What's the difference between potting mix and potting soil?

Potting mix is a soilless soil mix made for containers, while potting soil can include heavier garden soil that may compact in pots. Soilless mixes like Sunshine Mix #4 use peat moss, perlite, and lime to keep things light and well-drained.That structure protects plant roots from too much water and helps with root rot. For container gardening, a quality potting mix gives better plant growth than soil-based mix options pulled from garden beds.

What ingredients are in Sunshine Mix #4 with RESiLIENCE?

The mix contains five core ingredients, each with a clear role:Canadian sphagnum peat moss: holds moisture while keeping air space open for rootsCoarse perlite: improves drainage and prevents the blend from packing downDolomite lime: balances the acidic peat to a steady soil pHLong-lasting wetting agent: helps water spread evenly through the peatRESiLIENCE: a silicon amendment that supports plant performance under stressThere is no compost, manure, or slow-release fertilizer in the bag, which keeps the mix clean and predictable.

What is RESiLIENCE and why does it matter?

RESiLIENCE is Sun Gro's silicon additive blended right into the mix. Silicon is missing from most bagged potting mixes since peat, bark, and coir hold very little of it. Adding silicon back into a soilless growing medium may improve resistance to wilting and help plants handle heat or drought stress.

Is Sunshine Mix #4 chemically inert?

Yes, the mix is chemically inert, which means it does not carry its own fertilizer charge. You stay in full control of nutrients, nitrogen levels, and feeding through every stage of the growing season.Start your own feed program within 7 to 14 days of planting or seedling emergence. That setup works well for growers who want to dial in plant performance crop by crop.

What is Sunshine Mix #4 good for?

It works well for indoor containers, greenhouse production, and crops that need fast drainage. Common uses include:Container vegetables, tomatoes, pepper plants, and herbsHouseplants in pots that need good drainage and steady moisture retentionSalt-sensitive crops that need frequent leachingWinter and cool-season growing where too much water is a riskYou can also pair it with products from the soils and mulches collection for larger projects.

What plants grow best in Sunshine Mix #4?

Most plants that grow in pots will do well in this mix. That includes tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, fruits, herbs, and a wide range of houseplants.It also supports cuttings, seedlings, and young transplants through their early growth stages. If you grow in Colorado, our guide on where to buy compost in Colorado covers good companion blends for outdoor container setups.

Is Sunshine Mix #4 good for seed starting?

Yes, the loose, open texture works well for germinating seeds and rooting cuttings. The peat moss holds moisture and organic material around the seed, while coarse perlite keeps the blend from packing down.There are no weed seeds, pathogens, or fungi in the bag since the mix is sterile. That gives young plant roots a clean start without competition or disease pressure.

How does Sunshine Mix #4 handle drainage and moisture?

The high ratio of coarse perlite makes this the right potting mix for strong drainage and steady air space around the roots. Peat moss handles water holding capacity, so the blend stays moist without turning dense or muddy. That balance helps prevent root rot from too much water in containers and pots. For more on container blends and amendments, see our guide on buying bagged compost.

Does Rivendell Distribution ship Sunshine Mix #4, and can I visit the store?

Yes, Rivendell ships Sunshine Mix #4 and other good potting mix options and organic blends across Colorado and the Western Slope. Delivery depends on your order size and location, with smaller orders by carrier and pallet orders by local truck or semi.You can also pick up your order at the yard at 3961 County Road 114, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Check the shipping information page for delivery details or contact our team for a quote on bulk orders.

Sungro Sunshine Mix #4 Aggregate Plus: 3.8 cu ft professional growing mix, expands up to 2x, with RESiLIENCE for superior drainage and aeration.

Sunshine #4 with RESiLIENCE(3.8 Cubic Foot)

$82.90 USD

Availability varies — contact us to place an order.

Request a Custom Order

Need it sooner? Call us (970) 945-2568

Recommended where high air capacity and fast drainage are needed, Sunshine Mix #4 is ideal for growing crops during winter months, with water and salt sensitive crops, or where frequent leaching is required. Ready to Grow.

Particle Size for Sunshine® Mix #4 is coarse

Water Retention for Sunshine® Mix #4 is low

Ingredients:

Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss
Coarse Perlite
Dolomite Lime
Long-Lasting Wetting Agent
RESiLIENCE

Usage:

Floriculture

Sizes:

3.8 Cubic Foot Loosefill (30/Pallet)

80 Cubic Foot Loosefill (1 Tote) * Call for Availability

Details

Brand: Sun Gro Horticulure

Weight: 45 lb

SKU: 1341.CFL003.8P

Potting mix is a soilless soil mix made for containers, while potting soil can include heavier garden soil that may compact in pots. Soilless mixes like Sunshine Mix #4 use peat moss, perlite, and lime to keep things light and well-drained.
That structure protects plant roots from too much water and helps with root rot. For container gardening, a quality potting mix gives better plant growth than soil-based mix options pulled from garden beds.
The mix contains five core ingredients, each with a clear role:
- Canadian sphagnum peat moss: holds moisture while keeping air space open for roots
- Coarse perlite: improves drainage and prevents the blend from packing down
- Dolomite lime: balances the acidic peat to a steady soil pH
- Long-lasting wetting agent: helps water spread evenly through the peat
- RESiLIENCE: a silicon amendment that supports plant performance under stress
There is no compost, manure, or slow-release fertilizer in the bag, which keeps the mix clean and predictable.
Yes, the mix is chemically inert, which means it does not carry its own fertilizer charge. You stay in full control of nutrients, nitrogen levels, and feeding through every stage of the growing season.
Start your own feed program within 7 to 14 days of planting or seedling emergence. That setup works well for growers who want to dial in plant performance crop by crop.
It works well for indoor containers, greenhouse production, and crops that need fast drainage. Common uses include:
- Container vegetables, tomatoes, pepper plants, and herbs
- Houseplants in pots that need good drainage and steady moisture retention
- Salt-sensitive crops that need frequent leaching
- Winter and cool-season growing where too much water is a risk
You can also pair it with products from the soils and mulches collection for larger projects.
Most plants that grow in pots will do well in this mix. That includes tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, fruits, herbs, and a wide range of houseplants.
It also supports cuttings, seedlings, and young transplants through their early growth stages. If you grow in Colorado, our guide on where to buy compost in Colorado covers good companion blends for outdoor container setups.
Yes, the loose, open texture works well for germinating seeds and rooting cuttings. The peat moss holds moisture and organic material around the seed, while coarse perlite keeps the blend from packing down.
There are no weed seeds, pathogens, or fungi in the bag since the mix is sterile. That gives young plant roots a clean start without competition or disease pressure.
The high ratio of coarse perlite makes this the right potting mix for strong drainage and steady air space around the roots. Peat moss handles water holding capacity, so the blend stays moist without turning dense or muddy. That balance helps prevent root rot from too much water in containers and pots. For more on container blends and amendments, see our guide on buying bagged compost.
Yes, Rivendell ships Sunshine Mix #4 and other good potting mix options and organic blends across Colorado and the Western Slope. Delivery depends on your order size and location, with smaller orders by carrier and pallet orders by local truck or semi.
You can also pick up your order at the yard at 3961 County Road 114, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. Check the shipping information page for delivery details or contact our team for a quote on bulk orders.

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Sunshine #4 with RESiLIENCE(3.8 Cubic Foot)