Best Loam-Based Compost Mixes

Best Loam-Based Compost Mixes

Loam-based composts are arguably one of the best compost mixes for most gardens. These compost mixes, often described as “loamy”, are soft and excellent for maintaining moisture without drowning plants, making it an ideal compost mix to keep plants hydrated. 

As the name suggests, loam-based composts are made of a loam base. Loam bases consist of balanced mixtures of various mineral components – clay, silt, and sand. Fertilizer and peat is then added to the loam base to add nutrients to the soil, thus allowing for a good amount of organic matter in a well-draining soil. 

If you’re looking to make the most of your garden, you’ve got to start with choosing the right compost. Here is our guide to the best loam-based compost mixes!

Best Loam-Based Compost Mixes

Black Gold 1302040 All Organic Potting Soil

SUNGRO HORTICULTURE Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil

(affiliate link)

All-purpose loam-based composts are ideal for virtually every garden. This US-made compost mix features a rich, loamy base along with peat moss, earthworm castings, perlite, organic fertilizer, bark, and pumice. This combination makes for a highly nutritious soil that is well-draining and ideal for retaining moisture. 

The Black Gold potting soil can be used for a variety of potting purposes, including indoor houseplants, outdoor plants, annuals and perennials, window boxes, beds, vegetables, fruits, and more. Its nutritional value is most beneficial for increasing the yield of fruits and vegetables. 

The only downside to this potting soil is that the high organic matter might be too strong for juvenile plants. 

Pros:

  • Versatile – Suitable for many potting purposes
  • Highly nutritious – High organic matter keeps plants, vegetables, fruits, and flowers healthy
  • Well-draining – Retains moisture without keeping the soil too dry or damp

Cons:

  • Very rich – Rich nutrients might be too overwhelming for young plants, resulting in burning

Also available to purchase at:

Black Gold

SUNGRO HORTICULTURE Black Gold 1302040 8-Quart All Organic Potting Soil
$16.45 ($0.06 / Ounce)
  • The all purpose organic potting soil that fits all your needs; convenience, quality tested organic ingredients and a proven track record of performance
  • Offers premium quality at outstanding saving
  • This product is made in United States
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 05:05 am GMT

Conrad Fafard 4000108 Premium Organic Compost

Conrad Fafard 4000108 Premium Organic Compost

(affiliate link)

If you need a bog-standard, nutritious, and balanced loam-based compost for your flower beds and vegetable gardens, look no further. The Conrad Fafard compost is made of an organic formula, featuring a loam base with a blend of shrimp and seaweed. While this might seem an interesting combination, these are organic materials that help to elevate the levels of nitrogen in the compost – and therefore the plants! 

As a result of the shrimp and seaweed ingredients, this compost doesn’t have the most appealing aroma. While it won’t alter the taste or scent of vegetables or flowers, it will work to attract bugs and pollinators, which is why it’s best to be used for outdoor gardens. 

Pros:

  • Organic blend – Seaweed and shrimp help to elevate nitrogen levels
  • Attracts pollinators – Scent brings in pollinators such as bees and butterflies
  • Increases yield – Improves yield and size of flowers 

Cons:

  • Smell – Not suitable for indoor use 

Also available to purchase at:

Famous Microgreens

Conrad Fafard 4000108 Premium Organic Compost
$29.34
  • Cubic Foot, Premium Organic Compost, Is An All Natural Formulation
  • Formula Is Specifically Designed For The Use On Vegetable Gardens, And Flower Beds
  • Organic Blended Formula That Contains Both Shrimp, And Seaweed
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 08:50 am GMT

Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix - All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 1

(affiliate link)

The Espoma AP8 Organic Potting Mix is most ideal for retaining moisture. While all loam-based composts share the same ability, this potting mix features more clay in its formula, which helps to reduce the stress of drought. The sphagnum peat moss and peat humus ingredients help to allow for good drainage to prevent waterlogging. 

Not only this, but peat moss and humus are forms of organic matter that help to prevent the build-up of harmful organisms. It’s about as natural and organic as you can get! Other nutrients in the formula include kelp meal and earthworm castings, so you don’t have to worry about fertilizing your plants. 

