Bone meal is a popular organic fertilizer derived from animal bones that have been steamed and ground into a powder or granules. This soil amendment is a slow-release source of two primary nutrients: phosphorus and calcium. Gardeners utilize bone meal mainly to stimulate robust root development, strengthen plant cell walls, and enhance flowering and fruiting in plants like bulbs, roses, and tomatoes. It provides sustained nutrition throughout the growing season because it releases its nutrients over several months.
Understanding Bone Meal Types and Forms
The quality and application of bone meal depend largely on its processing and physical form. Most commercial bone meal is sold as “steamed bone meal,” meaning the animal bones have been subjected to high-pressure steam to remove gelatinous material and sterilize the product. This sterilization step eliminates potential pathogens and stabilizes the nutrients, making it safer for home garden use.
The physical grind size significantly affects how quickly nutrients become available to plants. Fine bone meal, a powder, offers a larger surface area, leading to a faster breakdown and nutrient release. Conversely, granular or pelletized bone meal has a smaller surface area, resulting in a slower, more sustained release that can feed plants for four to six months.
The typical nutrient profile, often displayed as an NPK ratio, is low in nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) but high in phosphorus (P), commonly seen as 3-15-0 or 4-12-0. Bone meal is a specific soil supplement meant to address phosphorus and calcium deficiencies. The high calcium content (20% to 24%) is particularly beneficial for preventing issues like blossom end rot in fruiting vegetables.
Retail Locations for Purchase (Physical and Online)
Bone meal is widely available across various physical and online retail platforms. For immediate needs and smaller quantities, local garden centers and nurseries are reliable sources. These specialized stores often carry a selection of organic brands and may offer higher-quality products with staff who can provide specific application advice.
Larger home improvement stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, also consistently stock bone meal, typically offering it in both powder and granular forms under national and store brands. These retailers are convenient for picking up standard-sized bags alongside other gardening supplies. Hardware chains like Ace Hardware also carry various brands, often including options in larger 20-pound bags.
For bulk purchasing or specialized organic products, online retailers are often the best choice. General e-commerce sites like Walmart and Target carry multiple brands, sometimes offering competitive pricing on smaller bags. Specialized organic gardening websites and farm supply stores are excellent for buying bone meal in 50-pound bags or larger bulk quantities, which is more cost-effective for large gardens or commercial operations.
When purchasing online, it is advisable to consider the total cost, as bone meal is a dense, heavy product that can incur significant shipping fees. Bulk orders from specialized suppliers may offer better per-pound pricing but might require freight delivery for very large volumes. Physical store availability can be seasonal, with the best selection appearing in early spring, while online stores maintain inventory year-round.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Before incorporating bone meal into your garden beds, perform a soil test to determine the existing phosphorus levels and soil pH. Bone meal is only effective in soil with a pH of 7.0 or lower. In alkaline (high pH) conditions, the phosphorus becomes chemically bound and unavailable to plants. Applying bone meal to soil that is already phosphorus-rich can lead to nutrient imbalances, potentially harming plants by interfering with the uptake of other elements like iron and zinc.
For application, bone meal should be mixed thoroughly into the soil rather than simply spread on the surface. When planting bulbs or new transplants, a small amount—typically one to two tablespoons—should be worked into the bottom of the planting hole. For established plants, gently rake the bone meal into the top few inches of soil around the plant’s drip line and water it in well.
Bone meal is an animal product that can attract pets and wildlife due to its scent. Always store unused portions in a sealed container in a cool, dry area, out of reach of animals. When handling the fine powder, wear a dust mask or N95 respirator to avoid inhaling the fine particles.