A couple of weeks before planting, start to condition the bales. For the first 5 days, pour water to the bales. Really soak them.
For the next 5 days and using one/half cup per bale of Urea (46-0-0), or Amonium Nitrate (34,0,0) sprinkle it on and water it in well. I purchased my fertilizer at the farm supply shop. When I say water in well, really drench the bales. Do this every day.
Then for the last 4 or 5 days, use 1/4 cup per bale of the fertilizer, again watering well. The info I found on-line suggested a 10-10-10 granular feed for the last day, and again water it in well. I only added 10-10-10 once, and the granules were still sitting on top of the bales at the end of the year. A new meaning to "slow release".
Once fully conditioned, you are ready to plant.
