Question
The snow has melted recently and the perennials are coming up, so my question is: should i apply compost now or later in the growing season? Also how because last year on a we put some on a particularly nice daylily and the plant nearly died: it yellowed and only two small stalks remained which produced 2 flowers. Also any compost to recommend, and should we just mix it in the soil or replace the soil? Thanks

Answer
Hi Mini,
Thanx for your question.  In my experience, I have found that daylilies rarely require any supplemental feeding in fact, it can result in more green growth and less blooming.  If you think you need to put down compost for the lilies, use well-composted manure or from the compost bin and side dress next to, not on top of the plant.  I like to use side dressing because the compost isn't directly on top of the plant and the nutrients can leach into the roots from the side of the plant rather than on top where one might "burn" the plant with too many nutrients.  I would start side-dressing after the last frost and you can work it into the soil for some of the plants that are especially needy of additional nutrients such as cannas.  When you plant cannas, be sure to mix in a lot of compost as cannas are heavy feeders.  I use well-composted cow and horse manure because it seems to be a perfect fit for most of my plants.  Not too much in the way of overpowering nutrients and the plants always seem to be able to use these nutrients easiest.  I hope this helps.
Tom