Blood Meal vs Bone Meal: Which Natural Fertilizer is Better for Your Garden?

Both blood meal and bone meal are organic fertilizers derived as by-products from slaughterhouses These powdery amendments can provide a slow-release boost of nutrients to help plants thrive. But there are some key differences between blood meal and bone meal that gardeners should understand before using them

This article will compare blood meal vs bone meal – their composition, benefits, proper use cases, and how to apply them correctly. Read on to learn which of these natural fertilizers is right for your garden soil and plants!

What is Blood Meal?

Blood meal is a dried, powdered form of blood from slaughtered animals. It undergoes processing to remove moisture and sterilize it before being packaged as fertilizer.

The resulting blood meal has a typical nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio of 12-0-0. This means it is 12% nitrogen, with no phosphorus or potassium content.

Blood meal is prized by organic gardeners as a rich source of nitrogen, which is essential for healthy foliage growth. Nitrogen stimulates vegetative growth and gives leaves their vibrant green color. It is also a key component of proteins and chlorophyll production.

When added to soil, blood meal releases nitrogen steadily over a 2-6 week period. This makes it a longer-lasting fertilizer compared to faster-acting options like ammonium sulfate.

Too much blood meal can burn plants, so follow package directions carefully. It is best applied during active growing seasons when plants can readily use the nitrogen boost.

What is Bone Meal?

Bone meal is also a slaughterhouse by-product, made from crushed, steamed bones that are dried and pulverized.

Unlike blood meal, bone meal provides relatively high levels of phosphorus and calcium. It has an NPK ratio in the range of 3-15-0 to 4-12-0.

Phosphorus supports healthy root growth and flowering. Calcium is beneficial for cell wall structure and disease resistance.

Bone meal releases its nutrients more slowly over a period of 3-4 months. It can be applied any time of year, even fall or winter.

Key Differences Between Blood Meal and Bone Meal

Beyond their organic origin and powdered texture, there are some notable differences between blood meal and bone meal:

• Nutrient content – Blood meal is prized for its high nitrogen levels, while bone meal provides more phosphorus and calcium.

• Release rate – Blood meal releases its nitrogen over 2-6 weeks. Bone meal’s nutrients are available for 3-4 months.

• Best use timing – Apply blood meal during active growing seasons. Bone meal can be used year-round.

• Effects on plants – Blood meal promotes leafy growth. Bone meal supports roots, flowers, and fruits.

• Burn risk – It’s easier to burn plants by overapplying blood meal. Bone meal is harder to over-apply.

When to Use Blood Meal vs Bone Meal

With their differing nutrient compositions and release rates, blood meal and bone meal each haveideal use cases:

Use Blood Meal For:

• Vegetable gardens and annual flowers needing a nitrogen boost for lush foliage growth.

• Container plants that quickly deplete soil nitrogen levels between feedings.

• Young plants establishing new leafy growth. Avoid using on seedlings.

• Quick greening of lawns and establishment of new grass seedings.

Use Bone Meal For:

• Flower and vegetable plants prior to bloom or fruit set.

• New transplants needing phosphorus for root establishment.

• Bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers to stimulate flowering.

• Trees, shrubs, and perennials to promote branching and disease resistance.

• Anytime a soil test shows low phosphorus or calcium levels.

How Much to Apply

Always follow product label directions for correct application rates. As a general guideline:

• Blood meal – Apply 1/2 to 1 cup per 100 square feet of garden space, or 1-2 tablespoons per large plant.

• Bone meal – Use 1-2 cups per 100 square feet, or 2-4 tablespoons per mature plant.

It’s ideal to do a soil test first to determine if phosphorus or calcium levels are truly low enough to warrant bone meal. Otherwise, it may do more harm than good.

Mix both meals into the top few inches of soil for easiest access by plant roots. Reapply blood meal every 4-6 weeks during the growing season if needed.

Pros and Cons of Blood Meal vs Bone Meal

Here is a quick comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of these two organic fertilizer options:

Blood Meal Pros:

• Rich nitrogen source
• Promotes leafy greens
• Fast nutrient release

Blood Meal Cons:

• Can burn plants if over-applied
• Limited nutrient profile
• Short-lived soil benefits

Bone Meal Pros:

• Supplies phosphorus and calcium
• Supports roots, flowers, fruits
• Slower release of nutrients

Bone Meal Cons:

• May be unnecessary if soil nutrients are adequate
• Potential to contaminate waterways with excess phosphorus

To sum up, blood meal and bone meal both offer organic fertilizing options. But they vary significantly in their nutrient content, release rate, and ideal timing of application.

Choose fast-acting blood meal to stimulate leafy growth during the active growing season. Use slower-release bone meal to support flowering and fruiting, but only if soil tests indicate a true need.

Follow label directions closely for both products to get the benefits without overdoing it. With the right meal applied at the right time, you can help your garden thrive naturally!