Pros:

  • Moisture retention – Clay-heavy loam base retains moisture to reduce drought stress
  • Organic – Peat moss and humus prevent build-up of harmful organisms
  • Nutritious – Provides plants with necessary nutrition without the need of fertilizer

Cons:

  • Not for cacti – Moisture retention quality means this isn’t suitable for plants that require dry soil

Also available to purchase at:

Espoma

Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix - All Natural Potting Mix For All Indoor & Outdoor Containers Including Herbs & Vegetables. For Organic Gardening, 8qt. bag. Pack of 1
$15.99 ($0.06 / Ounce)
  • FOR USE ON: Not just an indoor potting soil, this can also be used as a potting soil for outdoor plants and is a great soil mix for vegetables, herbs & all other container plants & flowers.
  • CONTAINS: This organic soil for plants & vegetables is a rich blend of sphagnum peat moss, humus & perlite enriched with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal & feather meal
  • MYCO-TONE: A proprietary blend of endo & ecto mycorrhizae.
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 09:19 am GMT

Organic Plant Magic Compressed Potting Soil

Compressed Organic Potting-Soil for Garden & Plants - Expands up to 4 Times When Mixed with Water - Nutrient Rich Plant Food Derived from Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer

(affiliate link)

The key to a beneficial loam-based potting mix is to find one that expands the soil granules at least twice its size from water. This Organic Plant Magic soil does just that, with the soil granules expanding 4 times larger than the original size, allowing for moisture retention and enough room for drainage and oxygenation. 

The potting soil is filled with non-toxic and organic ingredients including earthworm castings, amino acids, helpful bacteria, coconut coir, and more. This is ideal for ensuring your plants, flowers, and vegetables are filled with nutrition. 

Pros:

  • Versatile – Suitable for indoor and outdoor use 
  • Expands when watered – Retains moisture while allowing for drainage 
  • Organic – All-natural and beneficial ingredients 

Cons:

  • Price – Some reviewers say this potting soil is overpriced 

Also available to purchase at: 

Organic Plant Matter

Compressed Organic Potting-Soil for Garden & Plants - Expands up to 4 Times When Mixed with Water - Nutrient Rich Plant Food Derived from Natural Coconut Coir & Worm Castings Fertilizer
$34.00 ($1.06 / Ounce)
  • A LITTLE DOES A LOT - Easy to use compressed soil granules quickly expand up to 4X and make up to 3 gallons of soil. Light, compact, easy to carry, resealable bag saves space.
  • NOURISH & SEE THEM FLOURISH - Packed with every essential nutrient plus 55+ trace minerals, this concentrated super soil feeds and grows strong beautiful vibrant plants better than ever!
  • FAST ACTING & LONG LASTING - Easy to wet and stays moist 3X longer. Living soil gets water, air and nutrients to roots on demand. Perfect for all seeds, starts, transplants, containers, raised beds...
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 08:47 am GMT

Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix

Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix, dirt

(affiliate link)

The key to a great potting mix is to find one with enough nutritional value to reduce the need to fertilize the soil. This Burpee potting mix is enriched with organic plant food designed to maintain, grow, and produce fabulous flowers, plants, and tasty fruits and vegetables with heightened yields. The plant food is released slowly over 3 months to prevent overwhelming the plants. 

Coconut coir is a prominent ingredient in this potting mix formula. This is designed to maintain moisture (to prevent your plants from drying out) whilst providing enough room in the soil for drainage to prevent root rot. This loam-based soil isn’t too rich in nutrients, making it highly versatile for plants of all ages.

