15 Best Organic Soil For Plants
When you start growing vegetables, herbs, auto flowers, or just about any plant, you want them to grow unaffected by chemicals found in many standard soil mixes. The organic soils will provide your plants everything they need but without ingredients that could harm your and your plants’ health.
The choice of organic soil can make a huge difference especially when it comes to producing vegetables or herbs. They will receive natural fertilizer coming from compost or aged manure but it will retain just enough water to keep your plants thriving even during the drought.
What Is an Organic Soil for Plants?
Organic soil for plants is a material derived from plant or animal produce or manure, fully or partially decomposed matter that contains microbes, tissues or cells, and elements that those microbes synthesize. The content must not include chemicals that could harm you and the environment.
Organic soils have many nourishing elements that boost the growth of the plant as the matter decomposing serves as a natural fertilizer. The ingredients as peat moss will help the soil to stay light and aerated which can be helpful to plants’ healthy root system.
What Is Organic Soil Made Of?
Organic soil is made of organic matter that is composed of partially or fully decomposed plant material and a combination of rock, water, and air that give soil light and aerated texture. This soil combination and nutritional elements prevent pests from infesting your plants and helps them to grow.
The content of the organic soil depends on a number of things. The plant needs to have the right temperature and the soil that has the right level of drainage and pH level to grow. The microbes living in the soil helps with soil fertility along with the right levels of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water.
The texture of the soil depends on the size of soil particles which can come from sand, silt, or clay. The ideal organic soil is a mixture of all of those, with an adjusted ratio and pH level to suit the location or climate to stimulate the growth.
What Is OMRI Listed Organic Soil?
OMRI stands for Organic Materials Review Institute. This is an international non-profit company founded in 1997 that determines which materials and components used in the soil are suitable and allowed to be used for any type of organic production.
The packaging may say that soil is organic, but only if it is OMRI listed product, you can be certain that soil is completely organic and safe. If the packaging has the sign OMRI, that means that the soil is certified as organic and safe for use in producing organic vegetables, herbs, or any other plant.
What Are The Best Organic Soil For Plants?
The best organic soils such as Fox Farm, or Miracle-Gro are universal organic soils that are suitable for growing almost any plant. The soils such as Espoma or Carib Sea specialize in producing soils for succulents, orchids, or soil suitable for use in aquariums.
Here is the list of the 15 best organic soils with their best characteristics for organic production.
- Best Overall: Fox Farm 38.6 qt Organic Soil
All-purpose, ready to use, aerated, 38.6 dry quarts soil, 6.3 to 6.8 pH level - Best Budget: Miracle-Gro 0.62 cu ft Container Mix Organic Soil
All-purpose, ready to use, aerated, 0.62 cu ft soil, 5.5 to 6.5 pH level - Best for Vegetables: Good Earth Organics 0.15 cu ft Organic Soil
Best for vegetables, ready to use, 0.15 cu ft soil, 5.8 to 6.4 pH level - Best for Indoor Plants: Plantonix Coco 50 discs Organic Soil
Compressed coco coir discs, 80 mm disc size, 50 discs in package, 5.8 to 6.8 pH level - Best for Outdoor Plants: Mountain Valley 2 cu ft Minute Organic Soil
Compressed coco coir brick, universal, 2 cu ft soil, 5.8 to 6.8 pH level - Best for Potted Plants: Fox Farm 0.47 cu ft Mix Organic Soil
All-purpose, ready to use, 0.47 cu ft soil, 6.3 to 6.8 pH level - Best for Raised Beds: Miracle-Gro 1.5 cu ft Raised Beds Organic Soil
Raised bed soil, ready to use, 1.5 cu ft soil, 6.3 to 6.8 pH level - Best for Orchids: Espoma 0.13 cu ft Orchid Mix Organic Soil
For orchids and bromeliads, ready to use, 0.13 cu ft soil, 5.5 to 6.5 pH level - Best for Succulents: Espoma 0.13 cu ft Cacti and Succulents Organic Soil
