Timing matters. While KARA can be applied at any time during the growing season, certain windows will give you better results. Here's how to plan your application schedule for maximum benefit.
Spring is prime time. As soil temperatures rise above 50°F, soil biology wakes up. Bacteria and fungi become active, plants start pushing new growth, and nutrient cycling kicks into high gear. This is when your soil can make the best use of humic substances. Apply 1-2 lb per 100 square feet, worked into the top few inches of soil, before your main planting.
Fall application has its own advantages. As plants go dormant, they redirect energy to root development. Adding humic substances in fall supports this underground growth and gives the material time to integrate with your soil before the next growing season. Apply at the same rate as spring, after harvest but before hard frost.
Mid-season top-dressing works too. If you missed the spring window or want to give your plants a boost, you can apply KARA as a top dressing during the growing season. Use a lighter application—about half the spring rate—and water in thoroughly. Avoid applying during extreme heat.
For container plants, the timing is more flexible. You can mix KARA into potting soil at any time, or top-dress established containers throughout the growing season. Start with 1 tablespoon per gallon of soil, and observe how your plants respond before adding more.
In your first year, consider applying both spring and fall at full rates to build up your soil's humic content. After that, a single annual application—typically in spring—is usually sufficient to maintain the benefits.