Abstract: A flat package containing fertilizer and/or other soil conditioners is formed from confronting relatively broad panels of Kraft paper, or the like, bonded together about their peripheries to define a sealed compartment for the soil conditioners. A plurality of the packages are placed in the soil about and adjacent a plant to encircle the plant stem. The packages are then pierced through their entire thicknesses, the number and size of the apertures so formed predetermining the rate at which the package contents are released to the soil surrounding the root system of the plant. The package configuration helps prevent overwatering and inhibits weed growth.