For cacti, succulents, palms, citrus, ready to use, 0.13 cu ft soil, 5.5 to 6.5 pH level - Best for Aquarium: Carib Sea 0.32 cu ft Aquarium Organic Soil
For aquariums, ready to use, 0.32 cu ft soil, 8.0 to 8.3 pH level - Best for Autoflowers: Nature’s Living Soil 0.016 cu ft Autoflower Organic Soil
For auto flowers, concentrate, 0.016 cu ft soil, 6.2 to 6.5 pH level - Best Potting Mix: Espoma 0.133 cu ft Potting Mix Organic Soil
For pots, indoor, outdoor, 0.133 cu ft soil, 6.3 to 6.8 pH level - Best Starter: Jiffy 0.33 cu ft Starter Organic Soil
Starter mix, ready to use, 0.33 cu ft soil, 6.3 to 6.8 pH level - Best Universal: Black Gold 0.53 cu ft Universal Organic Soil
All-purpose, ready to use, 0.53 cu ft soil, 5.8 to 6.2 pH level - Best Professional: Coast of Maine 1 cu ft Professional Organic Soil
All-purpose, ready to use, 1 cu ft soil, 6.3 to 6.8 pH level
The Best Organic Soil For Plants Comparison Chart
The best organic soil for plants differs in fully or partially decomposed materials, their pH levels, and texture. The organic soil can be used for planting various kinds of plants and the soil may come in different sized packaging.
The difference in content may vary from one to other types of soil.
15 Best Organic Soil For Plants Reviews 2023
The best organic soil for plants reviews shows that there is a different ratio of organic matter in a different type of soil. Each type of organic soil has specific nutritious ingredients that can help your plants thrive and bring healthy and rich produce.
Fox Farm 38.6 qt Organic Soil
(Best Overall)
This soil is an organic soil perfectly balanced for growing indoor and outdoor container plants. With its ingredients, this soil is ready to use directly from the bag. The organic mixture will give your plants a boost from the start, without having to add nitrogen to boost the initial growth.
The perfect blend of earthworm castings, kelp, forest humus, peat moss, and many other high-quality ingredients makes this soil perfect for the vigorous growth of many container plants. The pH level goes from 6.3 to 6.8 that your plants will love it. The structure of this soil is light and aerated.
Key features:
- All-purpose organic soil
- 3 to 6.8 pH level
- Aerated and light soil
Pros
- Ready to use from the bag
- Versatile use
- Well-balanced pH level
Cons
- Not for succulents
Product specifications:
Brand: | Fox Farm |
Dimensions: | 18.0 x 15.0 x 11.0 inches |
Weight: | 39.4 pounds |
Best for: | Strong branching, root growth, indoor plants, outdoor plants, improving soil |
Ingredients: | The earthworm castings, a crab meal, sea-going fish mixture, forest humus, a peat moss, bat guano, oyster shell, a Norweigan kelp, sandy loam, perlite |
This organic soil is a mixture of high-quality organic ingredients for the strong growth of your plants. Check out this video to see more about Fox Farm 38.6 qt Organic Soil.
Miracle-Gro 0.62 cu ft Container Mix Organic Soil
(Best Budget)
This organic soil is versatile soil that is ready to use from the bag. With a perfectly balanced pH level 5.5 to 6.5 pH value, it is suitable for growing a great variety of indoor and outdoor plants. Besides the smaller package, there are bigger ones for bigger planting jobs.
When you grow your plants in this soil, you can count on up to three months of feed for your plants. The soil will strengthen the root system and help the plant to branch. Besides growing your plants, you can use this soil to improve the existing soil and help your garden plants thrive even stronger.
Key features:
- All-purpose organic soil
- 5 to 6.5 pH level
- 62 cu ft package
Pros
- Ready to use from the bag
- Versatile use
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Difficult water absorption
Product specifications:
Brand: | Miracle-Gro |
Dimensions: | 21.00 x 12.75 x 3.88 inches |
Weight: | 15 pounds |
Best for: | Strong branching, root growth, indoor plants, outdoor plants, improving soil |
Ingredients: | Aged compost from processed forest produce |
This versatile and affordable organic soil can be used for growing both indoor and outdoor plants. Check out this video to see more about Miracle-Gro 0.62 cu ft Container Mix Organic Soil.
