Bone meal is an organic fertilizer derived from the meat processing industry. Animal bones are cooked, then ground and packaged, and then sold as a slow-release fertilizer that offers a good amount of phosphorous.

The N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) ratio of bone meal is generally 4-12-0, though some steamed bone meals have N-P-K's of 1-13-0.

Bone meal is frequently used to fertilize spring-blooming bulbs, and to stimulate root growth when planting perennials but it also works well for providing phosphorous in vegetable gardens, on lawns, and in container plantings.

Bone meal is a fine powder and there is some concern over transmission of animal diseases to humans if it is accidentally inhaled. Use caution and consider wearing a mask while applying bone meal.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service