I'm going to respectfully disagree and offer the idea that these products DO provide benefit to both a container and an inground setting, but the benefits will be variable depending on the product used and the methodology of the grower. First, a mycorrhizal symbiosis exists with virtually all land plants (evidence supports numbers as high as 95%), so its presence is not just limited to forested areas. In fact, mycorrhizal fungi are found in virtually all soils, except those that have been heavily worked or endured many years of synthetic fertilization. Lawns in particular react very positively to mycorrhizal inoculations. Wholesale plant growers are also becoming aware of the benefits of mycorrhizae and other beneficial organisms in their production methods and are using inoculum widely - primarily as it relates to woody plants - especially in container soils. Stimulation of root development and increased uptake of water and nutrients is the intent. And I know of several better lines of organic fertilizers and soil products/amendments that also inoculate their products with a variety of these organisms. How well they act in a container growing environment and what benefits they provide will be highly dependent on what you are growing, the medium, and the care provided. Beneficial soil organisms, as noted, are very sensitive to heat, moisture and chemical additives. However, their benefits to soils (using the term very broadly) and to plant growth and health is pretty well documented. And Bacillus thuringiensis is a common soil-dwelling bacterium - the strain(s) used to control caterpillars, mosquitoes and other beetle, fly and gnat larvae (many of which ARE soil dwellers) are only a few of many and there is evidence to support that in-soil bacterium also provide some degree of control on non-beneficial soil dwelling organisms. In the soil, it's pretty much a "bug-eat-bug" world and fortunately for us as gardeners, the good soil 'bugs' tend to be on the top of the food chain :-) Soil biology is a very complex community of interaction with far reaching implications on plant health and growth and to dismiss it all as it relates to container culture is perhaps shortchanging the benefits it could very well produce. That's not to say that there's any need to be fanatical about such products that may be available that provide this biological input but if one is inclined, they certainly won't hurt and they could very well improve growing conditions and production. There's a large number of growers and gardeners out there that think so and a growing body of scientific evidence to support it.

Funny you should ask. I was reading about it today after hearing about it on a radio program. Actually I have been looking into mycorrhizae, and then heard about the Biotone. I think I am going to try it this year, especially for the container tomatoes I will be growing. They also have the Biotone without the plus, that is, without the NPK, but I decided to go with the Plus if I can find it. I will be using it in addition to TomatoTone. I realize all this is no help whatsoever, but at least you won't be alone trying it.

I would think so and you may be negating some of the health benefits of honey by heating it, too (if you buy raw unprocessed honey).

With supplemental treats, it's important to make sure the quantities are very small (for calorie purposes) and that the pet doesn't think the treat is a reason to stop eating its regular food. Too many pets are obese. Keeping them svelte improves their health and lengthens their lives, just as it does for humans.