Is potting mix the same as potting soil?

Potting mix and potting soil are often used interchangeably, and in most cases they refer to the same type of product. However, some brands make a distinction: “potting mix” may refer to a soilless blend made entirely of organic materials, while “potting soil” might include some actual dirt or compost. Always check the label to see what's inside and match it to your plant's needs.

How do I determine the best potting soil for my outdoor or container plants?

For advice on selecting the ideal growing medium, read our recommendations on the <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/best-potting-soil-for-your-plants/9ba683603be9fa5395fab907d467493?emt=plpfaq_2507_soils" style="text-decoration: underline;">Best Potting Soil for Your Plants</a>.

What is soil made of?

Soil is made up of a mix of minerals, organic matter, air, and water. It often contains sand, silt, and clay in varying amounts, plus decomposed plant and animal materials that add nutrients. The composition can affect how well the soil drains, holds nutrients, and supports plant growth.

Which soils are available at The Home Depot?

We carry a wide variety of the top brands of soils, including <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Landscaping-Supplies-Soils/Roots/N-5yc1vZbx67Zdwy?emt=plpfaq_2507_soils" style="text-decoration: underline;">Roots</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Landscaping-Supplies-Soils/WONDER-SOIL/N-5yc1vZbx67Zc1q?emt=plpfaq_2507_soils" style="text-decoration: underline;">WONDER SOIL</a>, and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Garden-Center-Landscaping-Supplies-Soils/Harris/N-5yc1vZbx67Z75a?emt=plpfaq_2507_soils" style="text-decoration: underline;">Harris</a>.