First of all realize that all plants in your home garden do not need fertilizer. Trees and shrubs that look healthy and are mature can find their own nutrients from the soil and there is no need to add additional plant food. Plants in pots and annuals and vegetables are most likely to need fertilizing. Osmocote is a slow release all purpose plant food and the best way to use it is to follow the instructions on the label.  Apply the plant food in  spring when you see new growth starting or mix it into your potting soil, again reading the recommended rate from the package. The rate is often 3 tablespoons for a 2 gallon pot or a four foot by four foot patch of soil. Water regularly after feeding. The Osmocote will feed for six months. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti