(3.5 Cups per 10 sq Ft)

Easy 1-Step Process: All-in-One Spring Prep

Apply the entire recommended amount of Soil Smiles fertilizer (3-1/2 cups per
10 sq. ft.) before planting, mixing it into the top 6” of soil in spring just prior to
planting.

Why Choose This Option:

Convenience: This option simplifies the process, requiring only one
application at the beginning of the season.


Time-Saving: Ideal for gardeners with limited time or those who prefer less
ongoing maintenance.

Balanced Nutrients: Provides a complete nutrient supply from the start,
supporting early root establishment and plant growth.


2-Step Process: Nutrient Boost Approach


Step 1 - Pre-Planting: Mix 2-1/2 cups of Soil Smiles fertilizer per 10 sq. ft. into
the top 6” of soil and water well before planting to ensure balanced nutrients for overall root development and plant growth.


Step 2 - Side-Dressing: What It Is: Apply additional fertilizer in or next to the row to provide additional
nutrients as the plant grows.


How to Apply: Place around plant base or dig a shallow furrow parallel to the row or
around the hill and place 1 cup of Soil Smiles fertilizer per 10 linear feet. Cover and water well.


When to Side-Dress: Apply at the time of hilling.


Why Choose This Option:

Customized Feeding: Allows for better control of nutrient delivery, ensuring
plants get a boost when they need it most (during active growth).

Optimal Growth: Reduces the risk of nutrient depletion mid-season, which can
be especially important for nutrient-hungry crops like potatoes.

Higher Yields: Promotes sustained growth and tuber development, leading to potentially better harvests.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding
chicken manure pellets.

Quick Links:

🍆 Eggplant
🥒 Cucumbers
🥦 Broccoli

Why Potatoes Require More Fertilizer?

Potatoes are considered a high-demand crop when it comes to nutrients because
of their rapid growth and the energy-intensive process of forming tubers. Here's why
they need more fertilizer compared to most vegetables:


1. Tuber Development:
Potatoes are grown primarily for their underground tubers, which require a
significant supply of nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and
potassium (K) to form properly. These nutrients must be readily available in
the soil to support the production of healthy, uniform, and high-yielding tubers.

2. Heavy Feeder Nature:
Potatoes deplete nutrients from the soil faster than many other vegetables.
Their nutrient uptake peaks during the growing season, especially as they
shift energy into developing tubers. This higher demand justifies an increased
fertilizer application rate.

3. Nutrient Timing:Unlike leafy greens or smaller root vegetables, potatoes benefit from a steady
supply of nutrients early on for root and plant development and later in the
season for tuber growth. A higher initial application ensures a reservoir of
nutrients is available for these critical growth stages.

4. High Potassium Requirements:
Potatoes are especially potassium-hungry, as potassium aids in starch
synthesis and tuber quality. The increased rate of fertilizer ensures there’s
enough potassium in the soil to support these functions.

5. Yield Potential:
To achieve optimal yields, potatoes need additional inputs compared to
vegetables with lower nutrient requirements. The higher rate of application supports the energy-intensive process of producing large, healthy tubers. In short, the increased fertilizer rate for potatoes reflects their unique growing
requirements and ensures the soil has sufficient nutrients to support their heavy feeding habits and high-yield potential.