Garden & Outdoor Living

The Best Soils, Fertilizers & Mulches

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the appropriate soil, fertilizer, or mulch can significantly impact the health and vibrancy of your garden. These products provide essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and protect your plants from environmental stressors. Making an informed choice ensures your plants thrive and your outdoor space flourishes.

No. 1
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, 16 qt.
  • OUTDOOR POTTING SOIL: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix contains a quick-release natural plant fertilizer and also feeds plants for up to 2 months
  • PEAT MOSS: This organic potting soil mix is made with responsibly sourced peat (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers)
  • OUTDOOR CONTAINER USE: Use this organic potting mix with all types of outdoor container plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials
  • HOW TO USE: To plant in pots, fill the container partially full with this potting soil for outdoor plants, place the plant in the pot after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix and water thoroughly
  • COVERAGE: One 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch pot with garden soil for containers (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
No. 2
Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix, 16 qt. (2-Pack)
  • OUTDOOR POTTING SOIL: Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix contains a quick-release natural plant fertilizer and also feeds plants for up to 2 months
  • PEAT MOSS: This organic potting soil mix is made with responsibly sourced peat (one hundred percent of peat sourced from certified producers)
  • OUTDOOR CONTAINER USE: Use this organic potting mix with all types of outdoor container plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and perennials
  • HOW TO USE: To plant in pots, fill the container partially full with this potting soil for outdoor plants, place the plant in the pot after loosening the root ball, cover with more mix and water thoroughly
  • COVERAGE: Each 16 qt. bag of Miracle-Gro Organic Outdoor Potting Mix fills one 12-inch pot with garden soil for containers (amounts may vary based on the size of the root ball)
No. 3
Brut Organic Worm Castings for Plants 5 LB – Natural Nutrients, Fertility Builder, Plant Food for Potting...
  • SUPERCHARGE YOUR GARDEN: Elevate your plants' growth with premium organic Brut Worm Castings. Our certified organic formula guarantees optimal nutrition for your indoor and outdoor plants.
  • PURE ORGANIC GOODNESS: Made with certified organic ingredients, our worm castings are raised indoors in containers, ensuring unparalleled purity and effectiveness for your plants’ health.
  • LUSH & VIBRANT PLANTS: Watch your plants thrive with mineral-rich Brut Worm Castings. Experience lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and bountiful harvests—naturally nourishing your plants from root to leaf.
  • BORN FROM FAMILY CARE: As a family-owned business, we take pride in offering the finest organic castings. Every batch is carefully crafted to nurture your plants as if they were our own.
  • CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Our castings are OMRI and CDFA listed, representing true organic excellence and bringing the power of nature’s nutrients directly to your plants’ roots. Eco sustainable resorce for your gardening enjoyment!
No. 4
Scotts Premium Potting Soil with Fertilizer, 1 Cubic Feet
  • Scotts Potting Soil for bigger, more beautiful plants
  • Feeds for up to 4 months
  • Excellent for potting or repotting foliage, tropical and flowering houseplants as well as potted vegetables and herbs
  • Backed by Scotts No-Quibble Guarantee
SaleNo. 5
Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix, 4.75 lbs.
  • LAWN BARE SPOT REPAIR: Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix is a combination mulch, seed, and lawn fertilizer product specifically designed to provide all-in-one bare spot repair and grass patch repair for lawns
  • MULCH: This sun and shade grass seed mix contains 100% recycled mulch that absorbs 3 times its weight in water to help keep the seed moist and in place during establishment
  • READY-TO-GROW: Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix has lawn seed that starts to grow in as few as 7 days and feeds for up to 6 weeks
  • GRASS FERTILIZER FOR LAWNS: Includes controlled release nitrogen that seedlings need for fast growing and thick results
  • GRASS SEED MIX: Premium lawn grass seed mixture of Kentucky Bluegrass seed, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue grass seed specially selected to blend with your existing lawn
SaleNo. 6
Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair for Sun and Shade, 3.75 lbs.
  • WHEN TO APPLY : This lawn seed mix of Kentucky bluegrass seed, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue grass seed germinates best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F with no danger of frost
  • PATCH & REPAIR: Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a revolutionary grass seeding product that makes grass patch repair for lawns easy; it's designed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage
  • COVERAGE: One 3.75 lb. jug of EZ Seed Patch & Repair lawn grass seed mix covers up to 85 sq. ft. in 3 easy steps: prep the area, evenly apply the seed and water until no more water is being absorbed
  • WHERE TO USE: This sun and shade lawn repair grass seed mix is guaranteed to grow anywhere with proper care including in full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas and on slopes
  • SUN AND SHADE GRASS: Contains a combination of high performance grass seed for lawns, mulch that expands to surround the seed, controlled release fertilizer, tackifier to help keep seed from washing away and a protectant to help keep seedlings safe
No. 7
Burpee Bone Meal Fertilizer | Add to Potting Soil | Strong Root Development | OMRI Listed for Organic...
  • STRONGER ROOT DEVELOPMENT: Bone Meal is a natural source of vital, readily available organic nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium that promotes strong plant roots, vibrant blooms and more delicious vegetables. Helps to enhance your plants throughout the...
  • ADD TO SOIL: Add to soil or potting mix during seed starting or at any time prior to harvest to fuel strong roots and early, healthy plant growth. Bone meal fertilizer breaks down slowly, releasing nitrogen for robust growth throughout the season. Follow...
  • ORGANIC CERTIFIED: OMRI listed for organic gardening, Bone Meal is ideal for new bedding plants, giving established home flower gardens a boost, and keeping patio containers looking their best and brightest. Helps naturally deter rabbits from your garden.
  • IDEAL FOR FALL BULB PLANTING: Bone meal naturally promotes healthy growth of root and bulb crops and has a fine granular consistency for easy spreading. You can also use when planting flowering bulbs in the fall, such as tulips. Plus, it's Made in the...
  • Since 1876: Generations of customers have trusted Burpee to deliver the highest quality products and service. Gardeners rely on Burpee for accurate plant information and how-to tips that make gardening easier and more successful. Let’s grow together!
SaleNo. 8
Scotts Rose and Bloom Continuous Release Plant Food, 3 lbs.
  • Steady feeding boosts blooms on roses, annuals and perennials
  • Feeds up to 2 months
  • Promote beautiful blooms on roses and all flowering plants
  • Easy to use-simply apply directly to soil
  • Safe – won't burn your plants when used as directed (based on manufacturer's direction for use)
SaleNo. 9
Jobe's Organics Fast Acting Granular Fertilizer Compost Starter, Easy Plant Care Compost Accelerator, 4 lbs...
  • Organic compost starter speeds up the composting process and is ideal for outdoor compost piles
  • Compost accelerator is formulated with a 4-4-2 NPK to provide vegetables, plants, and flowers nutrients they need for a high yield and vibrant foliage
  • Jobe's organic compost starter contains no synthetic chemicals and is OMRI listed for organic gardening by the USDA
  • Compost starter is easily applied and should be used every 4-6 weeks or as needed
  • Jobe's Organics provides a wide variety of plant fertilizer and soil amendments to give gardens the right amount of nutrients without over fertilizing
No. 10
Grow More EZ Wet Soil Penetrant 26% - 1 Quart of Biodegradable Non-Ionic Surfactant - Soil Wetting Agent for...
  • Regular use promotes deeper root system: E-Z Wet Soil Penetrant 26 enhances water absorption in various soil types, promoting a deeper root system
  • Non-ionic formula with neutral pH: E-Z Wet features a non-ionic formula and neutral pH, suitable for all soils
  • Improved water absorption: Soil, mulch, sawdust, peat moss, steer manure, and other soil preparation mixes absorb water more readily with E-Z Wet
  • Alleviates common soil issues: Leach excess salts, alleviate run-off, erosion, dry spots, and soil compaction problems with E-Z Wet
  • Enhances moisture retention: E-Z Wet promotes moisture retention in hanging baskets, planters, gardens, and lawns
  • Biodegradable and alcohol-free: E-Z Wet Soil Penetrant 26 is both biodegradable and free from alcohol

