How Much Blood And Bone To Use

If you’re looking to boost your garden’s health naturally, knowing how much blood and bone to use is the key to success. This classic organic fertilizer is a powerhouse, but getting the amount right makes all the difference.

It’s a fantastic source of nitrogen and phosphorus, two nutrients plants need in large amounts. Used correctly, it promotes strong leafy growth and vibrant blooms. But too much can harm your plants and the soil. This guide gives you clear, simple rates for every part of your garden.

General application rates are a great starting point. Blood and bone meal is a slow-release fertilizer, so it feeds plants over several months. Always follow package instructions first, as concentrations can vary between brands.

For broad application across empty beds before planting, use this as a rule of thumb.

For general soil improvement: Apply 1 cup (approx. 250ml) per square meter.
Work it gently into the top 10-15cm of soil.
Allow it to integrate for a week or so before sowing seeds or planting seedlings.

For Specific Plants and Tasks

Different plants have unique nutritional needs. Tailoring your application helps them thrive.

Vegetable Gardens

Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers: Apply 1/2 cup per plant at planting time. Mix it into the planting hole, ensuring it’s below the roots so they don’t have direct contact.
Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale): A lighter feeder. Sprinkle 1 cup per square meter into the bed before planting.
Root Crops (Carrots, Beets): They benefit from the phosphorus. Use 1 cup per square meter worked into the bed a few weeks before sowing.

Flowering Plants and Shrubs

Roses: They love it! Apply 1 cup per plant in early spring as growth begins. Scratch it lightly into the soil surface around the drip line.
Perennials & Flowering Shrubs: Apply 1/2 to 1 cup per plant in spring. Avoid piling it against stems.
New Trees: When planting, mix 2-3 cups thoroughly with the backfill soil. For established trees, broadcast 2-3 cups per meter of branch spread under the canopy in spring.

Lawns and Top-Dressing

For a green boost, blood and bone can be used on lawns. Use a finely milled product and apply it on a calm day.

Application Rate: Use 1 cup per square meter.
Method: Apply evenly and water in thoroughly. It’s best done in early spring or autumn.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Blood and Bone Meal

Doing it properly ensures safety and effectiveness. Follow these simple steps.

Test Your Soil (Optional but Recommended): A simple soil test can tell you if you’re low in nitrogen or phosphorus. This prevents over-application.
Wear Gloves and a Mask: Always wear garden gloves. A dust mask is wise when spreading the dry meal to avoid inhaling particles.
Measure Accurately: Use a cup or scale to measure the correct amount for your area. Guessing often leads to using to much.
Apply Evenly: For beds, broadcast the meal evenly over the soil surface. For individual plants, sprinkle in a ring around the plant’s base.
Incorporate into Soil: Lightly rake or hoe the fertilizer into the top few inches of soil. This prevents it from blowing away and helps it start breaking down.
Water Thoroughly: Water the area well after application. This settles the meal and begins the microbial activity that releases the nutrients.

Important Precautions and Tips

Blood meal is a by-product of the meat industry, which makes it attractive to some animals. Bone meal can also attract scavengers like dogs.

Bury or Cover It: Always mix it into the soil. A surface application will smell enticing to pets and wildlife.
Storage: Keep it in a sealed, labeled container in a cool, dry place. This preserves its nutrient value.
Less is More: You can always add more later in the season if needed. Over-application can burn plant roots and disrupt soil biology.
Combine with Compost: For the best results, use blood and bone alongside your regular compost. This provides a full spectrum of nutrients and improves soil structure.

Understanding the “Why”: Nutrient Breakdown

Knowing what’s in this fertilizer helps you use it smarter. Blood meal is primarily a nitrogen source (12-14% N). Nitrogen drives green, leafy growth.

Bone meal provides phosphorus (11-15% P) and calcium. Phosphorus is essential for root development, flowering, and fruiting. The combination makes it a balanced, long-lasting feed.

Because it’s organic, it relies on soil microbes to break it down. This means nutrients are released gradually, matching plant uptake. It won’t cause the rapid, weak growth that synthetic fertilizers sometimes do.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors with organic fertilizers. Here’s what to watch for.

Using it for Acid-Loving Plants: Blood and bone can slightly alkalize soil. Avoid using it directly on blueberries, azaleas, or rhododendrons without checking your soil pH first.
Applying to Dry Soil: Never apply any dry fertilizer to parched soil. Water the area first, or apply before a good rain. This prevents root burn.
Ignoring Soil pH: Phosphorus in bone meal becomes less available in very acidic or very alkaline soils. If your soil pH is extreme, correct it before relying on bone meal for phosphorus.
Forgetting About Other Nutrients: Blood and bone does not contain significant potassium. Your plants also need potassium for overall health and disease resistance. Use a complete organic fertilizer or add potash if your soil is deficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use to much blood and bone?

Yes, absolutely. Excessive nitrogen can burn plant roots, cause excessive leafy growth with few flowers or fruits, and even pollute groundwater. Always stick to recommended rates.

How often should I apply it?

For most garden applications, once or twice a year is sufficient. A main application in early spring, and perhaps a lighter follow-up in midsummer for heavy feeders like tomatoes. It feeds plants for 4-6 months.

Is blood and bone meal safe for all vegetables?

It is safe for use around all vegetables. Just ensure you incorporate it into the soil at planting time and wash your harvest thoroughly as you normally would.

What’s the difference between blood meal and bone meal vs. the mixed product?

Blood meal alone is very high, fast-release nitrogen. Bone meal alone is just phosphorus and calcium. The blended “blood and bone” product offers a more balanced, slower-release nutrient profile, which is generally more versatile for gardeners.

Will it attract rats or dogs to my garden?

If left on the surface, yes, the smell can attract animals. This is why thorough incorporation into the soil is a critical step. Once mixed in, the risk is greatly reduced.

Can I use it on my potted plants?

Yes, but be very careful with dosage. For container plants, use 1-2 teaspoons per liter of potting mix and blend it in well. Over-fertilizing in pots is easy because plants cannot seek out more water to dilute it.

Mastering the application of blood and bone meal is a simple way to build healthier soil and stronger plants. By measuring carefully, applying it correctly, and combining it with good compost, you provide a steady, natural food source for your garden. Start with the modest rates suggested here, observe how your plants respond, and adjust your practice from their. Your garden’s vibrant growth will be the best indicator that you’ve got the balance right.