I mostly use time release fertilizers such as Osmcote, Osmcote Plus (has micronutrients), Nutricote, and Miracle-Gro All Purpose Shake-n-Feed (12-4-8). I have learned the hard way NOT to fertilize, at least the potted plants, during the summer (can you say "rot"?). (Sadly... it is a lesson that I keep needing negative reinforcement on.
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On the seedling beds (which are on drip irrigation), the beds are originally made with one of the time release fertilizers, as well as alfalfa meal and Maximize (Ca/Fe/Mg mineral supplement). At the beginning of each year (or when the bed is redone), I redo the alfalfa meal and minerals, but otherwise I liquid fertilize, and try to do that on a weekly basis at least until mid May or so. (I fertilize the seedlings this way based on my interpretation/adaptation of stuff that Fred posted wrt his seedlings - thanks, Fred.
) What I use for liquid fertilizer varies... sometimes it is a fertilizer in a 3-1-2 ratio (but higher rating), sometimes it is Maxsea 16-16-16 seaweed fertilizer.
I'm not sure that I can say that I see a difference between a "balanced" (10-10-10, 16-16-16, etc.) fertilizer and a 3-1-2 ratio (which is what was recommended by Dan Trimmer). You might be interested in what he has to say, though, about fertilizing:
http://www.ctdaylily.com/trimm...
