Who doesn’t want a luscious green garden, blooming flowers all year round, and some ripe cherry tomatoes and raspberries on the go? Healthy soil is the secret to healthy plant growth, which is exactly why you use this special meal for your plants!
Bone meal comprises steamed animal bones, eventually ground into a fine powder before consumption. As the name says, it is a nutrient-enriched meal for your soil. Plants that grow in rich soil are stronger and healthier.
If your plants do not turn out how you want them to, they might be missing some nutrients. This organic meal can help!
Let’s Dive into the Science Behind it!
The fertilizer is made up of animal bones. Mostly, cattle bones are used. They’re easily available all around the world, and they are full of nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus.
To make this meal, bones are heated at high temperatures. This process sterilizes the bones and helps break down some of the organic matter in the bone.
Phosphorus is an essential mineral for plants. It stimulates root development, strengthens the stalk and stem, and boosts legumes’ nitrogen-fixing capacity. Similarly, calcium is also an essential component of healthy soil and is required by plants for growth. Plants use calcium for sturdy growth.
It contains calcium and phosphate in the form of calcium phosphate. Since it is insoluble in water, it slowly releases the nutrients for up to four months.
Slow-release fertilizers are considered better than fast-release fertilizers as they prevent nutrient burn. They gradually release their nutrients, making them available for plants throughout their growth. They must be applied less often and can adapt to all soil types.
How to Use Bone Meal?
Unlike other fertilizers, this one has no restrictions on when it can be applied. You can use it before sowing, during the sprouting season, or mature plants whenever needed.
The process is quite simple, too!
If you’re mixing your bone fertilizer while preparing the soil, sprinkle it all over it. Make sure you add in enough water to keep the soil moist. The soil prep seasons are the best time in early spring and early fall.
If you’d like to add your bone meal fertilizer in the growing season, establish plants in containers or pots, take a calculated amount, and sprinkle it over the soil. Use a fork, and gently dig in. Be careful not to hurt the roots.
The rule is to use 3 cups of fertilizer on every 100 square feet of soil.
Pro tip: Add fertilizers before you sow your seeds!
Pros of Using Organic Bone Meal
- It is a purely organic, naturally sourced fertilizer that is free from chemicals.
- Environment-friendly – decomposes easily and naturally without harming the microbes present in the soil.
- They are easily absorbed by plants.
- Improving the microbiota is beneficial for both plants and the soil.
- Strengthens the roots that promote water and minerals absorption.
The Cons
- It would help if you incorporate it with other soil amendments. It’s not one size that fits all.
- Bummer! It’s not suitable for vegans as it comes from an animal source.
- It’s got an odor that potentially attracts animals such as dogs. They can end up ruining your plants.
- This fertilizer works only in acidic conditions on soil with a pH less than 7. Any traces of alkalinity will make it of no use.
- It takes time to show results.
Can it Be Used On All Plants?
Even though it is a great additive to soil and power-packed nourishment, it cannot and should not be used for all types of plants, unfortunately.
What’s the use of purchasing something with your hard-earned money and spending your precious time and energy putting it across the field when it won’t even work? That’s why it’s important to read this section!
Since the major nutrient in this natural soil amendment is phosphorus, plants such as carrots, turnips, potatoes, beets, radishes, onion, and garlic that grow as roots are the most benefited by this organic fertilizer. It also helps flowers like roses and tulips bloom faster.
However, plants with green leafy vegetables do not require a lot of phosphorus. They will grow without it, too. Similarly, this fertilizer doesn’t work on soil with high phosphorus concentration, high pH, and water logging issues.
It is essential to check soil conditions before sowing seeds and adding fertilizer.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the fertilizer is a unique natural organic fertilizer that carries essential elements like calcium and phosphorus. Although it is an excellent choice for root crops, fruiting crops, flowers, and some vegetables, users should consider their soil type and potential disadvantages, such as non-vegan sources and potential animal damage. When used and understood properly, it can be used for growing colorful, healthy gardens.
Grow wisely, and make sensible decisions!