Can we just agree that herbs are godsend flavor saviors?

After all, who wouldn’t like adding a few strands of home-grown rosemary or thyme to their perfectly seared steak? That just made your mouth water, we bet. But the sad part is, growing herbs can be both rewarding and frustrating at the same time, more so if you don’t have the right medium. 

With our focus on making the process 100% rewarding, we set out to buy the right potting soil from the hundreds of options available, only to return without a product. And that’s when we decided to shortlist the best names worth considering. So today, we have compiled this extensive list featuring the top 13 potting soil for herbs. 

Let’s begin, shall we?

Top Potting Soil For Herbs 

1. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix

You can’t possibly have a potting soil list without mentioning Miracle-Gro. As such, its Indoor Potting Mix is what we have to start things off. This easy-to-use formula is engineered to suit various varieties while negating pest infestation.

Why Did We Like It?

If the brand reputation wasn’t enough, the positive customer feedback definitely helped us put our confidence in the product. Its specially blended formula provides the required nutrients to a wide variety of plants, be it indoors or outdoors. 

Among the main ingredients in this mix is the partially decomposed Canadian sphagnum peat moss, which has large cell structures for absorbing air and water. It soaks in the nutrients and releases them when required. Likewise, the lightweight horticulture-grade perlite forms air pockets to promote circulation while providing nutrients and moisture to the roots.

The sufficient amount of coconut coir means the soil can be easily rewatered. For this, it holds and releases moisture as and when needed. Moreover, it has a continuous release formula that feeds the plants for up to 6 months. 

To achieve the best results, add about 1-inch of the mix from the top of the container, press lightly and water thoroughly. For best results, the brand recommends an application 30 days after planting. And since there’s no compost bark, you don’t have to worry about fungus gnat invasion. Lastly, it’s available in a 6-quart pack for trial purposes.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The fine soil particles mean that you need more soil to fill medium to larger-sized pots. Hence, a larger size may run out faster, depending on the number of plants to be fed. In that sense, the Miracle-Gro Plant Food comes across as slightly expensive.

2. Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix

Next in line is the Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix. Its all-natural formulation is ideal for gardeners who are wary of putting synthetic products in their greens. What’s more, the soft and lightweight texture prevents strain on the roots.

Why Did We Like It?

There were quite a few similarities with the Miracle-Gro Plant Food that got us interested in this potting mix. For one, it’s formulated with the same sustainable and renewable coconut coir, which accounts for optimum moisture retention without flooding the roots. It also reduces the need for frequent watering, thereby cutting down on the plant maintenance task.

Secondly, it releases the nutrients immediately upon application and maintains a continuous stream of food for up to 3 months. It has been certified by OMRI as safe to use for organic plants, vegetables, and herbs growing in raised beds or patio containers. The 6.5 pH offers maximum versatility for growing multiple varieties with varied requirements.

Unlike many organic potting soils on the market, this one doesn’t shelter fungus gnats. This is a useful feature to have, especially when you’re growing plants indoors or in cramped containers. Apart from that, the unstated perlite content makes the perfect growing environment for ZZ and fig leaf plants. And it comes in 5 size variants to choose from.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Being a “premium” potting soil, the Burpee Organic Mix is a tad bit expensive. But since its performance is worth those extra bucks, we don’t mind the extra spend. Other than that, we don’t have a lot to complain about.

3. Espoma AP8 Organic Potting Mix

The Espoma AP8 Organic Potting Mix is a regionally formulated base meant for all indoor and outdoor plants. With appropriate moisture retention capacity, it aids the healthy development of plants throughout the year.

Why Did We Like It?

One of the first things that grabbed our attention was the myco-tone formula, a proprietary blend of endo and ectomycorrhizae that promotes strong root growth, increases water uptake, minimizes drought stress and transplant shock. Besides, it makes the potting mix absorb 30% less water compared to ordinary soils.

However, what really appealed to us is the regional consideration that goes into making the product. Simply put, the Espoma AP8 Organic Potting Mix has ingredients according to the environmental condition of a particular area. 

For instance, the key ingredients in New Hampshire, California, and Oregon include sphagnum peat moss, perlite, humus, and earthworm castings. It also includes copious amounts of feather meal, kelp meal, limestone, yucca extract, and aged forest produce.

Talking about the application, the first step is to take a potting container with adequate drainage. Then, to prevent the soil from escaping the drainage hole, cover it with rocks or pebbles. Finally fill 1/3rd of the container with the potting mix and carefully place the plant. Make sure to keep a 1-inch distance between the topsoil and the rim, and water thoroughly.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Much like its predecessors, this potting mix isn’t the most affordable option out there. And considering the 3-month feed time, you may need more packs if you have a lot of plants to cater to.

4. FoxFarm FX14054 Potting Soil

FoxFarm is the proud owner of various gardening products, including fertilizers, supplements, soil conditioners, and potting soil mixes. Hence, we decided to give the FX14054 potting soil a go to see if it truly justifies the repute.

Why Did We Like It?

The FoxFarm FX14054 potting soil is a ready-to-use formula consisting of a unique mix of beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizal fungi, which fast tracks stronger root development in plants. 

These microbes are exactly similar to those found in natural soil, which break down organic material for the roots. Thus, the mix mimics a natural environment that’s otherwise missing for container plants. Additionally, the composted forest humus retains long-lasting moisture to prevent drought-related stress. It doesn’t make the water merely sit near the roots but reinforces the plants’ absorption power.

Not only does the adjusted pH facilitate greater nutrient uptake, but it also makes it suitable for use with almost any indoor or outdoor plant variety. The two main ingredients that work in this regard are dolomitic lime and oyster shell. 

Furthermore, certain plants like tomato and squash are susceptible to blossom end rot, and the calcium content in dolomitic lime will take care of this situation. At the same time, the perlite and peat elements bring in the right amount of aeration for the plant to extend its feeder roots system for optimal feed.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The increased water absorption rate may correlate to frequent watering to prevent drying of the roots. Also, the soil microbes indulge in some chemical processes that increase the soil temperature, often making it too hot for tender seedlings.

5. Spade To Fork Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit

How about an all-in-one kit for your herb garden? From the soil mix to seeds and containers, the Spade To Fork Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit has everything required, especially for first-time gardeners. Plus, the product makes for a great holiday gift on a budget.

Why Did We Like It?

Without a second doubt, we appreciate the kit design but what we absolutely loved is that the brand doesn’t compromise quality for quantity. Each sprouting box comprises 5 Non-GMO seeds, namely Italian large leaf basil, coriander cilantro (slow bolt), peione parsley, broadleaf sage, and thyme. 

Accordingly, the other components are 5 potting soil discs, 5 wood-burned custom markers (for noting sprouting dates), and a detailed instructions manual. 

Unlike many germination kits that only focus on organic seeds, the brand has adopted an all-round approach for eco-friendly and sustainable gardening. Hence, the soil discs and peat pots are free from harmful chemicals, thereby making them safe for use by everyone. You can use the peat pots as compost for recycling purposes.

We also liked how the soil comes in compact discs, which reduces the chance of creating a mess, especially if used by children. Complete with a 100% growth guarantee, the brand will offer a replacement or refund in case of any dissatisfaction. Considering its affordable price, we hardly could’ve asked for anything more.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Some users have reported that the peat pots developed mold after a few weeks. Hence, you may have to take special care in watering and light exposure to keep them as dry as possible. 

6. Dr. Earth Organic Herb Fertil