Miracle-Gro, Organic, or ‘Who Cares’ Soil? Friday Quickie

If you haven’t started seedlings yet for your spring & summer crops, it’s time to get started. First thing: which potting mix should you choose?

Although Miracle-Gro tends to dominate Home Depot & conventional ‘home’ stores, you may be supporting a scary brand. Miracle-gro has fertilizers and synthetic chemicals, criticized for not improving soil over the long term but instead leaching unnatural chemicals into streams and ponds.

Plus, Miracle-Gro’s parent company (Scotts) is in bed with Monsanto, the ag-giant responsible for GMOs and much of the support to have California’s Prop 37 vetoed. (Monsanto has a lot of controversy, so make sure to read up on their practices if you are not so familiar…)

So what are better alternatives to Miracle-Gro & conventional potting soils?

1. Organic Mechanics is local in PA, locally sourced & earth friendly. They’re also in a lot of Philly shops & sold often at Whole Foods (and was at this past week’s Philly Farm & Food fest!).
2. Bennett Compost sells a 5 gallon bucket for $10 and is available in Philly hot spots like Essene, Green Aisle Grocery, Greenable & Urban Jungle.
3. DIY! If you have your own compost bin, the problem is solved.
4. Happy Frog is a favorite of Treehugger.

Readers, what’s your potting soil of choice?