Bone Meal Fertiliser

Bone Meal

Bone Meal is an organic source of phosphorous and calcium, with some nitrogen and traces of several important minerals. It is a long lasting, slow release fertiliser for newly planted trees and shrubs that is excellent for helping roots establish in depleted soils.

We always advise a soil test before using fertilisers: a little bonemeal won't hurt your plants, but if your soil is already high in Phosphorous and Calcium, it may not be necessary. In general, Bonemeal is always a good thing to mix into the soil at planting time if your soil is poor.

If you have rich soil, then we still recommend it for "working" plants like fruit trees and soft fruit bushes, but as top dressing over the soil surface after the planting is done, not mixed into the soil. Most hedging plants and Standard Trees, especially native species, can do without it.

Interestingly, bonemeal mixed into the planting hold seems to inhibit the growth of the Mycorrhizal Friendly Fungi in Rootgrow, which are far more important to your plant roots than a bit of extra nutrition. When using Rootgrow, which should go directly onto the roots of your plants, it is not recommended to mix bonemeal into the soil at planting time. Dusting it over the soil surface is fine.  

How to use Bone Meal for Planting:
Bone Meal needs to be mixed well into the soil when you plant your trees into poor soil. Use 140 grammes per square metre (4oz per square yard).

Bone Meal top Dressing for Roses & other Flowering Plants:
In Spring, dust the same amount as above onto the soil surface, then gently rake it in or mulch over it.

Using Bone Meal on Fruit Trees & Bushes:
In Autumn, dust the same amount as above onto the soil surface, then gently rake it in.

It is recommended for use with all the plants that you can buy on our site.

Browse our other garden fertilisers and chemicals.