How to Use Bone Meal Fertilizer: 5 Bone Meal Fertilizer Benefits

Bone meal fertilizer, also known as organic bone meal, is a type of organic fertilizer made from animal bones. Bone meal fertilizer is a slaughterhouse byproduct that uses beef bones ground up into a fine powder or turned into a granular form. Bone meal fertilizer contains elements that can improve the health of flowering plants like roses and tulips. Bone meal fertilizer offers different benefits than other fertilizers made from animal parts like blood meal and fishbone meal. Bone meal is a useful garden fertilizer with several benefits. 1. __Bone meal fertilizer increases phosphorus levels in your soil__. Most bone meal fertilizers have an NPK ratio around 3:15:0, meaning they are low in nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) but high in phosphorus (P). Bone meal fertilizers are an excellent source of phosphorus, which is necessary for the photosynthesis process of your plants. 2. __Bone meal is a slow-release fertilizer__. Bone meal fertilizer releases over the span of several months. Bone meal can increase soil microbes throughout the growing season, benefitting the soil structure for the root systems of your plants. 3. __Bone meal provides calcium for your plants__. Calcium improves root growth, encourages strong roots, and helps prevent blossom end rot. 4. __Bone meal can balance other soil amendments__. Consider mixing bone meal with other additives that have more nitrogen like manure. Bone meal fertilizer can similarly balance out other fertilizers. 5. __Bone meal is an organic fertilizer__. Unlike chemical fertilizers, bone meal improves your organic gardening by using natural elements. Use bone meal fertilizer in your garden by following these general steps. 1. __Test the soil pH level__. Before using bone meal fertilizer, purchase a soil test kit and check the acidity of your soil. Only use bone meal fertilizer if your [soil’s pH](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/essential-guide-to-soil-ph-guide) level is below seven. 2. __Mix in a small amount of fertilizer__. Use one tablespoon of bone meal fertilizer for every two square feet of soil. Mix or rake the bone meal into your garden soil. Consider adding a small amount of bone meal fertilizer inside a planting hole prior to planting. 3. __Water your garden__. After adding bone meal fertilizer to your garden, water the soil. Proper watering breaks down and activates the fertilizer. There are some drawbacks to consider before using bone meal fertilizer. 1. __Bone meal fertilizer is only effective in soil with a pH level under seven__. Remember to test your soil before using bone meal. If your soil’s pH level is above seven, use a different kind of fertilizer to raise the acidity and lower the pH level. 2. __Bone meal fertilizer should be used with other soil additives__. Although bone meal fertilizer is high in phosphorus and calcium, your garden might require soil additives that include other necessary nutrients. 3. __Too much bone meal fertilizer can harm your plants__. Overfertilization can push out other nutrients that your plant needs. Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/) and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community - and the world - a better place. Bone meal fertilizer is an organic fertilizer that can improve the health and growth of your flowering plants.