If you call or go to the aforementioned stores and ask them about slow release nutrients they should know what you're talking about. Generally, slow release nutrients are those little colored balls that you see in soil (not perlite or vermiculite).

As far as keeping pests away goes, a lot of people use moth balls to try and deter animals. The strong scent irritates their noses and they seem to last for a fair amount of time. Also, try putting your hair clippings in nylon sacks and placing them around your garden. Fishing line is also a good thing to throw animals off. When using fishing wire, be sure that NO other people are going to stumble into it, causing them to investigate further why someone would put fishing line up in a random woodland area.

Cheers,

SMG