Seed Starting Mix vs Potting Soil

If you’re getting ready to start a garden, you may be wondering about the difference between seed starting mix and potting soil. Is one better than the other? Can you use either one? Is there even a difference? If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, you’re in luck!

I’ve put together a guide to give you answers to all of your questions on seed starting mix vs potting soil.

Although they’re similar, these two products are not the same and they’re each designed for specific purposes. Want to know what those are? Let’s get right to it.

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Seed Starting Mix vs Potting Soil

Starting your own seeds is an economical way to set up a garden but it’s not always the most straightforward process. Some things can be confusing like seed starting mix vs potting soil. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

The first question you’re probably asking is: are seed starting mix and potting soil the same thing?

The short answer is no. Seed starting mix and potting soil are two different things designed for different functions. They’re each made with particular ingredients to accomplish the specific goals of that product.

If you’re wondering if one is better than the other, the answer depends on what you plan to use it for. Both are useful tools when starting plants from seed and make a good addition to your seed starting process. I’ll get into more of the specific uses for potting soil vs seed starting mix below.

The Difference Between Seed Starting Mix and Potting Soil

Seed starting mix provides the ideal environment for germinating seeds but isn’t designed to feed seedlings long term.

Potting soil is designed to feed plants for several weeks or months at a time but isn’t ideal for planting seeds in.

To put it simply, seed starting mix is best for starting seeds, while potting soil is best for growing plants.

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What is Seed Starting Mix?

A big difference between seed starting mix and potting soil is that seed starting mix doesn’t contain any actual soil. It’s made up of light and fluffy materials like coconut coir, rice hulls, vermiculite, peat moss, and perlite.

These ingredients maintain even moisture and provide very basic nutrients for emerging seedlings.

The loose, fluffy texture of seed starting mix is the perfect environment for seeds to sprout. The consistency is fine without large chunks of bark or sticks that can block the path for seeds to emerge.

This lightweight environment gives seeds room to stretch both up and down. The seeds emerge easily and roots have room to grow without straining to push against heavy soil or objects in the way.

A good seed starting mix gives your seeds the best chance to grow into healthy plants.

What is Potting Soil?

Potting soil is designed to feed plants as they grow. There may be actual soil, compost, manure, or other organic matter along with some sort of fertilizer. There are usually ingredients like vermiculite or sphagnum peat moss for moisture retention.

If you compare a bag of seed starting mix vs potting soil one of the first things you’ll notice is that potting soil is a lot heavier.

Another big difference between seed starting mix and potting soil is that potting soil has a coarser texture. You’ll often see chunks of bark and small sticks like in the photo below.

This dense and coarse consistency is full of nutrients but heavier and bulkier than seed starting mix.

When to Use Seed Starting Mix

Figuring out when to use seed starting mix vs potting soil is actually pretty straightforward. Once you know the difference between the two, choosing the right product for your needs becomes simple.

Seed starting mix is specially designed to provide the right environment for healthy germination and initial root growth. It’s ideal for starting seeds, especially if you’re planning to start a lot of seeds at once in seed trays or plugs.

The fine texture of seed starting mix is easy to spread into small seed starting trays when starting seeds indoors.

Seeds contain all the nutrients they need to sprout and begin growing so rich soil isn’t necessary for seeds to germinate. It’s better to give seeds a good environment for growth with a mix that maintains moisture and gives seeds the best chance to sprout.

When to Use Potting Soil

Potting soil is dense and rich in organic matter and fertilizer. It’s designed to give plants all the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy for weeks or months in containers.

Potting soil is best for seedlings that have at least two true leaves. Once small seedlings start growing, they need more nutrients than seed starting mix can provide. It’s a good idea to move them into larger containers by potting them up with potting soil after you see the first set of true leaves.

Potting soil is a good alternative to garden soil if you’re growing plants in containers or pots. Garden soil is designed for inground use while potting soil is specifically designed to nourish plants in containers.

Regular potting soil is good for indoor or outdoor potted and container plants.

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Is Seed Starting Mix Really Necessary?

When considering seed starting mix vs potting soil, you may be wondering if seed starting mix is really necessary.

The truth is, it’s not absolutely necessary, but for seed starting, the mix does offer a lot of benefits when compared to potting soil.

Seed germination is easier and more successful when you use a seed starting mix vs potting soil for starting seeds. The texture of potting soil makes it harder for seeds to grow, especially if you have small, delicate seeds like pepper or tomato seeds.

If you do use potting soil to start seeds, choose a fine-textured product without fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can easily burn small seedlings.

Making Your Own Seed Starting Mix

If you’re interested in making your own DIY seed starting mix, the process is simple and easy to learn. It takes more time than buying a bag of pre-made mix, but you’ll have more control over the ingredients and you’ll know exactly what’s in it.

As an added bonus, if you make a large quantity of mix it may work out to be cheaper than buying a pre-made seed starting mix. If you’re just starting a few seeds, it may be more cost-effective to buy a small bag of pre-made mix.

For more information on making your own seed starting mix, we have an article with all the details, including what ingredients you need and all the steps.

Making your own Potting Soil

It’s possible to make your own potting soil as well. There are many potting soil recipes available online. The process is similar to making seed starting mix with just a few more added ingredients like compost.

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Settling the Seed Starting Mix vs Potting Soil Debate!

That pretty much covers the subject of seed starting mix vs potting soil! Hopefully, with this information, you’re feeling confident and ready to choose the right product for your needs. If you have more planting and growing questions, don’t miss the Seed Starting page on our website.

We have all kinds of resources to help you plan and care for your garden. From advice on planting different crops and caring for seedlings to tips, tricks, and product recommendations, you’re sure to find some helpful resources for your garden. If you’re looking for suggestions for garden supplies and tools, you’re in the right place!