I do not use pellets because they cost more. I use cubes the way I described with newly planted hostas. Later in three years, I do a deep side dressing or transplant and follow the method for newly planted ones.
I have been doing it this way since 1994, and my hostas are gorgeous from later May until late September. My shade gardens have more than 300 hosta cultivars, and more than 2,000 plants. I sell 300+ potted hostas from late May through late June to people who stop by.
Using the same method on bearded irises causes rot because of the high nitrogen content. Even good rich soil here rots irises. Manure and compost cause the same problem here.
Here irises must also have dry feet all the time. I use bonemeal when I plant them and later when I replant.
Pellets on the ground atract animals and there are many where I live. I am not a city dueler. I live lake front of a small, 16 acre, glacier lake with only three houses on the lake shore.
