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You’ve got seeds, a sunny patch of land, and the will to grow. But without nutrient-rich soil, even the most enthusiastic gardener will fall short. If you’re aiming for success while gardening on a budget, this guide will show you exactly where to buy affordable garden soil online without sacrificing quality. We’ll highlight trusted retailers, bulk-buying tips, soil types, and DIY recipes to help you build your dream garden from the ground up.
Best Places to Buy Cheap Gardening Soil Online
Shopping online gives you access to competitive pricing, detailed product descriptions, and reviews from fellow gardeners. Here are some of the top-rated places to buy soil online:
1. Home Depot
Offers frequent online sales on brands like Vigoro, Kellogg, and Miracle-Gro Garden Soil. Their website allows you to filter by soil type, size, and customer rating. They also provide bulk buying options through Pro Services. https://www.homedepot.com
2. Lowe’s
Lowe’s has a strong selection of raised bed soil, compost, and manure blends. Their delivery and pickup services are especially handy during spring sales. https://www.lowes.com
3. Walmart
A reliable option for budget-conscious gardeners. Their Expert Gardener and Miracle-Gro product lines often include multi-bag deals and shipping discounts. https://www.walmart.com
4. Amazon
Ideal for remote areas. Popular brands include Dr. Earth, FoxFarm Ocean Forest, and Burpee Organic Soil. Use “Subscribe & Save” to save more. https://www.amazon.com
5. Bootstrap Farmer
Excellent source for bulk soil, soil amendments, seed-starting trays, and professional-grade gardening tools. https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com
6. Gardener’s Supply Company
Known for their eco-friendly gardening solutions and soil blends designed for organic growing. https://www.gardeners.com
Bonus Tip: Use browser extensions like Honey, Rakuten, or Capital One Shopping to apply coupons and find cashback offers.
What Makes a Good Gardening Soil (Even if It’s Cheap)
When buying cheap gardening soil, quality still matters. Don’t settle for filler-heavy, compacted mixes that can ruin your planting success.
Key Soil Quality Indicators:
- Texture: Rich, dark, and crumbly
- Drainage: Look for mixes with perlite, vermiculite, or coco coir
- Organic Matter: Compost or worm castings are ideal
- pH: Between 6.0 and 7.0 for most vegetables
- Additive-Free: Avoid soils with synthetic fertilizers if you’re gardening organically
Read this guide on how to choose quality garden soil from The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Understanding Different Soil Types Before You Buy
Before placing your order, it’s helpful to know what kind of soil your garden needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Clay Soil
- Heavy, dense, holds nutrients well
- Poor drainage, can get compacted easily
- Best for: Shrubs, perennials, and vegetables like broccoli and cabbage
Sandy Soil
- Light, well-draining, warms up quickly
- Poor at retaining water and nutrients
- Best for: Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and herbs
Loamy Soil (Ideal!)
- Balanced texture of sand, silt, and clay
- Retains nutrients and moisture without becoming waterlogged
- Best for: Most flowers, vegetables, and herbs
Check your local extension office or get a soil testing kit to identify your existing soil type before mixing or supplementing.
Where to Buy Bulk Garden Soil Online (and Save Money)
If you’re filling raised garden beds, large containers, or prepping a backyard garden, consider buying garden soil in bulk. It’s more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Bulk Buying Sources:
- Local Landscaping Supply Stores – Search “bulk garden soil near me” and compare cubic yard pricing
- Ace Hardware – Offers pallet-size orders and rewards discounts
- Home Depot Contractor Services – Special rates for large quantities
- SoilDirect.com – Nationwide delivery of topsoil, compost, and garden mixes https://www.soildirect.com
Soil Volume Calculator
Use this helpful calculator to determine how much soil you need for containers, beds, and plots:
https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/soil-calculator/7558.html
Regional Soil Buying Tips
Soil availability and prices can vary by location. Here are a few regional considerations:
Northern U.S.
- Look for cold-weather mixes with added organic matter to retain warmth
- Peat moss is often included to insulate plant roots
Southern U.S.
- Choose light, airy mixes that drain well to handle high humidity and rain
- Consider cactus soil blends for drought-prone areas
West Coast
- Organic compost and worm castings are widely available
- Raised bed blends are popular for backyard edible gardens
Midwest
- Look for balanced loamy blends with compost to support a wide variety of plants
- Mulch and straw can help insulate garden beds against rapid temperature swings
Comparison Table: Where to Buy Garden Soil Online
| Retailer | Best For | Shipping Options | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | General-purpose & bulk soil | Pickup & delivery | $$ |
| Lowe’s | Organic & raised bed blends | Pickup & delivery | $$ |
| Walmart | Budget options & bundles | Free shipping on select | $ |
| Amazon | Remote areas & specialty soil | Prime delivery | $$ – $$$ |
| Bootstrap Farmer | Bulk soil & amendments | Freight delivery | $$$ |
| Gardener’s Supply Co. | Eco-friendly & organic soil | Standard shipping | $$ – $$$ |
DIY Soil Blends for Budget Gardeners
If you’re willing to mix your own soil, you can control quality and stretch your budget. DIY blends are great for container gardens, seed starting trays, or revitalizing depleted garden beds.
Basic DIY Garden Soil Mix:
- 1 part compost (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 part coco coir or peat moss
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
Enriched Vegetable Garden Mix:
- 2 parts compost
- 1 part topsoil
- 1 part coconut coir
- Handful of rock dust or bone meal
Seed Starting Mix:
- 2 parts coco coir
- 1 part vermiculite
- 1 part worm castings
Store extra DIY mix in sealed plastic bins or fabric grow bags in a dry area.
FAQs About Buying Garden Soil Online
Is it safe to buy garden soil online?
Yes—as long as you read product reviews, check the ingredient list, and purchase from a reputable source.
What’s the difference between garden soil and potting soil?
Garden soil is heavier and designed for in-ground planting. Potting soil is lighter, often used for containers and raised beds.
Can I use topsoil for gardening?
Not alone. Topsoil lacks nutrients and structure. It should be mixed with compost and organic matter.
How do I know how much soil to buy?
Use a soil volume calculator or this general guide:
- Raised beds: 1.5 cubic feet per 12-inch deep square foot
- Containers: Check label or measure dimensions and apply soil volume formula
Smart Soil Choices Make Budget Gardening Easy
Buying soil doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right tips and trusted sources, you can get quality garden soil online and start growing without draining your budget. Whether you’re planting herbs on a balcony or prepping a full backyard plot, building your garden from the ground up starts with the right soil.
Happy growing,
EveGardens Team