Bone meal and blood meal are organic fertilizers used in gardening, but they have different compositions and purposes. Bone meal is for plants that require a phosphorus boost for root health, such as flowering and fruiting plants, while blood meal is ideal for plants that need extra nitrogen for leafy growth. Both are good substitutes for traditional chemical fertilizers, but require the gardener to know what soil supplement is needed. While organic fertilizers are less likely to burn your plants than synthetic ones, it is still a good idea to apply cautiously at first and add more slowly until the desired effect is reached.
- Bone Meal:
- Composition: Bone meal is made from finely ground animal bones, typically cattle bones. It’s a good source of phosphorus and calcium. Bone meal benefits are largely the same as ground up eggshells, and both decompose slowly.
- Uses:
- Phosphorus Boost: Bone meal is primarily used to provide phosphorus to plants. Phosphorus is essential for root development, flowering, and fruiting.
- Bulb and Root Crop Fertilizer: It’s often recommended for bulb plants like tulips and daffodils, as well as root crops like carrots and potatoes, which benefit from phosphorus-rich fertilizers.
- Slow Release: Bone meal releases nutrients slowly, making it suitable for long-term plant health.
- Blood Meal:
- Composition: Blood meal is made from dried animal blood, typically from cattle. It’s a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
- Uses:
- Nitrogen Boost: Blood meal is primarily used to supply nitrogen to plants. Nitrogen is essential for leafy growth and overall greenery.
- Fast-Acting: It’s a quick-release fertilizer, providing a rapid nutrient boost to plants.
- Acid-Loving Plants: Blood meal can be beneficial for acid-loving plants like azaleas and gardenia that thrive with additional nitrogen.