Scotts Miracle-Gro Acquired Compost Brand Black Kow
The garden supply company has finalized its purchase of the organic compost brand to expand its soil amendment portfolio.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company has exercised an option to purchase Black Kow, a brand specializing in organic compost. This acquisition marks the official transition of the 57-year-old brand into the company's broader lawn and garden business.
Why it matters
This move allows the company to integrate established organic soil amendments into its existing portfolio, potentially broadening access to these products for home gardeners across the United States.
The acquisition follows a 57-year history of the Black Kow brand in the soil amendment market. It remains unknown how the integration will impact individual product pricing or retail distribution channels long-term.
The players
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
A major provider of consumer lawn and garden products including fertilizers, soils, and pest control solutions.
Black Kow
A long-standing brand known for producing organic compost and soil amendments for gardeners.
The details
Scotts Miracle-Gro exercised an existing purchase option that was originally included as part of a previous licensing agreement. The brand, which transitioned to Scotts for production and distribution in January 2026, will now be fully integrated as a tuck-in brand within the company’s lawn and garden portfolio. This strategy is intended to be accretive to earnings per share beginning in the first year of ownership.
Timeline
January 2026: Scotts Miracle-Gro became the exclusive producer and distributor of Black Kow.
September 2026: The company officially exercised its purchase option for the brand.
October 2026: The acquisition is expected to formally close.
Health Landscape
This acquisition reflects a shift in the garden supply industry toward consolidating niche organic brands within larger corporate ecosystems. It follows a wider trend of major manufacturers seeking to capture a larger share of the growing demand for organic soil amendments.
If you prioritize organic materials for home vegetable or herb gardens, keep an eye on product labeling as the brand transitions under new ownership. Consult with local garden experts to ensure your chosen soil amendments remain consistent with your specific gardening goals.
The takeaway
Large-scale acquisitions can change the availability and manufacturing processes of long-standing garden staples. Gardeners should monitor product labels for any changes in sourcing or ingredients as the transition proceeds through late 2026.
What happens next
The acquisition is expected to close in October 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current state of consumer access to agricultural supplies, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HBS Dealer.
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