Potting Soil and Mix (163 items found)

Potting soil is crucial for growing plants in containers, ensuring proper drainage, aeration and nutrient content to encourage growth. Find an impressive selection of brands of potting mix and soil and garden fertilizer to help your potted plants thrive.

Potting Mix Vs. Potting Soil

Potting soil and potting mix typically refer to the same product, but not always. While some products use the two terms interchangeably, there can be slight differences in how they’re defined. Sometimes, products labeled potting soil contain dirt that’s often mixed with materials like sand and compost to help improve drainage and aeration. They’ll also be labeled as being for potted plants, in-ground gardens, and raised garden beds.

Products labeled potting mixes will not have soil. Potting mix is composed of ingredients like peat moss, sphagnum moss, pine bark or vermiculite and may contain fertilizer to provide plants with essential nutrients. It should be used specifically for container plants.

Is Potting Soil the Same as Garden Soil?

Potting soil and garden soil are similar but not the same. The difference lies in the fact that potting soil is designed to be used for container plants, while garden soil can be mixed with existing garden beds to improve its quality and promote strong root growth. Garden soil is affordable and great for water retention, but it should only be used in the garden.

Different Types of Potting Soil

Ace carries several soil formulas and soil conditioners to help you create a healthy foundation for your favorite plants. The absorbent quality of vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral, helps soil maintain a consistent moisture level, making it a great addition to dry soil.

Peat moss is another natural substance that helps soil retain moisture and nutrients. Some prefer vermiculite over peat moss for its longevity and mold resistance, but both are commonly found in soil-enriching mixtures.

In addition to all-purpose, moisture-control and organic soil varieties, different outdoor and indoor plant soils and potting mixes are formulated for certain types of plants.

Does Potting Mix have Fertilizer in It?

Many potting mixes contain fertilizers, which are listed on the packaging, along with the types of plants for which they’re best suited. Fertilizer is any substance added to soil to provide nutrients plants need to thrive. Find potting mixes with fertilizer containing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and more. Explore our plant food selection for a comprehensive selection of plant and flower fertilizers.

Is Organic Potting Soil and Mix Better? 

Certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), organic soils and fertilizers provide a wide range of nutrients due to their make-up of natural ingredients like worm casing, manures and compost. Although organic potting soil works slower and can be pricier than inorganic options, some gardeners prefer them for their natural qualities and the overall positive impacts they can have on the soil.

However, you may want a more affordable and easier-to-apply inorganic potting mix that lets you target specific plant growth with a high concentration of precise nutrients.

Shop Potting Soil Near You at Ace Hardware

Find a large selection of potting soils near you at Ace, from brands like Black Gold and Miracle-Gro. You can stop by your local Ace, or order online for fast shipping to your door.

Then, browse our time-saving gardening tools, plant starters, plant protection and other must-haves  to help you make your plant-growing venture a success.