Hello,
Last year, for a lot of reasons, was a bad year for me and my gardens suffered for it. This winter I weeded my peony garden which was so overrun with weeds last year that my peonies were shaded out. This years growth is weak. In fact, three varieties have only put up one shoot. If I fertilize with Miracle Grow would it be possible to get more shoots to grow this season or is the number set during fall/winter. I am really upset with myself for allowing this to happen. My fear is if I lose the single shoots to disease or critters I might lose the individual varieties all together.
Thank you for your time.

Zakary! What zone are you in? Are the peony leaves of full size now? If yes, then there probably will be no more shoots this year. On the other hand if the only leaf dies another one can start growing from a sleeping eye. Fertilizing is a good idea but do not overdo it. Good luck!

The fertilizer should be low in nitrogen (the first number in fertilizer sequence). Miracle Grow is high in nitrogen. Look for Neptune's Harvest (the best) or at Lowe's/Home Depot you can find Alaskan Fish Fertilizer. For ths last 2 years I have used Dr. Earth's Gold All Purpose Fertilizer both reasonably priced. Welcome to the forum.

Welcome Zakary. Peonies tend to not like being over fertilized and it can actually be a detriment. I tend to add compost over the top of my peonies in the fall and recently began using Azomite around my peonies, every 2-3 years or so, 1/4 cup mixed in the top soil carefully around the plant.