Sandy, I see no problem doing that. When I plant in the fall, I throw a handful of Osmacote over each boxed-in segment of garlic. In early April I will use ordinary triple-8, again tossing a handful per area. By April, the Osmacote has pretty much run its coarse and I want to quick-start the garlic for its last 6-8 weeks in the ground. My garlic puts on the most size during that last 6-8 weeks. I compare it to the last month or two of pregnancy, when the baby grows the fastest. At least I think that comparison is appropriate.
I don't even bother to work those fertilizers into the garden soil. I just let the rain do it.
