garden
Fox Farm Soil Review
The Ultimate Guide for Healthy Plant Growth

What is Fox Farm Soil?
Fox Farm has been around since the 80’s! Willy, the Founder and CEO of the company, created Fox Farm to offer a new soil that was sterilized in any way. They are based out of Humboldt, California, and we would say they are offering a great soil solution at a good price!
Key Benefits of Using Fox Farm Soil
- Nutrient-rich ingredients for optimal plant growth
- Organic components and environmental sustainability *each product contains different amounts of organic materials. Be sure to check the ingredients list next time if you are looking for an all organic product.
- Ideal for a variety of plants: Container gardens, indoor plants, and outdoor plants
- Benefits for both novice and experienced gardeners
Types of Fox Farm Soil and Their Uses
There are many different Fox Farm soils:
FF Ocean Forest
High in nutrients, ideal for flowering plants and vegetables.
Happy Frog
Includes beneficial microbes and mycorrhizal fungi, promoting healthy roots and nutrient uptake for general gardening.
Coco Loco
A coconut coir-based mix designed for water retention, excellent for plants that need frequent watering.
Ingredients in Fox Farm Soil: What Makes It So Effective?
Fox Farm soils are known for having the most high-quality, organic ingredients that provide the best results when growing strong healthy plants. The organic materials in Fox Farm soils varying depending on the soil you are purchasing.
FoxFarm Ocean Forest potting soil ingredients include:
- Earthworm Castings: Rich in nutrients, earthworm castings improve soil structure and enhance nutrient availability.
- Bat Guano: Adds essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which promote plant growth.
- Sea-going Fish and Crab Meal: High in nitrogen, these marine-based ingredients improve plant health and boost leaf and flower production.
- Forest Humus: Provides a rich, organic base that enhances soil structure and promotes moisture retention.
- Sphagnum Peat Moss: Helps with soil aeration and water retention, ideal for root growth.
- Sandy Loam: Improves soil drainage and prevents compaction.
- Composted Forest Products: Offer nutrients and improve the overall texture of the soil.
Happy Frog potting soil includes:
- Composted Forest Humus: Supplies organic matter and helps retain moisture.
- Earthworm Castings: Boosts soil fertility and aids in nutrient absorption.
- Bat Guano: Provides natural nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy plant growth.
- Mycorrhizal Fungi: Helps establish strong root systems and improves nutrient uptake by associating with plant roots.
- Humic Acid: Increases nutrient availability and promotes microbial activity in the soil.
- Aged Forest Products: Enhance the soil’s texture and moisture-holding capacity.
- Sphagnum Peat Moss: Contributes to soil aeration and water retention.
Coco Loco potting mix includes:
- Perlite: Being part perlite, this soil allows for better drainage and aeration within the mix.
- Composted Forest Humus: Adds organic matter and helps with moisture retention.
- Earthworm Castings: Enriches the soil with natural nutrients.
- Bat Guano: A nutrient powerhouse, supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Mycorrhizal Fungi: Supports root health and nutrient absorption.
Other Fox Farm products may include:
- Kelp Meal: A natural source of micronutrients that stimulate root growth and improve plant resilience.
- Alfalfa Meal: Provides nitrogen and other nutrients to support healthy plant growth.
- Limestone: Adjusts pH to a plant-friendly range.
Fox Farm Soil vs. Competitors
Several ingredients in Fox Farm soil mixes act as soil conditioners. Soil conditioners provide good results by improving the structure, water retention, and nutrient availability within the soil. These ultimate potting soil include the following soil conditioners:
- Peat Moss
Particularly useful for plants that need consistently moist soil, it helps maintain a balance between drainage and water retention. - Coconut Coir, also known as Coco Coir
This sustainable alternative to peat moss enhances soil aeration and makes it easier for plant roots to access water. - Perlite
Perlite helps create air pockets in the soil, which benefits root development and reduces the risk of root rot in water-sensitive plants. - Mycorrhizal Fungi
Mychorrhizal Fungi helps soil by improving nutrient uptake, mycorrhizal fungi increase plant growth and resilience, acting as a biological soil conditioner. - Humic Acid
It binds to nutrients in the soil, making them more accessible to plants, and improves the soil’s overall health. - Limestone
By balancing the pH, limestone improves the availability of nutrients in the soil, which can be especially important for plants that need a neutral pH. - Forest Humus
They condition the soil by adding organic material, which breaks down over time, enhancing soil texture and fertility.
