Bone Meal vs. Blood Meal: Which is Better for Your Plants? A Comprehensive Comparison for Garden Fertilization

Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for effective ways to nourish their plants.

Two popular organic fertilizers that often come up in discussions are bone meal and blood meal. These byproducts of the meat industry have been used for centuries to enrich soil and promote plant growth. Both offer unique benefits, but they differ in their nutrient composition and how they affect plants.

Bone meal and blood meal are rich in essential nutrients that plants need to thrive. Bone meal is primarily a source of phosphorus and calcium, while blood meal is high in nitrogen.

The choice between these two fertilizers depends on the specific needs of your plants and soil conditions. Some gardeners use both in combination to provide a more balanced nutrient profile.

When selecting between bone meal and blood meal, it’s crucial to consider factors such as soil pH, plant type, and existing nutrient levels in your garden.

The application method and timing also play a role in their effectiveness.

We extensively researched and compared bone meal and blood meal to determine which one might be better suited for various gardening scenarios.

Best Bone Meal and Blood Meal Products

We’ve carefully selected the top bone meal and blood meal products to help you make an informed decision for your gardening needs. Our curated list includes high-quality options from reputable brands, ensuring you’ll find the right fertilizer to nourish your plants effectively.

Burpee Organic Blood Meal

We highly recommend this organic fertilizer for gardeners seeking a natural nitrogen boost for their plants.

Pros

• Excellent source of nitrogen for vegetables and flowers
• OMRI listed for organic gardening
• Supports soil health and microorganisms

Cons

• Strong odor may attract some pests
• Requires careful application to avoid over-fertilization
• May not be suitable for all plant types

We’ve been using Burpee Organic Blood Meal in our garden for several seasons, and the results speak for themselves.

Our vegetables, particularly leafy greens and fruiting plants like tomatoes, have shown remarkable growth and yield improvements. The granular form makes it easy to apply, and we’ve found it mixes well with potting soil for container gardening.

One thing we appreciate about this product is its versatility. We’ve successfully used it as both a starter fertilizer and for side-dressing heavy feeders like corn and broccoli.

The concentrated nitrogen content (12-0-0) provides a quick nutrient boost, promoting lush, green growth in our plants.

While the blood meal’s odor can be a bit strong initially, we’ve noticed it also acts as a deterrent for some garden pests like deer and rabbits. However, it’s essential to use it judiciously, as over-application can lead to nutrient burn.

We’ve found that following the package directions carefully yields the best results for our garden’s overall health and productivity.

Jobe’s Organic Bone Meal

We recommend Jobe’s Organic Bone Meal for gardeners seeking a natural phosphorus and calcium boost for their plants.

Pros

• Promotes strong root development
• Enhances fruit and flower production
• OMRI listed for organic gardening

Cons

• Requires frequent reapplication
• May attract animals if not mixed well
• Limited primary nutrient content

We’ve found Jobe’s Organic Bone Meal to be an excellent choice for nurturing plants that demand high phosphorus levels.

Its 2-14-0 NPK ratio provides a substantial phosphorus boost, which is crucial for root development and flower production.

The granular form makes application a breeze. We simply sprinkled it around our bulbs and flowering plants, working it gently into the soil. Within weeks, we noticed stronger stems and more vibrant blooms on our roses and tomatoes.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is its organic certification. It’s reassuring to know we’re feeding our garden without introducing synthetic chemicals. The 4-pound bag lasted us a full growing season, though we did need to reapply every 8 weeks for optimal results.

True Organic Blood Meal

We recommend this blood meal fertilizer for gardeners seeking a potent organic nutrient boost for their plants.

Pros

• Highly concentrated nitrogen source
• OMRI listed for organic gardening
• Easy to apply granular formula

Cons

• Strong odor
• May attract pests if not used properly
• Requires careful application to avoid burning plants

True Organic Blood Meal provides an excellent nitrogen boost for garden plants. We found the granular formula simple to sprinkle around plant bases and work into the soil.

A little goes a long way – the 3 pound bag covers up to 104 square feet when applied as directed.

The concentrated 12-0-0 NPK ratio delivers a quick shot of nitrogen to fuel leafy growth. We noticed our vegetable plants and flower beds perking up within days of application. The organic formula builds long-term soil health too.

While effective, blood meal does have a distinct odor. We recommend applying it on a calm day and watering it in well.

Used properly, this USA-made fertilizer offers premium organic nutrition to help produce robust, healthy plants throughout the growing season.

Earth Science Natural Bone Meal

We highly recommend this bone meal fertilizer for gardeners seeking a natural way to boost plant growth and root development.

Pros

• Promotes strong root systems
• Ideal for bulbs, roses, and flowers
• Easy to apply with clear instructions

Cons

• May attract animals if not mixed well
• Requires time to break down in soil
• Slight odor when first applied

We’ve found Earth Science Natural Bone Meal to be an excellent organic fertilizer for various plants in our garden.

The 4-pound bag provides ample coverage, lasting through multiple applications. Its fine granules mix easily into the soil, promoting early plant establishment and vibrant blooms.

When using this bone meal on our rose bushes, we noticed a significant improvement in flower production and overall plant health. The phosphorus boost helped strengthen the root systems, making our plants more resilient to environmental stresses.

For bulb planting, we mixed a teaspoon into the soil for each bulb as directed. Come spring, our tulips and daffodils emerged stronger and more colorful than in previous years. The versatility of this product impressed us, as it worked well for potted plants, trees, and shrubs too.

Hi-Yield Bone & Blood Meal

We highly recommend this versatile organic fertilizer for gardeners seeking a balanced nutrient boost for their plants.

Pros

• Natural source of nitrogen and phosphate
• Suitable for various plants
• Slow-release formula

Cons

• Strong odor
• May attract animals
• Requires careful application

We’ve found the Hi-Yield Bone & Blood Meal to be an excellent choice for organic gardening enthusiasts.

The 6-7-0 formula provides a perfect balance of nitrogen and phosphate, essential for healthy plant growth. We’ve used it on our flowers, vegetables, and shrubs with impressive results.

The slow-release nature of this fertilizer is a standout feature. It feeds plants gradually, reducing the risk of nitrogen burn and ensuring sustained nourishment over time.

We’ve noticed our plants maintaining vibrant foliage and producing abundant blooms throughout the growing season.

One aspect to consider is the strong odor, which can be off-putting initially. We recommend mixing it well with soil and watering thoroughly after application.

While the smell may attract some animals, we’ve found that proper application minimizes this issue. Despite these minor drawbacks, the benefits of this organic fertilizer far outweigh any inconveniences.

Buying Guide

When selecting bone meal or blood meal for your plants, there are several key factors to consider:

Nutrient Content

We recommend checking the N-P-K ratio on the package. Bone meal typically has a higher phosphorus content, while blood meal is rich in nitrogen.

Soil pH

Test your soil pH before applying. Bone meal works best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. Blood meal can lower soil pH over time.

Release Rate

Consider how quickly you need nutrients available. Blood meal releases nutrients faster than bone meal.

Application Method

Look for products that are easy to apply. Both meals come in powder form, but some brands offer pellets or granules for easier spreading.

Organic Certification

If organic gardening is important to you, check for OMRI-listed or USDA Organic certified products.

Package Size

Choose a size appropriate for your garden needs. Smaller packages are suitable for container gardens, while larger bags are more economical for extensive landscaping.

Price

Compare prices per pound among different brands. Buying in bulk can often save money for larger gardens.

Storage

Select products with resealable packaging to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption during storage.

By considering these factors, we can choose the most suitable bone meal or blood meal product for our specific gardening needs.