How to Use Coop Gro

From flowers to vegetables to landscape trees and shrubs, we are here to help you grow the amazing plants you desire.

Tips for Planting Success

REMINDER: Our Omri-Certified Organic Chicken litter is great for all of your planting needs. Because it is a Slow Release Fertilizer, we recommend applying Coop Gro 1 to 2 weeks before planting for best results. If it must be applied at planting please keep in mind it will take a few weeks to see results due to it taking some time for the nutrients to become available.

Coop Gro is 100% natural, with some odor even after processing. Applying it prior to rain events, irrigating plants after application and incorporating it into the soil can help.

Coop Gro should always be applied when plants are dry. It is best applied prior to a rain event or with irrigation after application.

For gardens and ornamental plants, if you aren't seeing your desired results after a few weeks of first and or second application, you may make another application at the lower rate.

To aid in fertilizer breakdown, apply Coop Gro to the surface of the soil or incorporate it into the top 4" of the soil.

For new plantings: apply Coop Gro 7-14 days prior to planting if it is possible. It is slow release, so it takes time for the nutrients to become available.

While over-fertilizing won't damage your plants, doing so with vegetables will result in greener, larger plants NOT larger vegetables. It is always best to use the recommended dose—no need to overfeed!

Know your soils!

If your soil is considered high fertility, it may be possible to lower its fertility rate. If the soil is low fertility, a higher rate may be needed.

If you need help determining the fertility rate of your soil, you may try contacting your local USDA Extension Office. Soil tests can give you all the information you need about the fertility of your soils. If you do not have a local Extension Office in your county, the local agricultural department at your local university should be able to provide you with soil analysis.

Yellowing or discoloration of new leaves can be a sign of deficiencies of one or more minerals. Always check for pests and fungus. They can cause discoloration as well.

Established Beds

Established Beds: apply 1.5 cups per 10 sq ft in early spring – 1 bag = 640 sq ft

New Beds: apply 2.5 cups per 10 sq ft
1 bag = 315 sq ft

Re–apply: 1.5 cups per 10 sq ft in 6-8 weeks
1 bag = 640 sq ft

Lawns

Standard Rate: apply 1 bag per 2000 sq ft

Heavier Rate: apply 1 bag per 1500 sq ft
Apply at least twice during the growing season
3 applications is recommended

For FL, MD, PA and VA see instructions below*

Florida and Pennsylvania Directions for use: Application rates: 1 bag covers no less than 3,000 sq.ft. Maximum of two applications per year. Preferably in the early spring and another in mid-summer. (Please note: during winter months no applications are to be made in north Florida.) Apply only to actively growing turf. Do not apply near water, storm drains or drainage ditches. Do not apply if heavy rain is expected. Apply this product only to your lawn, and sweep away any product that lands in the driveway, sidewalk or street back into your lawn. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Agency to obtain specific information on local turf best management practices. Check with your county or city government to determine if there are local regulations for fertilizer use. Florida license #003304 *Virginia Directions for use: In Virginia, this lawn fertilizer, which contains phosphorus, is intended only for nonagricultural use on (i) turf during its first growing season, (ii) turf areas being repaired or renovated, and (iii) turf where a soil test performed within the last 3 years indicates phosphorus deficiency. In Maryland, the laboratory must be identified under 8.803.7 of this article. This fertilizer is not intended for the routine maintenance of turf. In Maryland, do not apply this product at more than 8.3 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.

Trees & Shrubs

Diameter 4' or less: apply 1 cup per foot of diameter around the drip line

Diameter larger than 4': apply 1.5–2 cups per foot of diameter around the drip line

Re–apply: up to 2 cups as the tree gets larger

Try to spread Coop Gro as evenly as possible, avoiding piles of fertilizer. Consistently even placement under the drip line will help put nutrients into the entire root zone.

Potted Plants

4" Pot: 1.5 tbsp every 4-6 weeks

6" Pot: 2-3 tbsp every 4-6 weeks

10" Pot: 7 tbsp every 4-6 weeks

Larger Pots: 1/4 cup for every cubic foot of
soil every 4-6 weeks

Try to incorporate Coop Gro into the soil in your pots. It does not have to be very deep—about 4" is correct.

Reapplication rates can vary with the type of plants being grown. If your potted plants are looking healthy and green after the first application, you can spread out your reapplication times. Know your plants—different plants have different fertility requirements.

Gardens

Before planting apply 2.5 cups per 10 sq ft
1 bag = 315 sq ft

Re–apply prior to bloom 1.5 cups per 10 sq ft
1 bag = 640 sq ft

The initial application of 2.5 cups per/10 sq.ft. is a strong initial dose and provides adequate nutrients to get your plants growing—giving the seedlings the vigor they need to establish strong roots. If your soils are high in fertility, the second application may be decreased by 1/3. It is important to know your soil. The best method is to get a soil test, and you can contact your local extension office or university for help with that. If your soils are deficient, the reapplication may require a second dose of 2.5 cups/per care.

Apply Coop Gro 7 to 14 days prior to planting. This will give the fertilizer time to break down so that the nutrients are available to young plants. Incorporate it into the soil and, if possible, irrigate your plants afterward to speed up breakdown.