Good Earth Organics 0.15 cu ft Organic Soil
(Best for Vegetables)
This organic soil is the best choice if you are starting your greenhouse or a raised bed in your garden to grow leafy vegetables. When growing vegetables, it is essential to know the quality of the soil your plants grow. This soil is certified organic soil that is safe for growing edible plants.
It comes in many packaging sizes from 0.15 cu ft to 1.34 cu ft soil package. With a well-balanced 5.8 to 6.4 pH level, your vegetables will produce healthy herbs and plump vegetables. The soil is most suitable for use outdoor or in the greenhouse, and organic vegetable growing.
Key features:
- Best for leafy vegetables
- 8 to 6.4 pH level
- 15 cu ft soil
Pros
- Suitable for outdoor plants and greenhouse
- Available in bigger packages
- Suitable for most plants
Cons
- A bit pricey
Product specifications:
Brand: | The Good Earth Organics |
Dimensions: | 11.73 x 7.09 x 3.66 inches |
Weight: | 3.43 pounds |
Best for: | Leafy vegetables, tomatoes, greenhouse, and outdoor plants |
Ingredients: | Coco coir, pumice, perlite, sphagnum peat moss, earthworm castings |
This organic soil is the best choice for growing plump vegetables and healthy herbs outdoor or in the greenhouse. Check out this video to see more about The Good Earth Organics 0.15 cu ft Organic Soil.
Plantonix Coco 50 discs Organic Soil
(Best for Indoor Plants)
This OMRI-listed coconut coir comes from 100% natural coconut produce. This soil contains only coarse fibers from the coconuts’ outer shell. Since coconut coir can hold water, it is great for drainage of the soil. It has a neutral pH level from 5.8 to 6.8 pH which makes it ideal for most indoor plants.
This soil comes compressed in 80 mm discs that help with easy storage and use. It is necessary to add water for at least 30 min before using the soil. After soaking, the soil increases in volume to up to ten times its original size.
The soil contains very low salt levels as the soil is washed to lower that level.
Key features:
- 50 compressed 80 mm coco coir discs in the package
- 8 to 6.8 pH level
- Very low EC levels
Pros
- Easy storage
- Neutral pH level
- Suitable for all indoor plants
Cons
- Not for growing vegetables
Product specifications:
Brand: | Plantonix |
Dimensions: | 12.32 x 6.65 x 6.46 inches |
Weight: | 5.06 pounds |
Best for: | Indoor plants in containers, seed starter, succulents, herbs, microgreens, flowers |
Ingredients: | Coconut fibers, outer shell husk fibers |
These compressed discs of coconut coir fibers have a neutral pH level ideal for most indoor plants. Check out this video to see more about Plantonix Coco 50 discs Organic Soil.
Mountain Valley 2 cu ft Minute Organic Soil
(Best for Outdoor Plants)
This water retention soil with high-quality features comes in a large compressed brick that can bring up to 2 cu ft of soil when soaked in water. Decompress it in the wheelbarrow and use it to grow your outdoor plants. It is also suitable for indoor plants that will thrive growing in this soil.
With its neutral pH level, you can grow everything from microgreens to vegetables. Besides this big-sized package, you can have this soil in many other smaller sizes. Because this soil has water retention properties and good aeration, the root system of your plants will grow strong.
Key features:
- Compressed coco coir brick
- 8 to 6.8 pH level
- 2 cu ft soil when soaked
Pros
- Big sized package
- Neutral pH level
- Versatile use
Cons
- A bit pricey
Product specifications:
Brand: | Mountain Valley |
Dimensions: | 11.5 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches |
Weight: | 10.03 pounds |
Best for: | Outdoor gardening, flowers, indoor plants in containers, microgreens, succulents, herbs |
Ingredients: | Coconut fibers, outer shell husk fibers |
This compressed coco coir brick is an ideal choice for growing all outdoor plants, but also indoor.
