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In a November 2021 interview, DPH Biologicals described plans to build its TerraTrove biofertility platform around its SP-1 technology and reported a potential fertilizer-replacement use when paired with in-furrow starter fertilizer. The article is a historical snapshot, not confirmation of current product availability, crop uses, trial results, or profitability. For a farmer evaluating biological inputs, the practical questions are what the product is labeled to do, what evidence supports it in the relevant crop and location, and whether the economics work on that farm.
What DPH Biologicals said it was developing
Megan Schilling’s Successful Farming interview, published November 30, 2021, profiled DPH Biologicals, then formerly Douglas Plant Health. The company said its SP-1 technology underpinned a planned biofertility platform called TerraTrove, described as combining microbes, plant extracts, and algae. Those are company-reported product details from that article; they do not by themselves establish current formulation, registration category, or efficacy.
The same article said SP-1 could allow growers using it with in-furrow starter fertilizers to replace up to 50% of synthetic fertilizer. That is a qualified, product-specific claim about a stated pairing—not a general promise that biologicals can replace half of fertilizer across crops, farms, or products. The article does not provide a trial protocol, controls, or profitability calculations with which to independently assess the claim.
What the 2021 expansion plans did—and did not—establish
The article reported investment in western Corn Belt trials and plans to expand into wheat and potatoes in the upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest, as well as specialty crops in the Southeast. These were plans stated in 2021. They do not confirm that the trials were completed, that results supported the claims, or that products are now available or approved for those crops and regions.
#1 Best Overall
- MADE FROM PLANTS: Miracle-Gro Organic Plant Food is an outdoor and indoor plant fertilizer made from plants for all plants for Successful Organic Gardening Made Attainable
- PLANT CARE NUTRITION: Made from 94% plant-based fertilizer ingredients, this organic gardening plant support product feeds plants instantly for healthier, more resilient plants (vs unfed plants, when used as directed)
- FOR ALL PLANT TYPES: Use with outdoor container plants, in-ground plants in gardens and raised beds, and with indoor container plants as a houseplant food
- DIRECTIONS: To apply this plant food for houseplants, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, dilute with water per label directions and soak the soil around each plant; reapplications may be made to outdoor garden plants and balcony gardens every 7-14 days or every 2 weeks to indoor plants
- QUANTITY: This 32 fl. oz. container of Miracle-Gro Organic Plant Food makes up to 10.75 gallons of diluted liquid plant food
Growmark crop-protection manager Eric Mowen offered a favorable customer-side assessment: “The ability of this product to consistently improve soil’s physical characteristics has been phenomenal, resulting in increased profitability for our customers.” The article does not disclose the data or methods behind that statement, so it should be read as an attributed opinion rather than independent evidence of consistent results or profit.
How to assess a biological input before using it
The interview reported broadcast, in-furrow, drip, and fertigation as application options. Those methods should not be treated as interchangeable directions for every formulation. Check the product’s current label and consult local agronomic guidance for the specific crop, application method, rate, compatibility, and timing.
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- For more nutritious and tasty vegetables
- Optimum levels of primary plant nutrients
- Contains no GMOs, chicken manure or sewage sludge
- Feeds for several months
- Made with 100% organic and natural ingredients
- Evidence in context: Look for trials relevant to your crop, soil, climate, and management system. Ask how treatments were compared, whether results were replicated, and whether outcomes included economic returns.
- Farm-level economics: Compare cost per acre with verified fertilizer savings and any other measurable change. A replacement claim is useful only if the product’s permitted use and local results support the intended reduction.
- Fit and handling: Confirm that the crop and application method are covered by current product directions, and check compatibility with starter fertilizer and any handling or storage requirements.
- Regulatory status: Identify the product’s actual category and permitted uses rather than assuming that “biological” or “natural” describes its regulatory status or proves performance.
Biologicals are not all regulated the same way
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses “biopesticide” for a narrower category of pesticides derived from natural materials, including biochemical pesticides, microbial pesticides, and plant-incorporated protectants. Biofertility inputs do not automatically fall into that category. A product’s status and allowed uses depend on the product itself; consult EPA’s biopesticide registration framework and its biopesticide information and product-label tools where relevant, along with the current product label.