Pros:

  • Low in nutrients – Versatile for plants in all settings (indoor and outdoor) including juveniles
  • Included plant food – Slow-release plant food keeps plants thriving without stress
  • Moisture retention – Coconut coir keeps plants hydrated without risk of root rot

Cons:

  • Risk of overfeeding – Remember the plant food is released slowly, and not to overfeed the soil with fertilizer

Also available to purchase at:

Burpee

Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix, dirt
$15.86
  • Burpee Organic Premium growing mix is enriched with Burpee plant food for vibrant flowers and delicious vegetables and herbs
  • Perfect for container and raised bed gardening, this growing mix feeds plants instantly and provides a slow release plant food that feeds for up to 3 months
  • Formulated with coconut coir, a sustainable and renewable resource, that helps maintain moisture between watering's for vibrant flowers and delicious vegetables and herbs
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 08:38 am GMT

Rio Hamza Trading Hoya Potting Mix

Hoya Potting Mix, Potting Soil Media for Planting or Re-Potting Hoya Obovata or India Rope Hoya, All Natural Potting Soil for Planting Hoya- 2qts

(affiliate link)

The Hoya potting mix is made of all-natural materials including charcoal, perlite, peat moss, lime, pine bark, and earthworm castings. Not only are these accompanied by a loam base, but these all-natural materials are ideal for retaining moisture and organic matter, which is essential for plant growth. The inclusion of charcoal is particularly handy for tropical plants, as charcoal naturally appears in their native soil. 

Another reason why this potting mix is so popular amongst gardeners is because of its price point. These bags are sold in one-gallon sizes, meaning you don’t have to worry about constantly buying more overpriced smaller bags. 

Pros:

  • All-natural materials – No added chemicals to allow for complete natural growth
  • Charcoal – Charcoal material is ideal for tropical plants
  • Affordable – Large bag sizes for a low price 

Cons:

  • Could be looser – Throw in orchid bark for looser soil 
Hoya Potting Mix, Potting Soil Media for Planting or Re-Potting Hoya Obovata or India Rope Hoya, All Natural Potting Soil for Planting Hoya- 2qts
  • All Natural Potting Mix for Hoya- We hand blend this mixture to be specifically geared towards providing your exotic Hoya plants with the correct nutrients and growing environment, this mixture is a...
  • All Organic Matter- This blend features 100% all organic matter with no added chemicals or elements that are not natural.
  • Ample One Gallon Quantity- This Hoya potting media is sold here in an ample one-gallon quantity, big enough for repotting or planting several small or a few large Hoya.
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Fishnure Organic Humus Compost Fertilizer

Fishnure 8 Pound Odorless Organic Humus Compost Fish Manure Fertilizer - OMRI Listed - with Living microbes for Potted Plants, Indoor Plants, Herb Gardens , Vegetable Gardens, Flower and Fruits

(affiliate link)

Fish manure might sound like an odd material to have in compost, but if animal manure is such a commonly included material, then it makes sense to use fish waste, too. This is a humus compost that is designed to maintain moisture whilst allowing for frequent aeration to prevent waterlogging and root rot, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor planting. 

The fish manure ingredient helps to keep the soil fertile with essential nutrients, which are slowly released into the plants for several months. The microscopic clay particles are bound with the organic matter of the fish manure, thus enhancing the organic matter as it continues to decompose. 

Despite the fish manure, this compost is surprisingly odorless and doesn’t smell like fish. 

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly – Uses organic fish waste as fertilizer
  • High in nutrients – Filled with essential nutrients for plant growth and increased yield
  • Slow-release fertilizer – Lasts a long time without starving or overwhelming plants of nutrients

Cons:

  • Needs more organic matter – Could benefit from organic bark mixed in

Also available to purchase at:

Fishnure

Fishnure 8 Pound Odorless Organic Humus Compost Fish Manure Fertilizer - OMRI Listed - with Living microbes for Potted Plants, Indoor Plants, Herb Gardens , Vegetable Gardens, Flower and Fruits
$36.99 ($0.29 / Ounce)
  • ✅ORGANIC NATURAL FERTILIZER: Organic, living fertilizer and soil conditioning humus compost made from fish manure for indoor and outdoor plants.
  • ✅KEY BENEFITS: Increased yield, aeration, water holding capacity, soil fertility, and organic matter.
  • ✅HIGH CONCENTRATION: 1 pound treats up to 60 square feet, allowing you to cover large spans of area with an 8-pound bag.
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 09:51 am GMT

Michigan Peat 5240 Garden Magic Compost and Manure 

Michigan Peat 5240 Garden Magic Compost and Manure, 40-Pound

(affiliate link)

Animal manure is a highly beneficial material for composts. While fresh animal manure can be harmful when come into contact with plants, fruits, and vegetables (not to mention the odor), composted animal manure contains a variety of natural nutrients that are vital for plant growth. This includes nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and micro-nutrients. Plus, it’s a good way to prevent waste. 

