In my search for the right growing medium, I tried multiple brands, often going for the cheapest ones possible. When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing and thought I would find the one that cost the least amount. However, as I soon learned, these cheap soil mixes were often filled with well filler product. Like big pieces of mulch and rocks. And, having mixed success with seed starting, I started realizing that the quality of the soil you use really does matter. While searching, I came across All Purpose Black and Gold soil when I saw someone on YouTube say they used it for their seed starting mixes. So, I had to try it out.
This post is all purpose black and gold soil reviews from my own garden trials with vegetables, herbs, and houseplants. I tested the soil over a couple seasons, tracking plant growth, moisture levels, and ease of care. As someone who digs into every detail, I share the right points that matter: from how it works from a seed starting perspective, to performance under heat. If you want a true, honest, hands-on review, you’re in the right place.
My First Impressions of All Purpose Black and Gold Soil by SunGro
Texture and Appearance
I was able to find the bag locally at one of my hardware stores, but you can also order it online from Amazon. After opening the bag, I examined the texture with my fingers. The soil was dark, almost velvet-black, thanks to peat moss and the black gold brand signature look. I felt soft granules mixed with tiny pieces of earthworm castings and shredded bark. I was excited, because I could tell this blend seemed to have a balanced organic matter content. A light squeeze in my hand yielded a crumbly but moist texture. A complete 180 from some of the cheap potting mixes I used before.
Smell and Initial Handling
A quick sniff revealed a mild, earthy aroma—no chemical or sour odors. This subtle scent comes from organic fertilizer like bone meal and kelp extracts. Handling it, I noticed it wasn’t dusty, reducing the mess when potting. The presence of a wetting agent meant it likely won’t repel water on first watering.
Key Features of the Soil
Nutrient-Rich Formula and Organic Matter
The nutrient-rich formula boasts peat moss, earthworm castings, and composted organic matter. Each ingredient brings unique benefits: peat moss adds the ability to hold water, the worm castings add beneficial microbes, and the compost enriches the biology of the soil. The mix appeared to be free of synthetic additives, relying on organic fertilizer for balanced feeding. This blend ensures every plant receives essential nourishment from day one.
Controlled Release Fertilizer and Organic Nutrients
Inside the mix are slow-release fertilizer granules designed to feed plants for up to six months. These granules release nutrients gradually, lowering the risk of burn. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like magnesium and iron, the formula supports robust growth. The boost from organic nutrients helps seedlings establish strong root systems. While I still use some organic slow release granular fertilizers in my garden, this is still a nice bonus for the gardener who doesn’t necessarily want to deal with added applications of fertilizer.
Superior Moisture Retention and Excellent Drainage
One thing I really liked was it appears that this mix balances moisture retention with drainage. Thanks to the peat moss and perlite blend, water spreads evenly and settles around roots. The soil’s particle size ensures water drains through quickly, preventing soggy pots. I tested this in both clay and plastic containers and saw no waterlogging, even after heavy rain.
Wetting Agent Benefits
The built-in wetting agent speeds water absorption into dry soil. After letting a pot go unwatered for a week, a single soak wetted the mix evenly. No dry pockets remained. This feature saves time and helps new gardeners avoid frustration when repotting.
Using the Soil in My Garden
Potting Soil for Indoor Pots
Switching to this premium potting mix indoors made a visible difference. I repotted a peace lily and phildendron we have, and they both bounced back after a week. I’ve also noticed some of my herbs like cilantro and parsley developed fuller leaves, thanks to that nutrient-rich formula. Even my struggling pothos produced new vines within ten days. Indoor plant care felt simpler and more forgiving.
Outdoor Decor and Garden Beds
I also used the soil in patio planters and hanging baskets to enhance my outdoor decor. Some of the petunias I had spilled over the edges, and begonias showed deeper colors. In a raised bed, I planted lettuce, spinach, and kale. The nutrient boost kept the greens crisp and pest-resistant. Using it in vegetable beds gave me an early spring harvest.
Container Gardening and Scaling Up
When I expanded to grow cherry tomatoes in 10-gallon containers, this soil was a game-changer. The controlled release fertilizer supported flowering and fruiting without extra feedings. I harvested juicy tomatoes every other day. Large-scale container gardening felt easy with this consistent, rich mix.
Creator’s Recommendations
If you’re planning to pot dozens of plants, consider buying in bulk. I found a 2-cubic-foot bag economical when sourced directly from the brand’s website. Their subscription option ensures regular delivery, so you never run out. That delivery time remains under a week, even for bulk orders. Or you can buy from Amazon and get 4 of the 16 quart bags
Seed Starting Success with All-Purpose Black & Gold Soil
When it comes to seed starting, this is perhaps the area I was excited about the most with this line of products. While this post is focused on the all-purpose potting mix, SunGro also has a seed starting mix as well. I have tried so many other brands, from Burpee, to Back to The Roots, to Miracle Gro, etc. and I really think this product is so much better than those. The fine crumb structure—enriched with peat moss, earthworm castings, and organic matter—gives tiny roots room to breathe while the built-in wetting agent and superior moisture retention keep the medium evenly damp. Young seedlings get just the right points of nutrients without risk of burn, then transition seamlessly into larger pots once they’ve developed sturdy root systems. My germination rates shot up, and I haven’t seen a single case of damping-off since making this simple seed-starting tweak.
Performance Over Time
Plant Growth and Health
Across three months, I tried to track plant height, leaf count, and bloom frequency. On average, plants seemed to grow faster compared to my previous potting soil. Roots were denser when I checked mid-season. I saw no signs of nutrient deficiency or stress, even under high heat. There were a few plants I had that struggled, but they did with other growing mediums as well. It just happened to be something funky with the weather I think.
Soil Structure and Reusability
After harvest, I dried the soil and removed spent roots. The structure remained loose and fluffy. I topped it with compost and reused it for a new batch of seedlings. There was minimal compaction, which speaks to the quality of organic matter and perlite ratio.
Ease of Maintenance
Day-to-day care became simpler. With superior moisture retention, I watered every three days instead of daily. Fed by controlled release fertilizer, plants rarely needed extra feeding. Cleanup around pots was dust-free thanks to the wetting agent.
Cost
You pay for what you get, right? Since this is a higher quality soil mix, it is slighlty more expensive than the cheap ones you can find. However, in my opinion, the up front cost is worth it. As of this writing, a 16 quart bag is $20 online. Compare that to a product from say Miracle Gro, it is a little cheaper for the same size
Pros and Cons of Sun Gro All Purpose Black and Gold Soil
- Pros:
- Great product for diverse gardening needs
- Combines peat moss, earthworm castings, and composted organic matter
- Controlled release fertilizer supports growth for months
- Wetting agent ensures easy rehydration
- Superior moisture retention with excellent drainage
- Fast delivery time and bulk subscription option
- Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than basic potting soil
- Heavy bags are tough to lift solo
- Slightly coarse for fine-seeded plants without top dressing
Final Thoughts
After really giving it some time, this soil stands out as a premium potting mix that delivers on its promises. It might not be at the level of Happy Frog, but it is a great product. From the rich black gold color to the careful balance of organic nutrients and fertilizer, it ticks the right points for any gardener. Its superior moisture retention and excellent drainage mean healthier roots and less guesswork. Whether you’re refreshing indoor potted plants or creating show-stopping outdoor decor, this mix offers essential nourishment from seed to bloom. For me, it has become the go-to organic fertilizer and potting mix choice for every garden project.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I genuinely believe in. Thank you for supporting this blog!