<human>:  What is the best way to apply a garden fertilizer?
<bot>: The best way to apply a garden fertilizer is to ensure that the fertilizer is spread evenly over the soil and watered in to ensure maximum absorption. If possible, use a rotary spreader or a broadcast spreader to apply the fertilizer to get a consistent coverage. It's also important to put the fertilizer down in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense heat of the day and minimize the risk of burning the plants.