Sara-Ann, If you're pleased with how Mills Rose Magic is working for you, and the price is reasonable, I'd stick with it. We can't even get the stuff here, and it took me a while to figure out what it was when forum people mentioned it. I like the "Tones", but over the last few years, retailers have been phasing it out locally or are reduced to selling small, pricey bags. For a few years now, I've been ordering it through Amazon, of all things. First, I could get 40 pound bags fairly reasonably. Then the price started shooting up, and the 40 pounder became the 36 pounder. Amazon is taking a beating on these large bags because they ship free on orders over $35, and the shipping costs they are swallowing are killing them. Now, Espoma is phasing out the 36 pound bag, so who knows what I'll be using. I also use Plant Tone, Holly Tone, and once in while Rose Tone, interchangeably and they all seem to work equally well. I fertilize on the same schedule as you do, with a manure/compost (a mixture of horse manure and compost, if I can get it) application on everything--perennials, roses, annuals, etc, in between the two Tone applications. I think I'll check Amazon for Mills Rose Magic to see if they have it, and what the prices are. Diane

Thanks Diane. I have been getting my Mills Rose Magic from Rosemania, a very good company to deal with. The MRM comes in the 20 pound bags and also 40 pound tubs. I've ordered the 20 pound bags, because they're easier for me to handle, the savings of buying the larger quantity is not that much. They also ship for free, but MRM is more expensive, that is, if you put the same amount on each rose and I'm not sure about that.

I'm using holly tone because I can purchase it locally at Lowe's and it comes in a larger bag (therefore cheaper). My roses, perennials and veggies don't seem to notice the difference. I don't think they read very well.

Judith, how fortunate you live near a retailer who specializes in fertilizers. We have farm supply stores, but nothing like what you describe. I would probably hang out there! Do they have a website?
Cecily, I'm going to be sure to use Holly Tone around my roses which are prone to chlorosis due to our alkaline soil. I should have been doing that all along. I'll check Lowes again, but in the past, they haven't carried any Tones. Home Depot has a few small small bags of the products. Diane

Sara-Ann, thanks for the info on Rosemania. I checked Amazon (don't have Mills Magic) and some other places, and it's not easy to find. The people who make MM, sell it through their website, but it's more expensive than the Tones it looks like, plus they charge shipping on top of that. Diane

Check the recommended application frequency of both products. In the spring I start with fish meal and alfalfa meal. Last year fish meal was around $60 for 50lb. That makes Mill's price not so bad. I need to check prices early this year.

Thanks everyone for the advice and info.

I just checked the website for the Mills and shipping is included in price. I've never used it before but may try when I run out of rose tone. I've used the tones with good success, but they are getting harder to find locally. I stocked up on some last year when a place was running out of business and had them on discount, so I think I will give Mills rose magic a chance, after I'm out of what I have :)

Nanadoll, I am actually about 2.5 hours from Southwest Fertilizer - have to go to Houston, which is not too much fun with the traffic, but not that much trouble considering the great time I have when I get there! I only go once a year, but get the 15% off for that week, so I load up on things. They have all kinds of different fertilizers that are fun to try, gadgets, tomato, pepper plants [which are a sight for sore eyes in my area!]. Yes, they do have a website and they do send things. I am sure they carry the "Tones". They are super nice people, very helpful. We are going Feb. 8 - it is my first "gardening road trip" of the year and I cant wait!

For those of you who cant get the "Tones" - check with your local nurseries or feed stores - they might order some for you, or you could tell them how much you like them and they might start stocking them. Never hurts to ask!
Judith

I typically can get away with applying MMM two - three times a growing season. Espoma Holly-tone (because it usually runs $1 less/bag than Rose-tone; I can get the large bags of the "Tones" locally) maybe three - four applications per seasons. Holly-tone is my go-to, but I use MMM when I have it (usually from winning raffles at district conventions).

Judith, your "gardening road trip" sounds like a blast. Could I commission you to pick up a few things for me-haha? Thanks for your advice about asking my favorite farm & ranch supply store to special order some "Tones" for me. They used to stock the "Tones", but quit selling them a couple of years ago. I guess I haven't tried asking because I was relying on Amazon, which now is starting to look iffy for the large bags. My gardening friend and I may try a road trip to a wonderful greenhouse located about 2 hours away, come spring. You are inspiring me. Thanks. Diane