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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal
Discover how to use organic bone meal fertilizer for stronger roots, better blooms, and healthier fruit. OMRI-listed with 24% calcium. Application rates and tips.
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal
Bone meal fertilizer is made from dried animal bones — typically cattle bones — that have been steamed at high pressure to remove fats and pathogens, then ground into a fine powder. This process preserves the phosphorus and calcium naturally present in bone while making it safe and easy to apply.
As a slow-release fertilizer, bone meal feeds plants for 1-4 months as soil organisms break it down. It works best in soils with a pH below 7.0 — in alkaline soils, phosphorus becomes less available and bone meal's effectiveness drops significantly. Always test your soil before applying.
Bone meal has been a cornerstone of organic gardening for generations, particularly valued for planting bulbs, establishing transplants, and supporting fruiting crops that need strong root systems and consistent phosphorus throughout the growing season.
NPK
3-15-0
Type
Organic
Derived From
Steamed and finely ground bovine bones
Best For
Bulbs|Tomatoes|Root Vegetables|Roses|Fruit Trees|Peppers|Garlic|Strawberries
Brand
Wicked Organics
NPK Breakdown
N
3
Provides a small amount of slow-release nitrogen (3%) to support early vegetative growth without overstimulating foliage.
P
15
Delivers 15% phosphorus for strong root development, abundant flowering, fruit set, and energy transfer within plant cells. Also supplies approximately 24% calcium for cell wall strength.
K
0
N/A — Bone meal contains no potassium. Pair with Greensand (0-0-3) or Sul-Po-Mag for complete nutrition.
What Is It ?
Bone meal is one of the oldest and most trusted organic fertilizers in gardening, prized for its high phosphorus content and slow-release delivery. With an NPK of 3-15-0, bone meal is the go-to amendment for gardeners who want stronger roots, more abundant blooms, and healthier fruit production — all without synthetic chemicals.
Made from steamed and finely ground animal bones, bone meal breaks down over 1-4 months as soil microbes convert its phosphorus and calcium into forms plants can absorb. It's particularly effective in acidic to neutral soils (pH below 7.0), where phosphorus availability is highest. In addition to 15% phosphorus, bone meal delivers approximately 24% calcium — a critical nutrient that prevents blossom end rot in tomatoes, strengthens cell walls, and improves overall plant structure.
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal is OMRI-listed for certified organic production and safe for use in vegetable gardens, flower beds, and around fruit trees. Whether you're planting spring bulbs, transplanting tomatoes, or establishing a new orchard, bone meal gives your plants the phosphorus foundation they need to thrive.
When To Apply ?
Always start with a soil test — bone meal only works effectively in acidic to neutral soils (pH below 7.0). In alkaline soils, the phosphorus becomes locked up. For new garden beds, broadcast evenly and work into the top 3 inches. For individual transplants, mix 1-2 tablespoons into the planting hole. For bulbs, place a small amount under each bulb at planting. Bone meal must be incorporated into the soil — surface application is far less effective and may attract animals.
How to Apply ?
1.
Soil pH Check
Test soil pH to confirm it is below 7.0. Bone meal is ineffective in alkaline soils above pH 7.0.
2.
Calculate Rate
Calculate how much bone meal you need based on garden area and soil test phosphorus deficit.
3.
Garden Rate
For gardens, broadcast 5–10 lbs per 100 sq ft and mix into the top 3 inches of soil.
4.
Transplant Rate
For transplants, add 1–2 tablespoons per planting hole mixed into backfill soil.
5.
Water In
Water thoroughly after application to begin slow microbial breakdown and phosphorus release.
6.
Reapply
Reapply once per growing season. Bone meal releases slowly and a single application typically lasts the season.
7
Garden Rate
For gardens, broadcast 5–10 lbs per 100 sq ft and mix into the top 3 inches of soil.