Fox Farm 0.47 cu ft Mix Organic Soil
(Best for Potted Plants)
This organic soil is a perfect choice for many plants, whether you want to grow them indoors or outdoors. With its neutral 6.3 to 6.8 pH level, it is good for transplanting plants and growing them to have a strong root system and branches.
This high-quality soil is pre-mixed soil that is ready to use from the bag. It comes in rather small packaging, but it is worth buying it because of its great ingredients that will boost your plant to thrive and give rich fruit and flower produce that is grown organically.
Key features:
- Universal potting soil
- 47 cu ft package
- 3 to 6.8 pH level
Pros
- Versatile use
- High-quality soil
- Ready to use from the bag
Cons
- A rather small packaging
Product specifications:
Brand: | Fox Farm |
Dimensions: | 1.4 x 17.9 x 13.9 inches |
Weight: | 8 pounds |
Best for: | Outdoor gardening, flowers, indoor plants in containers, microgreens, succulents, herbs, transplanting |
Ingredients: | Earthworm castings, aged forest produce, peat moss, OMRI listed fertilizer, perlite, mycorrhizal fungi, humic acid |
This organic soil is perfect for potting and growing plants indoors and outdoors right from the bag. Check out this video to see more about Fox Farm 0.47 cu ft Mix Organic Soil:
Miracle-Gro 1.5 cu ft Raised Beds Organic Soil
(Best for Raised Beds)
If you are going to start a raised bed in your garden, this soil has everything to grow your plants strong and give the best produce. The neutral pH level is suitable for most vegetables or herbs, and you can grow just about anything in this soil. After some time, add organic fertilizer to further encourage plants.
The good-sized packaging is enough to fill the standard-sized raised bed. Fill it up, transplant your plants from the nursery and wait for the results. The high-quality ingredients will feed and nourish your plants for a long. The only downside of this soil is that it does not come in other packaging sizes.
Key features:
- Universal potting soil for raised beds
- 5 cu ft package
- 3 to 6.8 pH level
Pros
- Versatile use for plants grown in raised beds
- Good-sized packaging
- Neutral pH level
Cons
- Not available in other packaging sizes
Product specifications:
Brand: | Miracle-Gro |
Dimensions: | 26.00 x 3.75 x 20.00 inches |
Weight: | 48 pounds |
Best for: | Raised beds, outdoor potting, transplanting |
Ingredients: | Peat moss, coco coir, aged forest produce, aged compost, poultry waste, alfalfa, bone, kelp meals, earthworm castings |
This organic soil is a perfect mix of high-quality ingredients best suitable for growing plants in the raised beds. Check out this video to see more about Miracle-Gro 1.5 cu ft Raised Beds Organic Soil.
Espoma 0.13 cu ft Orchid Mix Organic Soil
(Best for Orchids)
When you first start growing orchids, you know that this flower is a flower that needs special care but also a special kind of soil. With a slightly acidic 5.5 to 6.5 pH level, your orchids and bromeliads will love this soil and thrive in it and you need to wait for your flowers to bloom.
With its organic mixture, this soil will provide your plants with food and much-needed space for their roots to breathe. The soil needs to be watered first, to let the woodchips absorb the water and then transplant your flower to new soil. If woodchips are a bit big, try breaking the bigger parts.
Key features:
- Specialized soil for orchids and bromeliads
- 13 cu ft of soil in a package
- Slightly acidic 5.5 to 6.5 pH level
Pros
- Special soil mix for orchids and bromeliads
- Slightly acidic soil
- Suitable for transplanting
Cons
- Woodchips are somewhat too big
Product specifications:
Brand: | Espoma |
Dimensions: | 13.3 x 8.5 x 4.3 inches |
Weight: | 3.89 pounds |
Best for: | Orchids, and bromeliads |
Ingredients: | A western fir bark, perlite, gardening charcoal |
This specialized mix for orchids and bromeliads is an organic mix that will help your flowers thrive. Check out this video to see more about Espoma 0.13 cu ft Orchid Mix Organic Soil.
Espoma 0.13 cu ft Cacti and Succulents Organic Soil
(Best for Succulents)
Cacti and succulents are plants that do not require too much care to grow, but they do need a special kind of soil to thrive. The soil like this is a slightly acidic soil with a 5.5 to 6.5 pH level. The soil encourages the root system to be strong with its light and aerated texture.
