potting Soil or Black Gold All Purpose. The latter choice also has a fertilizer that breaks down over time so you can relax knowing that your plants are getting the added benefits they need.
Burpee Organic Premium and Espoma Organic Potting Mix are two great soils for those that want to use less water than traditional blends require, and want mixtures that use sustainable ingredients.
Special Honors
Container Gardening Reddit This community on Reddit can offer a lot of valuable information on growing plants in containers. You can find out which soil works best in what container, and share your information with others as well. reddit.com
4. Foxfarm Ocean Forest
5. Esbenshade's Professional
6. Spongease Compressed Block
7. Espoma Organic Potting Mix
8. Hoffman Cactus and Succulent Mix
9. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
10. Mother Earth Coco Plus
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.