This Michigan Peat compost also contains organic reed sedge peat, which helps to retain moisture while allowing for good drainage. The natural nutrients within this soil makes it ideal for a range of planting purposes, including pots, beds, raised beds, and container growing. 

Pros:

  • Natural nutrients – Filled with essential nutrients for plants to thrive 
  • Free from odor – Animal manure is blended to prevent odor and foul tasting vegetables
  • Versatile – Light and ideal for a range of potting uses 

Cons:

  • Might need to be mixed – Will benefit from mixing twigs and bark to help air the soil 

Also available to purchase at:

Michigan Peat

Michigan Peat 5240 Garden Magic Compost and Manure, 40-Pound
$29.99 ($0.05 / Ounce)
  • Garden magic compost and manure
  • An odor free blend of natural organic reed sedge peat and composted animal manure
  • It provides a natural nutrient content
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 10:39 am GMT

Harvest Gold Organics – Organic Soil Conditioner

Harvest Gold Organics - Organic Soil Conditioner, Natural Soil Amendment for Houseplants, Flowers, Lawns, Gardens and Trees, Provides Natural Silica and Micronutrients for Plants (3 Pound Bag)

(affiliate link)

While not a highly loamy product, the Harvest Fold Organics soil is a great soil conditioner for its silica and nutritional content. Silica has beneficial alkalizing effects to reduce the risk of acidic stress, which is then blended with other naturally occurring micronutrients that are essential for plant growth and resilience. 

This soil conditioner is designed to enhance the quality of the soil and plants, making it highly useful for an array of purposes – including flowers, herbs, vegetables, lawns, trees, shrubs, and more. Plus, as it’s made from non-toxic materials, it’s safe for pets to accidentally consume!

Pros:

  • Reduces acidity – Alkalizing effects prevent plants from stress
  • Essential nutrients – Organic, non-toxic blend of nutrients encourages growth and durability
  • Versatile – Suitable for lawns, flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and more

Cons:

  • Needs more loam – Works best when peat moss is added

Also available to purchase at:

Harvest Gold

Harvest Gold Organics - Organic Soil Conditioner, Natural Soil Amendment for Houseplants, Flowers, Lawns, Gardens and Trees, Provides Natural Silica and Micronutrients for Plants (3 Pound Bag)
$19.95 ($0.42 / Ounce)
  • Harvest Gold Organics Premium Soil Conditioner is safe for pets, non-toxic and kid friendly. Our all- natural micronutrient blend for Plants is certified organic. We believe that plant and garden care...
  • Our natural organic soil amendment is approved for organic gardening, addressing specific nutrient deficiencies, reducing water use and loosens heavy clay soil. It is comprised of 100-percent organic...
  • Harvest Gold Organics Premium Soil Conditioner is a high quality, multi-purpose, all-natural soil amendment for indoor and outdoor plants, lawns and gardens. Our Premium micronutrient blend of Silica...
CHECK LATEST PRICE
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
09/30/2023 10:00 am GMT

Conclusion

Overall, loam-based compost mixes are undoubtedly the best for growing an array of flowers, plants, vegetables, fruits, shrubs, trees, and more. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooLdMgTyVgQ&ab_channel=kapavidex

About The Author

Gina Harper grew up dreaming about farms and growing her own food. She began an urban garden to feed herself and turned it into an incredible hobby. Gina is here to teach you everything from raised beds to container gardening, how to keep plants alive and well in a smoggy city, and the works. It’s time that we carve our own piece of green earth and reap what we sow—she’s here to help you with that.