This soil is also suitable for palms and citrus. However, the soil does not have much perlite in it, so it is advisable to add some to improve drainage and aeration of the roots. Organic ingredients such as peat moss and earthworm castings will help your plants get the best of this soil.
Key features:
- Specialized soil for cacti, succulents, palms, and citrus
- Slightly acidic 5.5 to 6.5 pH level
- 13 cu ft of soil in a package
Pros
- Special soil mix for cacti and succulents
- Slightly acidic soil
- Suitable for transplanting
Cons
- The soil lacks perlite
Product specifications:
Brand: | Espoma |
Dimensions: | 8.00 x 5.00 x 5.00 inches |
Weight: | 3.50 pounds |
Best for: | Cacti, succulents, palm, and citrus |
Ingredients: | Sphagnum peat moss, perlite, sand, dolomitic limestone, and earthworm castings |
This soil for cacti, succulents, palms, and citrus is an excellent mix that provides your plants with high-quality ingredients. Check out this video to see more about Espoma 0.13 cu ft Cacti and Succulents Organic Soil.
Carib Sea 0.32 cu ft Aquarium Organic Soil
(Best for Aquarium)
Aquariums are not just containers filled with water and fish. They have become much more, a decorative centerpiece of any space. To achieve that look, you need to grow healthy plants. This soil will help your water plants thrive along with your fish.
This specialized soil is rich in nourishing elements. The pH level of 8.0 to 8.3 is well-balanced to suit both your plants and fish. Besides being nourishing, it is also very decorative with its two layers, a fine bottom layer, and a coarse top layer. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for all fish types.
Key features:
- Specialized soil for aquarium plants
- 32 cu ft ready to use soil
- 0 to 8.3 pH level
Pros
- Rich in nourishing elements
- Ready to use from the bag
- Decorative and nourishing soil
Cons
- May elevate pH levels
- Not suitable for all fish types
Product specifications:
Brand: | Carib Sea |
Dimensions: | 18.00 x 12.00 x 2.00 inches |
Weight: | 20 pounds |
Best for: | Aquarium plants |
Ingredients: | Volcanic soil rich in nourishing elements |
This specialized soil for aquariums is both nourishing and decorative soil that will help water plants and fish thrive. Check out this video to see more about Carib Sea 0.32 cu ft Aquarium Organic Soil.
Nature’s Living Soil 0.016 cu ft Autoflower Organic Soil
(Best for Autoflowers)
If you are starting to grow auto flowers, you would want organic soil that will give the best harvesting results. With this organic and concentrated soil, you would only need water to grow auto flowers. The entire process, from seeds to harvesting, will be covered with this soil, without adding fertilizer.
This soil has plenty of nourishing ingredients for a rich auto flower harvest. This organic soil mix is an ideal choice for beginners who will find this soil easy to use with auto flowers. Although the product has a strong smell when the bag is opened, it is worth using and knowing it is organic produce.
Key features:
- Concentrated organic soil
- Neutral pH level
- Nourishing ingredients
Pros
- Easy to use
- Complete nourishment from seeding to harvesting
- Plenty of nourishing ingredients
Cons
- The product has a strong smell when opened and first used
Product specifications:
Brand: | Nature’s Living Soil |
Dimensions: | 3.50 x 2.50 x 6.00 inches |
Weight: | 1.04 pounds |
Best for: | For auto flower plants |
Ingredients: | Bone meal, bat guano, earthworm castings, blood meal, alfalfa meal, fishbone meal, dolomite lime, kelp meal, azomite, powder from coconut water, aloe vera, Epsom salt, and many microorganisms |
This organic concentrated soil is an ideal choice for growing and harvesting auto flowers.
Espoma 0.133 cu ft Potting Mix Organic Soil
(Best Potting Mix)
This universal potting mix is suitable for growing most types of plants. It can be used for plants that grow outdoors and indoors. With its neutral pH level, it is suitable for growing any kind of plant. Even succulents will thrive in this soil but you have to be careful because this soil retains water.