How To Store
Bone meal is non-toxic but the fine powder can irritate eyes and lungs. Wear a dust mask and gloves during application. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Note: the scent may attract dogs, raccoons, or skunks — always mix thoroughly into soil and water in well after applying.
FAQs
1.
What is bone meal fertilizer?
Bone meal is a natural, organic fertilizer made from finely ground animal bones. It is one of the most widely used organic phosphorus sources, providing approximately 3% nitrogen and 15% phosphorus (P₂O₅) along with significant calcium. Bone meal promotes strong root development, flowering, and fruiting while building soil calcium levels. It breaks down slowly in soil, releasing phosphorus gradually over weeks to months as soil microbes and acids process the material. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal is a premium-grade, OMRI-Listed organic phosphorus amendment for gardens, flower beds, and landscapes.
2.
What is bone meal used for in the garden?
Bone meal is used to supply phosphorus and calcium to garden soil. Phosphorus is essential for root development, flower production, fruit set, and energy transfer within plants. Bone meal is especially popular at planting time for bulbs, transplants, roses, fruit trees, and perennials because it encourages rapid root establishment. The calcium content helps prevent disorders like blossom end rot in tomatoes. It is also used to build long-term phosphorus levels in soils that test low. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal is a go-to organic amendment for bloom-boosting and root-building applications.
3.
How do I use bone meal fertilizer?
Apply bone meal by mixing 2–5 pounds per 100 square feet into the top 4–6 inches of garden soil before planting. For individual planting holes, add 1–2 tablespoons and mix with backfill soil. For bulbs, sprinkle ½–1 teaspoon in each planting hole. For established plants, scratch 1–2 tablespoons into the soil surface around the base and water in. Phosphorus does not travel through soil easily, so incorporating bone meal into the root zone gives the best results. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal is easy to measure and apply for precise organic phosphorus delivery.
4.
Is bone meal good for tomatoes?
Yes, bone meal is excellent for tomatoes, particularly at transplanting time. The phosphorus promotes rapid root establishment, which helps tomato plants access water and nutrients more efficiently from the start. The calcium helps prevent blossom end rot, one of the most common tomato growing problems. Mix 1–2 tablespoons of bone meal into each planting hole when transplanting. For established plants, scratch a tablespoon into the soil surface around the base monthly during the growing season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal delivers the phosphorus and calcium tomatoes need for healthy roots and quality fruit.
5.
What is the NPK of bone meal?
Bone meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 3-15-0, meaning it provides about 3% nitrogen, 15% phosphorus (P₂O₅), and no potassium. The high phosphorus content makes it one of the best organic sources for root development and flower production. The nitrogen component is minimal but contributes a small amount of slow-release feeding. Because bone meal contains no potassium, pair it with sulfate of potash or a balanced organic fertilizer for complete nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal delivers concentrated organic phosphorus at 3-15-0.
6.
Does bone meal attract animals to the garden?
Yes, bone meal can attract digging animals like raccoons, skunks, dogs, and squirrels, especially when applied on or near the soil surface. The animal proteins and fats in bone meal produce odors that attract wildlife. To minimize this issue, incorporate bone meal thoroughly into the soil rather than leaving it on the surface, and cover with mulch. Alternatively, consider using bone char, which undergoes high-temperature processing that removes most attracting odors. Old Cobblers Farm™ offers both Wicked Organics Bone Meal and Bone Char — the latter is a less animal-attractive phosphorus option.
7
Can I use bone meal for bulbs?
Yes, bone meal is one of the most traditional and effective amendments for spring-flowering bulbs. The phosphorus promotes strong root development during the fall planting period, which directly translates to larger, more vibrant blooms in spring. Sprinkle ½–1 teaspoon in each bulb planting hole, mix with soil, then set the bulb on top. For bed plantings, broadcast 2–3 pounds per 100 square feet before setting bulbs. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Bone Meal has been trusted by gardeners for generations to produce spectacular tulip, daffodil, crocus, and lily displays.