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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal

Feather meal: the longest-lasting organic nitrogen source with 12% N. Slow-release feeding for 3-4 months. Application rates and tips.

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal

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OUR STORY

Feather meal is produced by steam-processing and grinding poultry feathers collected as a byproduct of the poultry industry. The hydrolysis process partially breaks down the keratin protein structure, making the nitrogen more accessible to soil microbes while maintaining the slow-release characteristic.

The resulting product contains approximately 12% nitrogen, almost entirely in water-insoluble form. This means feather meal must be incorporated into soil where microorganisms can break it down — surface application without soil contact is far less effective. Soil temperatures above 50°F are needed for efficient decomposition.

Feather meal’s slow-release profile typically spans 3-4 months, with initial green-up visible in 2-4 weeks after application. This makes it an excellent choice for a single pre-season application that carries through to harvest.

NPK

12-0-0

Type

Organic

Derived From

Hydrolyzed poultry feathers (ground and steam-processed)

Best For

Brand

Wicked Organics

NPK Breakdown

N

Delivers 12% slow-release nitrogen contained within keratin protein — one of the longest-lasting organic nitrogen sources available (3-4 months).

P

N/A — Feather meal contains no phosphorus. Pair with bone meal for complete N-P organic feeding.

K

N/A — Feather meal contains no potassium. Combine with Greensand or Sul-Po-Mag for potassium.

What Is It ?

Feather meal is a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer made from ground, hydrolyzed poultry feathers. With an NPK of 12-0-0, it matches blood meal for nitrogen concentration but with one major advantage: feather meal releases its nitrogen much more slowly — over 3-4 months instead of 1-4 months — providing a steadier, longer-lasting feed that reduces the need for frequent reapplication.

The secret is keratin, the protein that makes up feathers. Keratin is tough and slow to decompose, which means soil microbes gradually break it down over the entire growing season. This makes feather meal essentially impossible to burn plants with, unlike blood meal or synthetic nitrogen that can damage roots when over-applied.

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is OMRI-listed for certified organic production and ideal for heavy feeders like corn, tomatoes, leafy greens, and cool-season crops that need sustained nitrogen throughout their growing cycle.

When To Apply ?

For new gardens, apply 2-4 lbs per 100 sq ft and work into the top 3 inches of soil. For transplants, add 1-2 tablespoons per hole and mix into soil. For containers, mix 1-2 tablespoons per gallon. For trees and shrubs, spread 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter from base to drip line. For lawns, apply 10-12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Always incorporate into soil — feather meal needs soil contact for microbial breakdown. Reapply every 8-12 weeks only if plants show signs of nitrogen depletion.

How to Apply ?

1. Soil Test

Test soil to confirm nitrogen need. Feather meal is a slow-release nitrogen source ideal for sustained feeding.

2. Application Rate

Calculate rate — 2–4 lbs per 100 sq ft for gardens. Use higher rates for heavy nitrogen feeders.

3. Broadcast / Incorporate

Broadcast evenly and work into the top 3 inches of soil for faster microbial breakdown.

4. Transplant Rate

For transplants, add 1–2 tablespoons per planting hole mixed into backfill soil.

5. Water In

Water thoroughly after application to initiate microbial decomposition and slow nitrogen release.

6. Duration

One application typically feeds for 3–4 months as soil microbes slowly break down the keratin protein.

7 Broadcast / Incorporate

Broadcast evenly and work into the top 3 inches of soil for faster microbial breakdown.

How To Store

Wear a dust mask when handling dry feather meal to avoid inhaling fine particles. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Feather meal has minimal odor compared to blood meal and is less attractive to animals.

FAQs

1. What is feather meal fertilizer?

Feather meal is a natural, organic nitrogen fertilizer made from hydrolyzed poultry feathers. It contains approximately 12–13% nitrogen with trace amounts of phosphorus and potassium, making it one of the highest-nitrogen organic amendments available. Unlike blood meal which releases nitrogen relatively quickly, feather meal breaks down more slowly over 4–12 weeks, providing a sustained nitrogen supply. This slow-release characteristic makes it excellent for crops that need steady nitrogen throughout the growing season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is a premium organic nitrogen source for gardens, farms, and landscapes.

2. What is feather meal used for?

Feather meal is used as a slow-release organic nitrogen source for crops, gardens, and soil-building programs. It is especially effective for heavy-feeding crops like corn, brassicas, and leafy greens that need sustained nitrogen over a long growing period. Feather meal is also popular in organic compost formulations, potting soil blends, and as a component in custom organic fertilizer mixes. Its slow breakdown rate means nitrogen becomes available gradually, reducing leaching and burn risk. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is versatile for direct soil application, composting, and custom blending.

3. What is the NPK of feather meal?

Feather meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 12-0-0 to 13-0-0, providing 12–13% nitrogen with negligible phosphorus and potassium. This makes it comparable to blood meal in nitrogen content, but feather meal releases its nitrogen more slowly — typically over 4–12 weeks compared to blood meal's 1–4 weeks. Because feather meal provides only nitrogen, combine it with bone meal or bone char (phosphorus) and sulfate of potash (potassium) for complete organic nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal delivers premium slow-release organic nitrogen.

4. How does feather meal compare to blood meal?

Both feather meal and blood meal provide approximately 12% nitrogen, but they differ in release speed. Blood meal releases nitrogen relatively quickly (1–4 weeks), making it better for fast correction of nitrogen deficiency. Feather meal releases nitrogen slowly over 4–12 weeks, providing sustained feeding for crops with long growing seasons. Blood meal can also serve as a mild animal deterrent, while feather meal has no repellent properties. Choose blood meal for quick results and feather meal for long-lasting nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ offers both products for flexible organic nitrogen management.

5. How do I apply feather meal to my garden?

Apply feather meal by broadcasting 3–5 pounds per 100 square feet and incorporating into the top 4–6 inches of soil before planting. For side-dressing, apply 1–2 tablespoons per plant around the base and work into the soil surface. For composting, add feather meal to the pile as a nitrogen activator at 5–10% by volume. Because of its slow release, apply 2–4 weeks before you need peak nitrogen availability. Water thoroughly after application. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is easy to spread and incorporate for effective organic nitrogen delivery.

6. Is feather meal safe for all garden plants?

Yes, feather meal is safe for virtually all garden plants when applied at recommended rates. Its slow-release nitrogen is less likely to burn plants compared to fast-release nitrogen sources. It works well on vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees, shrubs, and perennials. However, because feather meal provides only nitrogen, it should be combined with phosphorus and potassium sources for complete plant nutrition. Over-application can still cause nitrogen excess, so follow rate guidelines. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal provides gentle, sustained nitrogen that is safe for sensitive and established plantings alike.

7 Can I use feather meal in compost?

Yes, feather meal is an excellent compost activator and nitrogen source. Adding feather meal to carbon-rich compost piles (leaves, straw, wood chips) provides the nitrogen that decomposer microorganisms need to break down organic matter efficiently. Mix feather meal into the pile at 5–10% by volume or scatter a layer with each addition of carbon material. The combination accelerates composting and produces a richer finished product with higher nitrogen content. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is a cost-effective nitrogen booster for home and farm-scale composting operations.