Rich ingredients will ensure stable growth and produce as your plants will receive enough nourishing elements for at least three months. Even during hot days, your plants will have enough moisture in the soil to endure the heat. Use it for growing vegetables or flowering plants for the best results.
Key features:
- For potting indoors and outdoors
- Neutral pH level
- Universal use
Pros
- Reduces drought stress
- Improves retention of moisture
- Universal mix
Cons
- Holds too much water for succulents
Product specifications:
Brand: | Espoma |
Dimensions: | 8.00 x 5.00 x 5.00 inches |
Weight: | 2.83 pounds |
Best for: | Indoor and outdoor plants, root growth |
Ingredients: | 35.00 – 45.00% sphagnum peat moss, perlite, peat humus, dolomitic limestone, myco-tone, alfalfa meal, earthworm castings, feather meal, and kelp meal |
This universal potting mix with its neutral pH level is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. Check out this video to see more about Espoma 0.133 cu ft Potting Mix Organic Soil.
Jiffy 0.33 cu ft Starter Organic Soil
(Best Starter)
If you want to grow your plants right from the seeds or you want to turn your cuttings into a new plant, then this universal soil starter mix has everything you need for that job. Well-balanced 6.3 to 6.8 pH levels and nourishing elements are especially beneficial for seedlings and cuttings.
This universal soil mix is suitable for plants growing indoors and outdoors. Before seeding, it is important to soak the soil with water. The soil is light and well aerated. It will stay moist but it will not harden because of the water, as the excess water will easily drain from it.
Key features:
- Universal soil starter mix
- 33 cu ft soil
- 3 to 6.8 pH level
Pros
- Well-balanced pH level
- Excellent for cuttings and starting seeds
- Universal soil starter
Cons
- Must be pre-wetted and mixed with water before seeding
Product specifications:
Brand: | Jiffy |
Dimensions: | 14.00 x 12.50 x 3.00 inches |
Weight: | 3.00 pounds |
Best for: | Seed starting and cuttings |
Ingredients: | Peat moss, lime, vermiculite |
This pre-mix starter soil is an excellent choice for starting seeds and cuttings indoors and outdoors. Check out this video to see more about Jiffy 0.33 cu ft Starter Organic Soil.
Black Gold 0.53 cu ft Universal Organic Soil
(Best Universal)
This all-purpose soil is universal soil that can be used with just about any plant growing indoors or outdoors. It will give your plants a good boost since it is enriched with fertilizer. The well-balanced 5.8 to 6.2 pH level is suitable for growing most plants, including vegetables.
The soil is light and aerated but it will keep moisture. The excess water will be drained from the soil, leaving the dirt only moist enough to keep enough water for your plants. The big-sized packaging is great for starting a raised bed for vegetables or flowers.
Key features:
- All-purpose organic soil
- Enriched with fertilizer
- 53 cu ft soil
- 8 to 6.2 pH level
Pros
- Universal soil with fertilizer
- Well-balanced pH level and nutrients
- Suitable for both outdoor and indoor growing
Cons
- Gnats occasionally appear in the soil
Product specifications:
Brand: | Black Gold |
Dimensions: | 14.00 x 6.00 x 27.00 inches |
Weight: | 9.00 pounds |
Best for: | Patio containers, hanging baskets, vegetable plantings, herb gardens |
Ingredients: | Aged bark, sphagnum peat moss, compost, composted bark, earthworm castings, pumice, horticultural grade perlite, organic grade fertilizer, cinders |
This universal soil is suitable for growing plants in raised beds, hanging baskets, or for growing herbs and vegetables. Check out this video to see more about Black Gold 0.53 cu ft Universal Organic Soil.
Coast of Maine 1 cu ft Professional Organic Soil
(Best Professional)
If you want soil that can be used from starting point to the harvesting point, this soil can offer you everything your plants might need except water. The well-balanced pH level and nourishing elements can provide a boost for your plants right from the start.
This soil is a universal soil that is ready to use from the packaging. It is suitable for use outdoors and indoors for all plants planted in containers. Occasionally, there might be some gnats in the soil, so check the soil before using it for growing the plants.
