FoxFarm

Overview

FoxFarm Soil & Fertilizer Company produces soil mixes, fertilizers, and liquid plant foods for gardening and agriculture, including organic options and products for conventional and hydroponic growers.¹²³ The company emphasizes non-sterilized soils with beneficial microbes and greenhouse-tested formulas, serving retail markets across the United States and internationally.²³⁴

History

FoxFarm was founded in 1984 in Humboldt County, California, by Willy, who sought to create garden soils retaining beneficial microbes unlike sterilized alternatives prevalent at the time.²³ It emerged from the 1970s cultural movement in the region and grew into an internationally recognized company.³ In recent years, it established a manufacturing facility in Pendleton, South Carolina, with a $6.9 million investment creating 27 jobs.⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured at facilities including a headquarters site in Arcata, California, and a 60,000 square-foot plant in Pendleton, South Carolina, established with a $6.9 million investment for production and packaging.²⁴ The company conducts greenhouse testing for formulas.³⁶

Notable Products

• Ocean Forest - Potting soil blend with aged forest humus, bat guano, and worm castings for container planting.
• Happy Frog - Potting soil amended with mycorrhizal fungi and humic acids to support root development.
• Big Bloom - Ultra-potent organic liquid plant food with earthworm castings and bat guano for all stages.
• Grow Big - Water-soluble fertilizer concentrated for lush vegetative growth.
• Tiger Bloom - High-phosphorus formula for blooming and fruiting phases.

Reputation

FoxFarm is regarded by gardeners and growers for effective, microbe-rich soils and fertilizers suited to organic and hydroponic systems.¹² Professionals note its consistency from greenhouse testing and availability nationwide.³⁴ Some criticisms include lack of BBB accreditation.⁵