Blood Meal vs Bone Meal: Which Natural Fertilizer Should You Use?

When you want to feed your garden organically, blood meal and bone meal are two popular choices. Both provide nutrients plants need to grow and thrive. But there are some important differences between these natural additions that gardeners should know about before they use them.

What is Blood Meal?

Blood meal is a dried, powdered form of animal blood, usually obtained as a by-product from slaughterhouses It’s an excellent source of nitrogen, which is one of the most important nutrients for healthy plant growth.

The nitrogen in blood meal is readily available to plant roots and microbes in the soil This makes it a fast-acting fertilizer option, The nitrogen content of blood meal typically ranges from 12-16%, It also contains small amounts of phosphorus and potassium,

Vegetables, annual flowers, and other plants that need a lot of nitrogen do well with blood meal. It promotes lush, green foliage growth.

What is Bone Meal?

Bone meal is a powder made from ground animal bones that have been steamed and finely pulverized. It contains 10-20% phosphorus and 20-30% calcium.

Phosphorus and calcium levels in soil tend to stay pretty stable over time, but nitrogen levels change over time. Bone meal can replenish depleted reserves of these nutrients.

Phosphorus aids in root, flower, fruit, and seed production. Calcium is vital for plant cell wall structure and stress tolerance. Bone meal is particularly beneficial for bulbs, tomatoes, peppers, and plants prone to blossom end rot.

Key Differences Between the Fertilizers

While both can be beneficial to your soil, it’s important to test your soil before applying so that you can determine your soil’s needs. If your soil lacks nitrogen, blood meal is one of the best ways to get it into your soil. If phosphorus is what your soil is deficient in, bone meal will suit your needs.

Here are some other key differences:

• Nutrients provided: Blood meal is a nitrogen fertilizer while bone meal provides phosphorus and calcium.

• Speed: Blood meal releases nitrogen quickly for fast plant uptake. Bone meal works slower, providing more long-term phosphorus and calcium.

• Organic matter content: Blood meal contains 12-14% organic matter. Bone meal has 35-40% organic matter.

• Soil can become more acidic when blood meal is added. Bone meal is pH neutral.

• Burn risk: It’s easy to burn plants by over-applying blood meal. Bone meal is harder to over-apply.

• Application: Blood meal is best applied during the active growing season. Bone meal can be applied any time of year.

• Cost: Bone meal tends to be more affordable than blood meal.

How to Apply Blood Meal and Bone Meal

Always follow package instructions when applying these amendments. Here are some general guidelines:

Blood Meal

• Use 2-4 lbs per 100 square feet.

• Mix into soil or compost before planting. Can also side-dress growing plants.

• Water after application to prevent nitrogen loss. Reapply every 4-6 weeks.

Bone Meal

• Use 3-6 lbs per 100 square feet.

• Mix into beds before planting or side-dress existing plants. Also safe to sprinkle on surface.

• Provides nutrients for 3-4 months. Reapply as needed based on soil test results.

Combining the Two

While blood meal and bone meal contain different main nutrients, you can use them together. This gives you a more complete organic fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium.

If your soil test reveals multiple nutrient deficiencies, combining blood meal and bone meal is an excellent option. Just be sure to adjust application rates accordingly so you don’t overload the soil with any one nutrient.

Which is Better: Blood Meal or Bone Meal?

There’s no definitive answer for which of these organic fertilizers is “better” overall. The best choice depends on your specific garden’s needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• What are your plants’ nutritional requirements? Leafy annual vegetables need more nitrogen from blood meal. Fruiting plants like tomatoes may benefit more from phosphorus in bone meal.

• What deficiencies has soil testing revealed? If nitrogen is low, reach for blood meal. For phosphorus or calcium deficiencies, bone meal is the amendment of choice.

• How quickly do you need results? Blood meal provides faster nitrogen uptake. Bone meal is slower release.

• What is your budget? Bone meal is typically more affordable than blood meal.

• Do you follow organic practices? Both are approved for organic gardening.

In the end, a soil test is the best guide. This will provide objective data on your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. From there, you can make an informed choice about whether blood meal, bone meal, or a combination is right for your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blood meal safe for pets?

No. Blood meal can contain pathogens and cause illness if consumed by dogs or cats. Keep pets away from areas treated with blood meal.

Should I use blood meal or chemical fertilizer?

For organic gardeners, blood meal is an excellent alternative to synthetic nitrogen sources. It releases nitrogen more gradually than chemical fertilizers, reducing burn risk.

How long does bone meal last in soil?

Bone meal releases its nutrients over a period of 3-4 months. Reapply if soil tests indicate a continuing need for supplemental phosphorus and calcium.

Can I use too much bone meal?

It is possible to over-apply bone meal, which can lead to excessive salt content in soil. Have your soil tested and follow recommended application rates.

Is bone meal good for all plants?

While most plants can benefit from the phosphorus in bone meal, some species are prone to iron deficiency when too much phosphorus is present. Check plant-specific fertilization guidelines before applying.

Conclusion

While both provide nutrition to plants, blood meal and bone meal have distinct uses in the garden. Understand the pros and cons of each before deciding which is right for your soil. A soil test takes the guesswork out of the equation so you can address your garden’s specific needs. Use blood meal to boost nitrogen for leafy growth and bone meal to correct phosphorus or calcium deficiencies. With the right organic fertilizer, your plants will thrive!