Adding bone meal for your plants to your garden-care regimen could be beneficial. The organic fertilizer is rich in nutrients that promote healthy growth and can even improve soil composition. However, there are some drawbacks and limitations to using bone meal in your vegetable garden or yard, so do your research before picking up a bag.
Below, learn about the composition of this soil enhancer, its benefits and risks, and the best way to apply bone meal as a fertilizer.
As with any soil amendments, make sure to get a soil test before you add any fertilizers because excess amounts of a nutrient can be just as detrimental as nutrient deficiency.
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been using organic bone meal in my garden for years, and lemme tell you – it’s been a total game-changer for my plants. Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about this amazing organic fertilizer that’s been a gardening secret weapon since forever.
What the Heck is Organic Bone Meal Anyway?
Organic bone meal is exactly what it sounds like – ground-up animal bones (mostly from cows) that’s been steamed and pulverized into a fine powder or pellets. I know it sounds kinda gross, but trust me your plants will absolutely love it! It’s basically nature’s way of recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Typical NPK ratio you’ll find is 3-15-0 meaning
- 3% Nitrogen
- 15% Phosphorus
- 0% Potassium
Plus, it’s packed with about 12% calcium – bonus nutrients for your garden!
Why Your Plants Need This Stuff
Listen up! Here’s why I swear by organic bone meal:
The Good Stuff
-
Nutrient Powerhouse
- Super rich in phosphorus
- Good amount of calcium
- Decent nitrogen content
- Contains trace minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium
-
Perfect for Specific Plants
- Flowering plants (especially roses)
- Bulbs
- Root vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Garlic and other alliums
- New lawns
-
Other Awesome Benefits
- 100% organic and environmentally friendly
- Slow-release formula (feeds plants for about 4 months)
- Helps develop strong root systems
- Improves flower and fruit production
- Boosts overall plant health
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Look, I gotta be honest with ya – there are some downsides:
-
Soil pH Matters
- Only works in soil with pH below 7
- Won’t do much in alkaline soil
-
Animal Attraction
- Can attract pets (my dog goes nuts for it!)
- Might bring unwanted critters to your garden
-
Other Limitations
- Slow-release (not great for immediate nutrient needs)
- Not vegan-friendly
- Need to be careful not to over-apply
How to Use Organic Bone Meal Like a Pro
Application Rates
Here’s my tried-and-true application guide:
For General Garden Beds:
- 10 pounds per 100 square feet
- Mix well into top layer of soil
For Individual Plants:
- Bulbs: 1 teaspoon per planting hole
- Potted Plants: 2 oz (1 heaping tablespoon) per pot
- Trees/Shrubs: 1-2 pounds depending on size
Step-by-Step Application
-
Test Your Soil First
- Check pH levels
- Test for phosphorus deficiency
- Make sure soil is below pH 7
-
Application Process
- Pick a dry day for application- Sprinkle evenly over soil- Mix into top layer thoroughly- Water well after application -
Timing
- Best applied in spring or fall
- For bulbs: apply during planting
- Reapply every 4 months if needed
Plants That LOVE Bone Meal
Spring Bulbs
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Hyacinths
- Crocus
- Dutch Iris
Summer Bulbs
- Dahlias
- Gladiolus
- Lilies
- Begonias
- Caladiums
Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Root vegetables (carrots, potatoes)
- Onions
- Garlic
- Leeks
Pro Tips from My Garden to Yours
-
Avoid Pet Problems
- Mix thoroughly into soil
- Keep pets away during application
- Water well to help it settle
-
Storage Smarts
- Keep in airtight container
- Store in cool, dry place
- Keep away from pets and kids
-
Application Tricks
- Apply in dry weather
- Wear gloves during application
- Use a garden fork to mix into soil
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Can bone meal burn my plants?
Nope! Unlike some chemical fertilizers, bone meal won’t burn your plants when used correctly.
Q: How long does it take to work?
It’s a slow-release fertilizer, so expect to see results over several weeks to months.
Q: Is it safe for organic gardening?
Absolutely! It’s 100% natural and organic-certified.
Final Thoughts
I gotta say, organic bone meal has been a total lifesaver in my garden. Yeah, it’s got some quirks (looking at you, dog-attracting smell!), but the benefits totally outweigh the drawbacks. Just remember to check your soil pH, apply it properly, and keep your furry friends away from freshly treated areas.
Whether you’re growing gorgeous roses, planting fall bulbs, or trying to get those tomatoes to really pop, give organic bone meal a shot. Your plants will thank you with bigger blooms, stronger roots, and healthier growth!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Rich in Nutrients
Bone meal is particularly rich in calcium, which is an essential mineral for plant health that helps keep a plants cell walls strong and promotes sturdy growth.
Phosphorus is another key nutrient found in bone meal fertilizer. It plays a big role in photosynthesis as well as root, flower, and seed production. Phosphorus also aids in energy transfer within the plant and other vital functions, all of which lead to higher fruit and seed yield, healthy flowering and bloom growth, and increased pest and disease resistance.
This mineral really comes in handy when fertilizing tomatoes because the more a tomato plant flowers, the more abundant fruit it produces. In root vegetables such as carrots, phosphorous encourages root growth. Finally, bone meal fertilizer is a great source of nitrogen for plants. Nitrogen aids in protein development, enzyme production, and other important aspects of plant growth and health.
Slow-Release Fertilizer
Bone meal fertilizer breaks down slowly, making it the perfect long-term fertilizer. It only needs to be applied once per year or growing season (depending on the plants life cycle), since the bone meal will continue to feed your plants as it dissolves little by little. The natural decomposition process feeds the soil and increases its microbe level.