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The Myth of Using Bone Meal in Your Garden: Is It Any Good?
Got questions about osseous tissue meal for the garden ? I did too and I went to great lengths to do some enquiry .
As an avid organic gardener , I am always educating myself about the latest finding in born gardening and what is fact or is really just something everyone has done and thus accepts it .
When it comes to gardening , many well - meaning folks are often on the scout for born and effectual ways to aliment their works and elevate rich development .
Amidst a ocean of horticulture advice , one age - honest-to-god drill has remain democratic for decade : the role of ivory repast as a fertilizer .
Bone repast , derived from ground - up creature bones , is believe to be rich in essential nutrients for plants .
However , as we cut into deeper into the world of horticulture , it ’s essential to separate fact from fiction and try the truth behind the myth of using this amendment in your garden .
More garden myths you will find promoted .
Popular Garden Myths
I have seen a lot of myth and misinformation touted as gospel on the internet for garden tip and tricks . Many can be harmless but others are not !
What is Bone Meal Fertilizer?
osseous tissue repast fertilizer is a byproduct obtained from the processing of beast bones , usually sourced from slaughterhouses or meat processing plants .
The bones are dried and then pulverized into fine powder or granule , which are afterward used as an organic fertilizer .
Advocates argue that it supplies plant with a natural generator of Lucifer , calcium , and trace mineral necessary for sound growth .
Phosphorus and Calcium
Both Ca and Lucifer are required for plant growth , but both ( specially phosphorus ) can cause problem if they occur in eminent engrossment .
It is significant to sympathize that neither one nor any other mineral , will “ excite ” industrial plant growth beyond what is normal for a particular plant life .
A much - vaunt myth about Ca is in thewar against Blossom End Rot .
Is Bone Meal Necessary?
I have happen a plethora of novel blogs and YouTube channels erupting on the prospect in the past few years . Many found that gardening is a popular subject , yet they cognize small to nothing about it and begin spouting the common misconception widely agree .
Or they are associate to fertilizer companies that use them for their selling . There is nothing wrong with wanting to share and make an income from a blog or television duct . I do .
But they do n’t always educate themselves on the facts and promote thing that can be a waste of money at salutary , or a detriment to your garden at worst .
The claim we are talking about today is that phosphorous , the main ingredient in bone repast , hasten root emergence and supercharges flower bloom .
Yet if you dig into the science , you ’ll discover that in most soils , pearl meal or adding Lucifer iscompletely unneeded .
Most garden soils in North America have sufficient amounts of phosphorous and calcium . That includes your soil !
Since Bone Meal is Natural, What is the Harm?
Well , here ’s the deal , an overmuch of soil phosphorous can harm your plant !
Adding off-white repast to a planting maw can interpose with the good fungus that you want to engage with the roots of your plants for their best wellness and growth .
The phosphorus from bone meal subdue the growth of mycorrhizal fungus which is what the industrial plant use to uptake water supply and food .
When you inhibit the relationship between the mycorrhizal fungus kingdom and the works ’s roots you intervene with its ability to grow in good order . This also will contribute to organ transplant shock absorber .
Adding mycorrhizal kingdom Fungi to phosphorus - heavy soil does not bring around the issue that has been created by add os meal unnecessarily .
Plus , bone meal run to pull in burrowing animals or even the region wienerwurst to stab it up to eat , which is not a skilful affair . It can be toxic to wiener and African tea .
What Fertilizers Should You Be Aware Of?
Bulb fertilizers will often have bone repast in them . You will see folks touting contribute a bulb fertilizer to the soil or in the pickle when they are planting daffodils and tulips .
Most bulbs you purchase have already stash away more than enough energy to bring forth bloom in Spring . You do n’t need to supplement them .
So if pearl meal is not needed and can be harmful why are there so many products usable ?
call back , companies are not in the business sector of educating you , they are in the business to sell you something .
Using influencers ( blogs , social medium , and videos ) is a remunerative elbow room to expand their marketing thus their bottom line .
Environmental Concerns
In recent years , business organization have been raised regarding the use of pearl repast in gardening due to possible environmental impacts .
There is the potential risk of pollution from the presence of heavy alloy , like lead and mercury , or pathogens in bone repast , although commercial products generally undergo processing and sterilisation to palliate these risks .
Then there is the evidence that sterilization wipe out the pearl meal of the nutrients that it is supposedly replete with . The jury is still out on that mo .
Alternative Fertilizers
Gardening fancier who are disbelieving about the benefits of pearl repast can explore alternative fertilizers that allow like or superior results .
For example , rock ‘n’ roll phosphate , which contains high levels of daystar , can be an good replacement for bone meal . ( but if you are not lack in atomic number 15 then this is a moot point )
Note : Rock inorganic phosphate mining is being discontinued as it has its own environmental consequence .
Other selection include compost , manure , and fish emulsion products . These option offer a all-inclusive range of food and may have a more balanced approach to keeping a healthy land microbiome which in bit will feed your plants what they need when they need it .
Make Your Own Compost
induce compost for a beautiful garden is fairly simple . Even small gardens can have a neat fiddling compost bin tuck in a corner .
While the use of bone repast in horticulture has been widely advocated , it is essential to critically evaluate its drawbacks .
While bone meal does provide phosphorus and other trace minerals , the addition of these food is not as beneficial as commonly believed .
The potential environmental and toxic to pets concerns associated with bone meal should be considered .
Take the prison term to learn about compost and regenerating your soil . Before adding any fertilizer or much - touted garden amendment get a soil test done and see if your garden really necessitate it .
Stop Fertilizing!
If you ’re new to gardening , you might consider that the cay to a thriving garden is to fertilize , fertilize , fertilize . Just stop , Regenerate the Soil instead ! !
As with any horticulture praxis , it is always beneficial to research , learn , and adapt to find the best approach for your specific plants and garden .
Hi, I’m Pamela
Sources : The Myth of Beneficial Bone Meal