DPH Biologicals CEO Mick Messman said in the interview that greater investment was bringing forward biological technology that worked more consistently. That is the executive’s assessment, not a market statistic or independently validated conclusion. The cited article does not provide a market-size estimate or independent evidence establishing yield gains across biological products.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TRULY ORGANIC ALL-PURPOSE PLANT FOOD: One 1/2 lb bag of this organic water soluble fertilizer concentrate makes 32+ gallons of liquid plant food, delivering outstanding performance with every feeding. Feeds vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit, trees, gardens and indoor house plants with one single product, with no harmful chemicals. Real performance that lasts the whole season and keeps building year after year.
- GET AMAZING PLANT GROWTH: Our Organic Fertilizer & Plant Food helps roots take up more nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and all important nutrients so you get bigger leaves, more flowers, heavier fruit and vegetable harvests, with richer colors and flavors. Your plants never burn even if you feed a hungry plant a little extra
- EASY TO USE: Stir 1 tablespoon into 1 gallon of water, then drench the soil and/or foliar feed with a watering can or sprayer. Our Organic Fertilizer & Plant Food mixes into solution cleanly. Use per simple Application Chart or add some more, based on your plants performance and your desired results. One formula works for Seeds, Seedlings, Transplants, Potted Plants and Garden Beds.
- FEEDS YOUR PLANTS & YOUR SOIL: Most plant food only feed the plant. Organic Plant Magic Fertilizer also creates and feeds healthy living soil. Our Plant Food is alive with GroBiotics including helpful bacteria, mycorrhizae, amino acids, humic acids, and every essential macro and micro nutrient, plus over 55+ trace minerals from kelp, that improves your soil and plant growth.
- SAFE FOR KIDS, PETS AND POLLINATORS: Being Truly Organic and non-toxic means feeding your roses, tomatoes, orchids and other vegetable garden and house plants without harsh salts. There is nothing to keep locked away and no waiting period before the family is back outside. Gentle enough for tender starts, strong enough to push heavy blooms and fruit set on mature plants.
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- HOW TO APPLY: To apply, simply shake granules evenly on the soil, mix into the top 1-3 inches of soil in gardens or throughout the soil for potted plants, and water to start feeding
- COVERAGE: Approximately 3/4 - 1 cup of this organic plant food covers 20 sq. ft. of in-ground soil area, or 1 tbsp feeds one 6-inch potted plant
- ALL PURPOSE PLANT FOOD GRANULES: Miracle-Gro Organic All Purpose Plant Food grows healthier, more resilient plants (vs unfed plants, when used as directed)
- FOR OUTDOOR PLANTS: Use these garden fertilizer granules with most outdoor plants, including vegetables, flowers, annuals, and perennials growing in-ground or in containers
- FEEDS UP TO 3 MONTHS: This granular plant food feeds plants for up to 3 months and provides vibrant results in as little as 1 week (vs unfed potted plants)
Rank #3
- GROWTH SUPPORT FOR EVERY STAGE: Big Bloom Fertilizer is carefully formulated to support plants during every stage of growth.
- NATURAL NUTRIENTS: This liquid plant food combines of earthworm castings and bat guano, providing your plants with a nutrient-rich blend of ingridents.
- QUICK NUTRIENT ABSORPTION: Our liquid bloom fertilizer is designed for immediate nutrient uptake, ensuring that your plants can quickly access the nutrients they need to grow.
- FLOWERING AND FRUITING: Fox Farm plant food is formulated to support multiple blooms and seed formations, helping you achieve vibrant flowers and fruit throughout the growing season, making it ideal for all fruiting and flowering plants.
- FEEDING MADE EASY: For best results, simply mix 4 tablespoons (60 mL) of big bloom per gallon (4L) of water every other watering. You can also use it with a hose-end sprayer, siphon mixer, or drip irrigation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
