Categories: Quick Tips

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?

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher

Recent Posts

Harnessing People Power: How Councilmember O’Rourke advocates for the environment and the working class

Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke discusses affordability and access to green initiatives in our latest Civic Catalyst…

1 hour ago

Drumroll for the 2025 SustainPHL Award Recipients

Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…

5 days ago

Community farm preservation, curbing animal cruelty, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The…

6 days ago

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

1 week ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

2 weeks ago

Philly wants more trash cans and trees, believes civic engagement is key

Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…

2 weeks ago