If you’re wondering how much blood meal to use in your garden, you’ve come to the right place. Getting the amount correct is key to helping your plants without causing harm.
This organic fertilizer is a powerful source of nitrogen. It can green up leafy vegetables and perennials quickly. But using to much can burn your plants and disrupt your soil. This guide gives you clear, effective application guidelines to make it simple.
How Much Blood Meal To Use
There is no single universal dosage for blood meal. The right amount depends on your soil’s current condition and what your planting. A general starting point is to use about one cup per 20 square feet of garden space.
Always mix it thoroughly into the soil before planting. For potted plants, a much smaller amount is needed—about one tablespoon per gallon of potting soil. It’s best to start with less. You can always add more later in the season if your plants show signs of needing it.
Understanding What Blood Meal Is
Blood meal is a dry, powdered fertilizer made from animal blood. It’s usually a byproduct from livestock processing. This makes it an organic way to recycle nutrients.
Its main benefit is its high nitrogen content. Nitrogen is the “N” in the N-P-K ratio on fertilizer bags. Blood meal typically has an N-P-K around 12-0-0 or 13-0-0. This means it’s almost pure nitrogen.
Nitrogen is crucial for plant growth. It’s a primary component of chlorophyll, which plants use for photosynthesis. A good supply of nitrogen leads to:
- Vibrant, deep green leaves.
- Strong stem and foliage growth.
- Healthy vegetable yields, especially in leafy greens like lettuce and spinach.
When Your Garden Needs Blood Meal
Not every garden needs a nitrogen boost. Use blood meal when you see specific signs of deficiency. Adding it unnecessarily can create problems.
Look for these symptoms in your plants:
- Yellowing leaves (chlorosis), starting with the older, lower leaves.
- Slow or stunted growth.
- Pale green or yellowish foliage overall.
A simple soil test is the best way to confirm. You can buy a kit at any garden center. It will tell you your soil’s nitrogen levels and pH. Blood meal can also slightly acidify your soil, which is helpful for plants like blueberries and azaleas.
Step-by-Step Application Guidelines
Following the right steps ensures your plants get the nitrogen safely. Here is a practical method for applying blood meal.
1. Test Your Soil
Check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. This tells you if you even need nitrogen. It also helps you avoid over-application.
2. Calculate the Correct Amount
For general garden use, the standard rate is 1 to 2 pounds per 100 square feet. That’s roughly one to two cups. For specific plants:
- Tomatoes & Peppers: 1 tablespoon per plant at planting, side-dress with another tablespoon when fruits set.
- Leafy Greens: 1 cup per 10-foot row, mixed into soil before seeding.
- Flowering Shrubs: 1/2 cup per shrub, scratched into the soil in early spring.
- Lawns: Use very sparingly; 1/2 pound per 100 square feet is plenty for a green-up.
3. Apply and Mix Thoroughly
Never leave blood meal concentrated on the soil surface or near plant stems. Always wear gloves. Sprinkle the measured amount over the soil. Then, use a garden fork or tiller to mix it into the top 3 to 6 inches of soil. This prevents it from forming a hard crust and allows for even nutrient release.
4. Water Gently
After incorporating, water the area lightly. This helps start the process of microbial activity that breaks down the blood meal. It also settles the soil and prevents the powder from blowing away.
5. Monitor Your Plants
Watch for a positive response, like greener leaves and new growth. If you see no improvement after a few weeks, you may consider a light second application. Be patient—organic fertilizers work slower than synthetic ones.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, its easy to make errors with such a potent fertilizer. Avoid these common pitfalls.
- Over-application: This is the biggest risk. Too much nitrogen burns plant roots, seen as brown, crispy leaf edges. It can also cause excessive leafy growth with no flowers or fruit.
- Not Mixing It In: Leaving it on the surface can attract unwanted animals, like dogs or raccoons, who are drawn to the scent. It can also form a water-resistant barrier.
- Using on Nitrogen-Hating Plants: Some plants, like many native wildflowers and drought-tolerant species, thrive in poor soil. Adding blood meal can harm them.
- Ignoring Soil pH: If your soil is already acidic, repeated blood meal use can make it to acidic for most vegetables. Re-test your soil annually.
Blood Meal vs. Other Organic Nitrogen Sources
Blood meal isn’t your only option. Here’s how it compares to other organic fertilizers.
- Feather Meal: Slower-release nitrogen. Good for long-term feeding but not for a quick fix.
- Alfalfa Meal: Provides nitrogen along with some trace minerals and growth hormones. Less concentrated than blood meal.
- Fish Emulsion: A fast-acting liquid that provides nitrogen and some phosphorus. Has a strong odor for a few days.
- Composted Manure: A well-rounded, gentle fertilizer that improves soil structure. Nitrogen content is lower and varies widely.
Choosing the right one depends on whether you need a rapid solution (blood meal) or a slower, more balanced approach (compost).
Storing Blood Meal Safely
Proper storage keeps your blood meal effective and prevents messes. Always keep it in its original bag, or transfer it to a sealed, airtight container. Label the container clearly.
Store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A garden shed or garage shelf works well. Keep it away from moisture, as it will clump and degrade. Also, ensure it’s placed where pets and wildlife cannot access it, as the smell is very attractive to them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use to much blood meal?
Yes, absolutely. Overuse is the most common mistake. It can lead to nitrogen burn, pollute waterways with runoff, and create unbalanced soil. Always follow the recommended rates on the bag, and start with less if your soil is already fertile.
How often should I apply blood meal?
For most gardens, one application per growing season is sufficient. You can apply it in early spring as a baseline. Fast-growing crops or plants showing deficiency mid-season might benefit from a light side-dressing. Re-test your soil each year to guide your decision.
Is blood meal safe for all vegetables?
It is excellent for heavy feeders and leafy greens like corn, broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. Use it more cautiously for root crops (carrots, beets) and legumes (beans, peas), as to much nitrogen can hurt root development or reduce pea and bean yields.
Will blood meal keep deer away?
Sometimes, but it’s not reliable. The scent can deter some herbivores like deer and rabbits initially. However, rain washes away the smell. It can also attract carnivorous animals like dogs. For pest control, dedicated fencing or repellents are better options.
What’s the difference between blood meal and bone meal?
They are very different. Blood meal is high in nitrogen (for leaves and growth). Bone meal is high in phosphorus (for roots, flowers, and fruits). They are often used together to provide a more complete nutrient profile, but they adress different plant needs.
Using blood meal effectively comes down to careful measurement and observation. Start with a soil test, apply the recommended amount thoughtfully, and mix it well into your garden beds. By following these effective application guidelines, you can harness its power for a lush, productive garden without the downsides of over-fertilization. Your plants will thank you with vigorous, healthy growth.