Key features:
- Universal organic soil
- 1 cu ft soil
- 3 to 6.8 pH level
Pros
- Ready to use from the bag
- Suitable for all types of containers
- Neutral pH level
Cons
- Gnats occasionally appear in the soil
Product specifications:
Brand: | Coast of Maine |
Dimensions: | 20.00 x 16.00 x 2.50 inches |
Weight: | 15.42 pounds |
Best for: | Indoor, outdoor gardening, houseplants, hanging baskets, outdoor containers |
Ingredients: | Sphagnum peat moss, perlite, composted bark, aged cow manure, lobster and crab shells, dried out poultry manure |
This professional-grade universal mix soil is suitable for growing most outdoor and indoor plants. Check out this video to see more about Coast of Maine 1 cu ft Professional Organic Soil.
Best Organic Soil For Plants Buying Guide
When deciding to buy the best organic soil for plants, there are some things that you should consider before ordering the product. Your choice may vary depending on the plant you are growing, the location, but also the ingredients that the desired soil contains.
Ingredients
The prevalent part of organic soil is made of sand, silt, and clay. Some ingredients in organic soil are more common than others. The sphagnum peat moss is the most common ingredient of the organic soil which gives it good drainage and aeration that will boost the plants’ growth and health.
Besides moss, ingredients such as aged manure or well-rotten compost are also a vital part of organic soil. Water, minerals, and microbes living in the soil promote the overall health of the plants, but also improve their growth and harvesting results.
OMRI Listed Products
The label on the packaging may say that the soil is organic, but the soil may not be organic if it is not OMRI certified product. That does not mean that the soil is not organic, or that it is faulty, but if you are using such soil to grow vegetables or herbs, you may reconsider your choice.
OMRI-listed products are checked for their ingredients and are approved for organic production and processing. Most organic soils are OMRI listed, and it is easy to notice their sign on the packaging. Before ordering and buying the soil check for this sign on the bag.
Special Use Soils
Organic soils have adjusted levels of organic matter and pH level to suit any kind of plant. Most soils have a neutral pH level which is good enough to grow most of the plants. However, some plants such as orchids, citrus, or water plants may require different content and pH levels to grow.
If you want to avoid using animal products in your plant productions, some soils are certified vegan, with content derived only from well-decomposed compost and microbes living in it. These soils are free of animal manure or any other animal produce.
PH Level
The organic soil content can differ in the ratio of nourishing elements included. That ratio affects the pH level of the soil, which makes the soil suitable for different types of plants. If your plants need an acidic pH level, the soil needs to be adjusted with the ratio of acidic elements.
A well-balanced pH level is suitable for most plants. However, some plants such as succulents, orchids, or bromeliads require highly aerated but still nutritious soil to help them thrive. Of course, by mixing the soil with other soils or water, that pH level can change.
Texture
Plants need a healthy root system to grow and bring rich produce. If the plants’ roots struggle to grow, your plant will soon die. So the texture of the soil needs to be light, aerated, and allow the roots to breathe and grow. The soil needs to allow water to drain but still to keep it moist.
The texture of the soil depends on how the soil particles come together when they come in contact with water and air. If the ratio of clay is high, the chances are that the soil will be moist whereas sandy soil will need regular watering as it will drain quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Organic production may seem easy, but it can be tricky to choose the right organic soil for your vegetable, or herb production. Even if you grow your plants as a hobby, you may have questions about choosing and using your favorite organic soil. Here are some most common questions about organic soils.
My Top Pick
My top pick is Fox Farm 38.6 qt Organic Soil. This versatile mixture of well-balanced ingredients will give your plants the initial boost for strong growth. The neutral 6.3 to 6.8 pH value makes it suitable for most indoor and outdoor plants grown in containers.
This soil is a mixture of forest humus, earthworm castings, kelp, peat moss, and many other organic ingredients that can guarantee your plants a good start without the need to add fertilizer. The soil has a light and aerated texture that will also encourage strong root growth.
What is your plants’ favorite soil? What kind of soil do you prefer for a starter and for growing strong indoor and outdoor plants? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below.