Last update on 2026-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Soils, Fertilizers & Mulches

Understand Your Plant's Needs

Different plants have varying requirements for soil pH, drainage, and nutrient content. Research the specific needs of the plants you intend to grow. For example, acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas require acidic soil, while succulents need well-draining soil.

Soil Type and Purpose

  • Potting Mix: Ideal for containers and raised beds, offering good drainage and aeration.
  • Garden Soil: Designed to amend existing garden beds, improving texture and fertility.
  • Compost: A rich organic amendment that enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Fertilizer Formulation

Fertilizers are labeled with an N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium). Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, phosphorus aids root development, and potassium supports overall plant health. Choose a fertilizer based on the stage of plant growth and specific deficiencies you observe.

Mulch Benefits

  • Organic Mulches (e.g., wood chips, bark): Decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil and suppressing weeds.
  • Inorganic Mulches (e.g., gravel, rubber): Offer long-term weed suppression and moisture retention without decomposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between potting mix and garden soil?
Potting mix is formulated for containers, offering excellent drainage and aeration to prevent root rot. Garden soil is designed to amend existing in-ground beds, improving their texture and fertility for outdoor planting.
How do I choose the right fertilizer?
Consider the N-P-K ratio on the fertilizer package, which indicates the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Match these nutrients to your plants' specific needs at different growth stages, such as promoting foliage growth or encouraging blooms.
What are the benefits of using mulch?
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature, protecting plant roots. Organic mulches also decompose over time, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients.
Can I use any soil for all my plants?
No, different plants have distinct soil preferences. Some plants, like azaleas, thrive in acidic soil, while others need well-draining conditions. Using the wrong soil can lead to poor growth or plant demise.