Fertilize Spring Bulbs in Late Winter, Not Spring

The best time to feed daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths is when foliage first emerges in late winter—when roots are actively growing. By flowering time, roots are declining and can't absorb nutrients well. If soil already has adequate phosphorus and potassium (from past fertilizing), a couple of water-soluble feeds (Miracle-Gro, etc.) suffice. Otherwise, apply 1 lb of 10-10-10 per 100 sq ft (1 rounded tsp/sq ft). Lawn fertilizers (27-3-3, 30-3-3) work at 0.4 lb/100 sq ft—without weed preventers or killers.

Critical: leave foliage until it yellows naturally. It replenishes the bulb for next year's blooms.