Bone meal, a type of garden fertilizer, is made from steamed animal bones that have been ground into a fine powder. Rich in certain nutrients, bone meal is simple to use, but is not suitable for all soils and doesn't contain everything plants need to thrive. For added benefit, purchase bone meal that's been fortified with other nutrients, like nitrogen.
Purpose of Bone Meal
Purpose of Bone Meal
Bone meal is mostly used to provide phosphorus and calcium to plants and soil. Phosphorus helps plant grow and photosynthesize effectively. Calcium is vital to the formation of healthy cells and helps plants move and retain other elements within themselves. Phosphorus occurs naturally in the soil, but plants often require more of it than the soil can provide without a supplement.
Bone Meal Benefits
Bone meal takes time to break down, releasing nutrients into the soil slowly and providing plants with a steady dose of important phosphorous and calcium, instead of a quick burst. Unlike some chemical fertilizers, bone meal won't burn plants if you apply too much. Small amounts of other important nutrients, like zinc and magnesium, are also in bone meal, and have a variety of beneficial effects on plants.
Using Bone Meal
The directions on commercially manufactured bone meal will vary somewhat among brands, but it can be used in several ways. Bone meal can be mixed with soil as an amendment before planting by adding 5 to 6 pounds per 100 square feet. Or, toss 2 tablespoons in a hole before you add a new plant. For established plants, sprinkle 1/2 cup bone meal over the roots before spring buds appear. Check the package as rates vary.
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