Each of these ingredients plays a specific role, providing essential nutrients, enhancing soil texture, promoting microbial activity, and improving water retention and aeration. The blend of these ingredients in Fox Farm soils makes them highly effective for a wide range of plants, from vegetables to flowering plants and houseplants.
Fox Farm products stand out from other soil brands due to their focus on organic ingredients, specialized formulas, and commitment to high-quality soil mixes. Here are some key differences between Fox Farm and other soil brands:
Organic, Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
Fox Farm: Known for using premium organic ingredients like earthworm castings, bat guano, fish meal, and composted forest humus. These ingredients provide a natural source of nutrients that support vigorous plant growth.
Other Brands: Many other soil brands, especially budget options, may use synthetic fertilizers or cheaper fillers that provide fewer nutrients. Brands like Miracle-Gro, for instance, often include synthetic nutrients and chemical additives to enhance plant growth, which might not appeal to those seeking organic gardening solutions.
Specialized Soil Mixes for Different Plants
Fox Farm:Offers a variety of soil mixes tailored to specific plant needs. For example:
- Ocean Forest: High in nutrients, ideal for flowering plants and vegetables.
- Happy Frog: Includes beneficial microbes and mycorrhizal fungi, promoting healthy roots and nutrient uptake for general gardening.
- Coco Loco: A coconut coir-based mix designed for water retention, excellent for plants that need frequent watering.
Other Brands: While some other brands also provide specialized mixes, many mainstream brands offer more general-purpose potting soils that may not be as finely tailored to specific plant needs.
Beneficial Microbes and Mycorrhizal Fungi
Fox Farm: Includes beneficial microbes, like mycorrhizal fungi, in products such as Happy Frog. These microbes enhance soil health, support root growth, and improve nutrient absorption.
Other Brands: Many general soil brands lack these microbial additions. Some high-end competitors may include them, but they are not as common in standard potting mixes.
Soil Conditioning Ingredients
Fox Farm: Uses soil conditioners like sphagnum peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, and humic acid to improve water retention, aeration, and overall soil structure. This makes Fox Farm soil mixes ideal for plants that need a specific balance of moisture and drainage.
Other Brands: Some general brands include peat moss or perlite but may not have the same focus on multiple soil conditioners. Budget soil options often lack sufficient conditioners, leading to poor drainage or compaction issues over time.
pH Balanced Formulas
Fox Farm: pH levels are carefully adjusted to support a wide range of plants, typically kept between 6.3 to 6.8, which is optimal for nutrient uptake in most plants. The inclusion of limestone in some mixes helps maintain a stable pH.
Other Brands: Many other brands have general-purpose soils that may not have pH levels adjusted for optimal plant health, which can affect nutrient availability. Some soils may lean too acidic or too alkaline without the necessary adjustments.
Premium Pricing for Quality
Fox Farm: Often priced higher due to the quality of ingredients and the specialized nature of their soil mixes. Fox Farm caters to gardeners who prioritize organic, nutrient-dense soils and are willing to invest in premium products.
Other Brands: Brands like Miracle-Gro, Pro-Mix, and Sta-Green offer more budget-friendly options, with some lines focusing on synthetic or enhanced soils. These can be more accessible price-wise but may not offer the same quality of ingredients or specificity.
Environmental Focus and Sustainability
Fox Farm: Known for its environmentally friendly ingredients, avoiding synthetic fertilizers, and using natural components. Products like coconut coir in Coco Loco are a sustainable alternative to peat moss.
Other Brands: Some brands also prioritize sustainability, but many mainstream options rely on peat moss, which is less renewable. Synthetic fertilizers and chemicals in conventional brands may have a larger environmental footprint.
Brand Reputation and Niche Market
Fox Farm: Well-regarded in the gardening community, particularly among organic gardeners, hobbyists, and those cultivating specialty plants. It has a reputation for quality and is often recommended for specific types of gardening, such as growing herbs, vegetables, cannabis, and flowers.
