I wanted to know how to read the code stamped on a bottle of Miracle Grow, so I sent Scott's an email asking them how to do it. This was their response:

Our finished products are assigned a unique computer generated lot/batch number that identifies it as a final product or shipment. Typical locations for the code are either at the base of the package, on the back below the label for containers and either along the side or on the back near the top of bagged products.

Lot Number System:

1st Character = code for the plant

2nd & 3rd Character = year

4th, 5th & 6th Characters = Julian Date

7th & 8th Character = City code of plant

8th Character = Shift (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

There can be additional letters and numbers located after the shift number. This can include Military time, production and operator number. This information is not required.

Example: Lot I07312/FI/3/5

I = Iowa

07 = 2007

312 = Julian Date

FI = Fort Madison, Iowa

3 = 3rd shift

5 = Line 5 production

Cool!