Comparison: Best Miracle Gro Concentrate (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever stood in the gardening aisle staring at rows of Miracle-Gro concentrates, wondering which one actually delivers the best results, you’re not alone. We’ve tested the top contenders—tomato boosters, all-purpose mixes, and organic options—to find the real standouts. Let’s break down the best Miracle-Gro concentrates so you can skip the guesswork and start growing with confidence.
- Best for water-feeding formula: Miracle-GRO 1001502 Liquid All Purpose Plant Food Concentrate
- Best for root-boost starter: Miracle-Gro Quick Start Planting and Transplant Starting Solution
- Best for hose-feeder kit: Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit
- Best for 600-sq-ft coverage: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
- Best for budget liquid feed: M’iracle~GRO Liquid All Purpose Plant Food Concentrate
- Best for burn-safe formula: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
- Best for soil-expanding mix: Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix
- Best for year-long weedkill: Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate
- Best for 3200-sq-ft coverage: Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate
- Best for fast-acting rainproof: Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate
Product Comparison: Best Miracle Gro Concentrate
Miracle-GRO 1001502 Liquid All Purpose Plant Food Concentrate, 12-4-8, 32-Ounce Bottle (2-Pack (32 Oz))
- For Houseplants or In the Garden
- Shake bottle well before each use. Measure amount based on the area of use for in the garden or houseplants. See label for full product instructions.
- Feed While Watering
- Miracle-Gro makes it easy to feed while watering. Add Miracle-Gro Liquid All Purpose Plant Food to a watering can then apply by thoroughly soaking the soil around each plant.
- For Best Results – Apply every 7-14 days for spectacular results.
Miracle-Gro Quick Start Planting and Transplant Starting Solution, For Flower and Vegetable Plants, Concentrate Mix with Water, 48 oz.
- Miracle-Gro Quick Start Planting & Transplant Starting Solution gives transplants the nutrients they need to thrive
- This plant starting solution improves root growth for faster blooms (vs unfed plants)
- Use this liquid plant food with seedlings, flowers, vegetables, trees, and other plants when planting or transplanting
- Apply this liquid concentrate by filling the cap to the 1st line and mixing with 1 gallon of water; pour solution around new plantings and repeat application in 7 days
- This 48 oz. bottle of Miracle-Gro Quick Start Planting & Transplant Starting Solution covers approximately 150 sq. ft. of planting area
Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit, For Flowers, Vegetables, Trees and Shrubs, One 16 oz. Plant Food and One Feeder
- Grow plants twice as big compared to unfed plants with the Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit
- With this plant food and garden feeder set, feeding is as easy as watering!
- Use this all-purpose plant food in in-ground gardens or outdoor containers and with most plant types, including flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs
- To apply, attach LiquaFeed Feeder to your garden hose and insert LiquaFeed Plant Food bottle
- This starter kit includes one Miracle-Gro Liquafeed Feeder and one 16 oz. bottle of Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food, which feeds up to 400 sq. ft. of garden
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, For All Indoor or Outdoor Plants, Roses, Flowers, Vegetables, Houseplants, Trees, and Shrubs, 1.5 lbs
- Feeds all plants: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food feeds all outdoor, in-ground and indoor plants, including roses, flowers, houseplants, vegetables, and trees
- Promotes growth: This all-purpose plant food grows bigger, more beautiful plants (vs unfed plants) and starts working instantly to promote quick, beautiful results
- NPK: 24-8-16 plant fertilizer contains Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) which are key nutrients plants need to thrive
- Application: For indoor plants, mix 1/2 tsp per gallon of water in a watering can; For outdoor plants, mix 1-1/2 tbsp per 1-1/2 gallon of water. Use with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any watering can
- Coverage: One 1.5 lb. container of Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food feeds approximately 600 sq. ft. of garden area
M’iracle~GRO Liquid All Purpose Plant Food Concentrate, Feeds All Indoor & Outdoor Plants – 32 oz (Pack of 1)
- Instantly feeds all types of plants for fast, visible results
- Easy-to-use liquid concentrate—just mix with water in a watering can
- Suitable for all plant types: flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, trees, and houseplants
- For in-ground use: mix capful to 1st line with 2 gallons of water to feed 20 sq. ft.; apply every 7–14 days
- For container plants: mix 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and apply every 2 weeks
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, Fertilizer for Indoor or Outdoor Flowers, Vegetables or Trees, 3 lbs.
- Full of essential nutrients, it instantly feeds to grow bigger, more beautiful plants versus unfed plants
- Feed every 1-2 weeks
- Use with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any watering can
- For all flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs and houseplants
- Safe for all plants, guaranteed not to burn when used as directed
Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix, Just Add Water for up to 3X Expansion, For Container and In-Ground Use, .33 cu. ft. Expands up to 1 cu. ft.
- Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix expands up to 3X when combined with water
- This planting soil substitute feeds plants for up to 6 months
- When used with potted plants, this potting medium’s all natural fibers hold up to 50% more water than traditional potting mix and release it as plants needs it
- Apply this soil amendment to in-ground gardens to make your soil up to 40% lighter and create up to 90% more air space for plant roots to thrive
- One .33 cu. ft. bag of Miracle-Gro Expand ‘n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix fills two 12-inch containers or covers 4 sq. ft. of in-ground area
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate, Kills and Prevents Weeds Up to 12 Months, 1 gal.
