Aside from compost and other forms of organic matter the only way to know what kind of "fertilizer" any soil might need is with a good, reliable soil test. You should also know the answers to these questions.
How much humus is in the soil?
How well does the soil drain?
How well does the soil retain moisture?
What is the tilth?
What does that soil smell like?
What kind of life is in that soil?

Your local agricultural extention office should have information about where you can get a soil test. They are not expensive. They should also have a gardening calendar which lets you know the best times of the year to plant various veggies in your region.

I suggest doing a search for "Steve Soloman" or "COF" either here or the web.

thanks, everyone, for the help!!

Compost.....lots of it. It's the best all around safe additive that really kicks your garden into high gear. No such thing as too much compost! :)

plus tomatoes thrive in it. :)

Hi Flowerbed: What a cute name! I am a passionate organic grower, and we use primarily compost and worm castings, which I highly recommend. Do a google search on vermiculture if you are interested in the details. See if you can by worm castings locally--I buy mine from a local organic vineyard that fertilizes exclusively with worm castings produced and harvested on-site. I have had excellent results with them. Sounds gross, but it's not at all. I also use Fox Farms products, which are totally organic, to get things off to a good start or to give my garden a boost when it seems a little slow. Best of luck with your garden, and you're welcome to come visit mine--the link is noted below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cowlick Cottage Farm

Tomatoes need a good source of magnesium. Epsom salt is a good source if your soil is deficient in that. Calcium is also important too.

Of course all vegetables (like flowers) need a good source of phosphorous. I use a good organic fertilizer (high in phosphorous) and supplement epsom salt with it and get pretty good results.

Different vegetables have different needs. I have three types of fert to assist in meeting those needs. But I agree that the default is compost and that you don't know what to apply until you know what you do and do not have.

Dan