Other Brands: Brands like Miracle-Gro are popular among general gardeners due to their broad availability and easy-to-use products but are sometimes viewed as less specialized or high-quality among experienced gardeners.
Fox Farm’s products appeal to gardeners seeking a more natural, premium product with ingredients designed to support plant health, growth, and soil structure in ways that standard or budget-friendly brands might not.
FoxFarm Fertilizer Products
It only makes sense that Fox Farm has also created fertilizers to help address isses that gardeners may have during all lifecycles of their plants. They help create an ideal environment for their plants while they have new seedlings, young plants, and during bloom seasons.
These fertilizer products each help with different growth issues. We have found these to show a drastic difference in the health of our plants and cultivate great soil over time.
FoxFarm Big Bloom Liquid Plant Food
- Organic-based liquid fertilizer made with bat guano and earthworm castings.
- Ideal for all growth stages, promoting flower and fruit development.
Grow Big Liquid Plant Food
- Nitrogen fertilizers that encourages lush, vigorous growth.
- Formulated for early stages of plant growth, especially for leafy greens and vegetables.
Tiger Bloom Liquid Plant Food
- High-phosphorus fertilizer designed for flowering and fruiting plants.
- Provides a quick nutrient boost for blooms and encourages larger, more vibrant flowers.
Happy Frog All-Purpose Fertilizer
- Granular, slow-release fertilizer that’s well-balanced for general use.
- Contains mycorrhizae and humic acid to support root health and nutrient uptake.
Beastie Bloomz Soluble Fertilizer
- High-phosphorus soluble fertilizer for late flowering stages.
- Encourages larger buds and blooms for heavy flowering plants.
Cha Ching Soluble Fertilizer
- Rich in phosphorus and potassium for the final stages of plant growth.
- Promotes essential oil production and heavy fruiting.
Open Sesame Soluble Fertilizer
- Early-flowering fertilizer that provides a boost of phosphorus.
- Ideal for setting buds in the initial flowering stages.
FoxFarm fertilizers are popular among gardeners for their specialized formulas and ability to target different stages of plant growth. Applying these to the perimeter of the plant guarantees optimum fertilizer uptake and promotes strong plant growth!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fox Farm Soil
Is Fox Farm Soil organic?
Some FoxFarm products may be organic, but they are not all certified organic. They use high-quality, natural ingredients most of the time, but some products do include synthetic additives (mostly in their fertilizers).
Soils:
Fertilizers:
Organic Soils and Fertilizers
Here is a list of organic vs. non-organic Fox Farm products:
- Ocean Forest Potting Soil: Contains organic components like earthworm castings, bat guano, and forest humus. It’s popular for organic gardening, even though it may not be certified organic.
- Happy Frog Potting Soil and Fertilizers: Includes organic ingredients and beneficial microbes, making it a great choice for organic gardening. The Happy Frog fertilizers are often OMRI-listed (Organic Materials Review Institute), meaning they meet organic gardening standards.
- Big Bloom Liquid Plant Food: An organic-based liquid fertilizer made with natural ingredients like earthworm castings and bat guano. It’s ideal for organic gardeners.
Non-Organic or Partially Synthetic Fertilizers
- Grow Big Liquid Plant Food: Although it includes some natural ingredients, this fertilizer contains synthetic nutrients designed to encourage rapid growth, especially in the vegetative stage.
- Tiger Bloom Liquid Plant Food: Similar to Grow Big, Tiger Bloom contains synthetic additives to increase its phosphorus content for flowering stages.
- Soluble Fertilizers (Beastie Bloomz, Cha Ching, Open Sesame): These products contain synthetic nutrients specifically formulated for different growth stages (blooming and fruiting). They are not organic but are highly effective for maximizing bloom production and bud development.
Conclusion: Is Fox Farm Soil Worth the Investment?
Generally, yes! We love using Fox Farm products and absolutely use their products to create an ideal environment and healthy plants in our container gardens. Fox Farm products is typically one of my top garden tips when chatting with farm friends and those trying to either start a garden or fix a problem in their current garden. It is not surprise that these products are typically available at your local gardening supply store.
I have found that our local stores usually only carry one size of soil or fertilizer, so we do resort to buying them online as well:
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