I don't fertilise but I do mulch with home made compost a couple of times a year. I don't actually fertilise anything in the ornamental garden. I think it's unnecessary if your soil is reasonable and you make compost.

I am with flora, only containers get any fertilizer here. If you don't mulch you are working too hard and your soil is losing a wonderful benefit. Al

Thanks. I do mulch but I don't compost. I mulch with the bagged pine bark nuggets because I like the look of mulched beds. I usually don't fertlize much except for my roses so thought I would try to fertilize my hosta, bulbs, and so on. I agree with the containers needed it much more. Judy

'... but I don't compost ......' aaarrrggghhh! What a confession! :) I am feeling faint at the thought. Quick, get on over to the Soil Compost and Mulch Forum and start composting immediately. That is an order! As Al says your soil is losing a wonderful benefit. And don't be put off by how complicated some of those composters make it sound. All you need is a space about four by four and some organic stuff from your kitchen and garden to pile up. Start today!

Flora, while it is appreciated by most that do compost, many cant because of many reasons. Maybe mostly because they live in apartments/condos where making compost piles is against the rules.

Grrrrr....Don't put yourself up as someone who is a defender of the faith..environment...by suggesting others who cant compost, or just refuse--they don't have the time nor the wherewithall to make a compost bin.
Perhaps someone is content with buying a small amount of commercial composted manure for any and all their planting needs.

goren - maybe the expression 'tongue in cheek' is foreign to you? Even an emoticon and several exclamation marks are lost on you? But never mind I know you like to stir it a bit. Enjoy your gardening. Flora.

Thanks everyone!! I hope everyone has a great spring!!

heh heh... dare I say it? The only fertilizer I usually use on bulbs is compost? It's true though.

But if you fertilize with another type, go for a tomato type fertilizer with a low 1st number and higher second and third. You don't want a high 1st number since that describes the percent nitrogen (which encourages lush leafy growth, which may be more susceptible to floppiness and rotting).

If your bulbs have already bloomed or are in bloom, use a liquid fertilizer or water the dry stuff in well. It needs to get down to the roots quickly while the bulbs are still in active growth.

Hi prettypetals,nice handle.
I use bone meal, no compost or mulch(I compost for veggies).
I have Twin Sisters, which are wild, so I treat all my bulbs that way.
Hi flora uk, always nice to here from you.
goren, lighten up & try verimcomposting, many apartment & condo owners use it.
kato b, thanks for the answer.