There's plenty of slow-release pellet products available to throw out there from just about all the big fertilizer companies. Just check the nearest nursery or big box store (eg., Osmocote has some and even Miracle Gro). In particular, there are formulations listed for "bedding" plants, etc., that were made to be used in the garden.

So, they can just be tossed on the ground? I have Osmocote but the directions, I think, say to scratch it in. ???

Whenever I've used it in my pots, I sprinkled on top most times. Sometimes I'll scratch it in the bigger containers, but it doesn't seem to make much difference other than aesthetically. Water will slowly dissolve the coating on the pellets releasing the fertilizer into the soil. I think the scratching in helps to keep the pellets from washing away or concentrating into one area in heavy rain (or heavy watering) and will better direct the fert to the soil, but I don't know how much difference that really makes in large areas. Sometimes people mistake the spent balls for insect eggs so in that case, I can see how scratching in might help in that instance! :-o

Peter's sells fertilizer granules that do the same as the Osmocote balls, and that might be an alternative to the balls for throwing purposes!

Thank you jenny---- I'll start practicing with my throwing arm. LOL

LOL! I bet you won't miss. :-p