Fish bone meal has become an increasingly popular fertilizer for gardens and farms. Made from fish waste that would otherwise go unused this organic soil amendment provides an impressive array of nutrients to help plants thrive. If you want to grow robust productive plants without relying on synthetic chemicals, fish bone meal deserves a place in your fertilizer arsenal.
What is Fish Bone Meal?
Fish bone meal is made by cooking, drying, and grinding fish bones and waste into a fine powder. The bones come from fish processed for human consumption, so it repurposes what would normally be discarded. This recycling of nutrients embodies the sustainable spirit of organic gardening.
The powder ranges in color from light grey to tan to brown depending on factors like fish species and processing method. While it looks similar to animal bone meal, the composition differs due to the oily, fatty nature of fish.
Fish bone meal typically has an NPK ratio around 4-12-0. This means it contains some nitrogen, lots of phosphorus, and no potassium. The nutrient levels of fish bone meal can vary based on the raw materials, but phosphorus content is usually 12% to 16%. It also provides calcium around 16% to 22% and contains various trace minerals.
Key Benefits of Fish Bone Meal
There are several reasons gardeners and farmers love using fish bone meal. Here are some of the biggest benefits it provides:
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Excellent source of phosphorus – Phosphorus supports root growth flower and seed production photosynthesis, and overall plant vigor. Fish bone meal contains lots of this essential nutrient.
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Provides calcium – Calcium strengthens cell structure and enhances a plant’s ability to take up nutrients. It also increases resistance to diseases.
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Contains nitrogen – Nitrogen stimulates leafy growth and chlorophyll production. The nitrogen in fish bone meal is slower releasing than synthetic sources.
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Suppresses plant diseases – The calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals make plants less susceptible to common blights, mildews, and other diseases.
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Improves soil structure – Over time, the nutrients and organic matter in fish bone meal improve soil texture, aeration, and ability to hold water.
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Releases nutrients slowly – Unlike commercial fertilizers that dump nutrients quickly, fish bone meal breaks down over several months to provide a steady feed.
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100% natural and organic – Composed of simply processed fish waste, fish bone meal is organic and free of synthetic chemicals or GMOs.
When and How to Apply Fish Bone Meal
Fish bone meal can be applied at planting time and as periodic fertilizer during the growing season. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this natural soil amendment:
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Test soil first to determine needs – Only apply if a soil test indicates the need for phosphorus. Excess phosphorus causes nutrient imbalances.
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Use 1-3 cups per 100 sq ft of garden bed – For new transplants, add 1-2 tbsp to each planting hole. Mix into soil before planting.
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Side dress growing plants every 4-8 weeks – Lightly scratch 1-2 tbsp into soil around plants and water thoroughly after.
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Ideal for fertilizing bulbs & perennials – Use 1⁄2 tsp per hole when planting fall bulbs or perennials. Mix into soil below.
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Must be mixed into soil for best results – Don’t just sprinkle on top. Nutrients only release as fish bone meal breaks down in soil.
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Store properly sealed – The smell can attract animals. Keep tightly sealed away from pets.
Fish Bone Meal vs. Alternatives
While fish bone meal has clear benefits, it’s not the only natural fertilizer option. Some popular alternatives include:
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Rock phosphate – cheaper source of phosphorus but very slow to break down
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Colloidal phosphate – lower P content but more immediately available
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Cottonseed meal – provides phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium
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Composted manures – good source of P, N, and micronutrients
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Comfrey leaves – contain ample phosphorus along with nitrogen and potassium
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Guanos like bat or seabird – expensive but provide phosphorus and nitrogen
Is Fish Bone Meal Right for You?
Deciding if fish bone meal is the best fertilizer choice depends on factors like your soil, plants, availability, and environmental outlook.
If you want to grow plants organically without synthetic chemicals, need phosphorus and don’t mind the fishy smell, fish bone meal is a smart natural fertilizer. But even as an organic option, make sure to test soil first and apply it judiciously.
At the end of the day, fish bone meal takes waste from the fishing industry and turns it into plant nutrition. This cycle captures the essence of sustainability in a garden setting. If that concept appeals to you, it’s hard to go wrong giving fish bone meal a try in your own yard or farm.
Wonderful for all flowering plants, trees and shrubs
Down To Earth’s Fish Bone Meal 4-12-0 is a marine-based alternative to traditional steamed bone meal and is wonderful for all flowering plants, trees and shrubs. A great source of organic phosphorus and calcium, Fish Bone Meal also contains a small amount of organic nitrogen and is an ideal fertilizer for new garden beds, perennials and bulbs.
TOTAL NITROGEN (N) 4.0% 4.0% Water Insoluble Nitrogen
AVAILABLE PHOSPHATE (P2O5) 12.0%
Derived from:
Listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute for use in organic production.
2 cups ≈ 1 lb; ½ cup ≈ 4 oz; 1 tbsp ≈ 0.5 oz
Bulbs: Add 1 tbsp per hole for average size bulbs, more for larger varieties. Mix thoroughly into soil and water in well.
Containers: For new plantings, add 1-2 tbsp per gallon of soil and mix thoroughly OR add 2.5-5 lbs per cubic yard. For established plants, lightly mix 1-2 tbsp per gallon into the soil surface once each month during the growing season.
Row Crops/Acreage: Apply 500-1,000 lbs per acre depending on specific crop needs or required pounds of actual nitrogen per acre.
Vegetable Gardens & Flower Beds: To prepare new gardens, apply 2.5-5 lbs per 100 square feet and thoroughly mix into the top 3″ of soil. For new transplants, add 1-2 tbsp per hole, mix into soil and water in well. To feed established plants, side dress 2-4 oz once each month during the growing season to promote fruiting and flowering.
Trees & Shrubs: Spread 1 lb per 2″ of trunk diameter around the base outwards to the drip line, mix into soil surface and water in well. For new trees, prepare transplant hole and mix 1-2 cups with the backfill soil. Use the amended soil to fill in around the new tree and water in well.
Fish bone meal | Down to earth | Product overview
FAQ
Is fish bone meal good for all plants?
Wonderful for all flowering plants, trees and shrubs
A great source of organic phosphorus and calcium, Fish Bone Meal also contains a small amount of organic nitrogen and is an ideal fertilizer for new garden beds, perennials and bulbs.
What plants benefit from fish meal?
Fruit-Bearing Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers benefit from the balanced nutrient profile of fish meal. The phosphorus and nitrogen promote healthy fruiting and robust growth. Fruit Trees: Fruit trees such as apples, pears, and citrus benefit from the comprehensive nutrient package provided by fish meal.
What is the difference between fish bone meal and bone meal?
Fish Bone Meals NPK is 3-16-0 and of course smells a little fishy. We have seen that it breaks down slightly faster in the soil, making it more readily available for plants to take up. Bone Meals NPK is 3-15-0, so its Phosphorous is just a little lower than fish bone meal, not enough to make much difference.
Which plants like bone meal?
Bone meal is beneficial for a wide variety of plants, particularly those that benefit from increased phosphorus and calcium, like root vegetables, flowering plants, and those prone to blossom end rot. Examples include tomatoes, peppers, carrots, potatoes, and bulbs.