- Use this weed control product where no plant growth is wanted for at least a year on driveways, sidewalks, fence lines, paver patios, walkways, gravel areas and parking areas
- This fast-acting weed killer concentrate starts working immediately and kills weeds to the root (when used as directed)
- Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 kills weeds, grasses, and existing vegetation and prevents regrowth for up to 1 year
- Apply this weed preventer using a tank hose sprayer, mixing 24 fl. oz. of vegetation killer concentrate per gallon of water
- Add 24 fl oz. of product per 1 gallon of water to treat up to 300 sq. ft
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate, Kills and Prevents Weeds Up to 1 Year, 2 gal.
- Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate kills weeds, grasses and existing vegetation, and prevents regrowth for up to 1 year
- The fast-acting weed killer starts working immediately and is rainproof in 1 hour
- Use this weed control product where no plant growth is wanted for at least a year on driveways, sidewalks, fence lines, paver patios, walkways, gravel areas, parking areas, and other hardscapes
- Apply this weed killer concentrate by mixing 24 fl. oz. per gallon of water and using a tank sprayer
- One 2 gal. container of Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate makes enough product to treat up to 3,200 sq. ft.
Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 Concentrate, Kills and Prevents Weeds Up to 12 Months, 32 fl. oz.
- Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer2 kills weeds, grasses, and existing vegetation and prevents regrowth for up to 1 year
- The weed control has a fast-acting formula that starts working immediately and is rainproof in 1 hour
- For best results, apply on a sunny day when temperatures are above 60°F
- Use where no plant growth is wanted for at least a year on driveways, sidewalks, fence lines, paver patios, walkways, gravel areas, parking areas, and other hardscapes
- This product is a concentrate and cannot be applied directly out of its container – please read product label for application instructions
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.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
How do I choose between a liquid concentrate and a water‑soluble powder for my garden?
Liquid concentrates, like Miracle‑Gro All Purpose Plant Food, are easy to mix directly in a watering can and give quick, visible results, especially for container and indoor plants. Powdered water‑soluble formulas, such as the 24‑8‑16 blend, often provide a higher nutrient density per weight and can be more cost‑effective for large outdoor beds. Consider the size of your planting area and your preferred application method when deciding.
What NPK ratio should I look for when feeding houseplants versus garden plants?
Houseplants generally benefit from a balanced ratio like 12‑4‑8, which promotes steady foliage growth without excessive nitrogen. Garden plants, especially fruiting vegetables and flowering beds, often thrive with higher phosphorus and potassium, such as the 24‑8‑16 blend. Choose a formula that matches the growth stage and type of plants you are feeding.
How does the Quick Start Planting & Transplant Solution differ from the All Purpose concentrate?
The Quick Start solution is formulated to boost root development during the critical transplant period, delivering a fast‑acting nutrient boost that encourages quicker establishment. The All Purpose concentrate is designed for ongoing maintenance, providing a steady supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for overall growth. Use Quick Start when planting or moving seedlings, then switch to All Purpose for regular feeding.
Is the LiquaFeed feeder worth the extra cost compared to mixing concentrate by hand?
The LiquaFeed feeder attaches to your garden hose, delivering a pre‑diluted feed as you water, which saves time and ensures consistent application rates. While manual mixing is cheaper upfront, it can lead to uneven distribution if not measured precisely. For gardeners with larger beds or who prefer a set‑and‑forget approach, the feeder adds convenience and may improve plant uniformity.
How much area does each Miracle‑Gro product cover, and how does that affect value?
Coverage varies: the 48 oz Quick Start bottle treats about 150 sq ft, the 1.5 lb water‑soluble powder covers roughly 600 sq ft, and the 16 oz LiquaFeed kit reaches 400 sq ft. When comparing value, calculate the cost per square foot of coverage; higher‑concentration liquids often cost more per ounce but may require less frequent application, offsetting the price difference.
Can the same Miracle‑Gro concentrate be used for both indoor and outdoor plants?
Yes, most of the listed concentrates are labeled as all‑purpose and safe for houseplants, garden beds, containers, shrubs, and trees when diluted according to the instructions. Just adjust the mixing ratio: indoor plants usually need a weaker solution (e.g., ½ tsp per gallon) while outdoor plants can handle a stronger mix. Always follow label directions to avoid over‑feeding.
How often should I apply each concentrate for optimal growth?
All purpose concentrates are typically applied every 7‑14 days for vigorous growth, while the Quick Start solution is recommended once at planting and again after 7 days to support root development. Powdered formulas can be applied every 2‑3 weeks, depending on plant type and soil conditions. Consistent timing helps plants absorb nutrients steadily without stress.
Are there any safety or burn‑risk concerns when using these concentrates?
When mixed as directed, Miracle‑Gro products are safe for most plants and will not burn foliage. Over‑concentration or applying to dry soil can cause leaf scorch, especially on sensitive houseplants. Wear gloves during mixing, avoid contact with eyes, and store the concentrate out of reach of children and pets.