Bonemeal is an organic fertiliser high in phosphorus. Phosphorus is one of the three major nutrients that plants require for healthy growth and is represented by the chemical symbol ‘P’. Unlike liquid fertilisers, bonemeal releases nutrients slowly, making it ideal for providing long-term nutrition for a wide range of plants.
Bonemeal is produced from animal bones, often from cows as a by-product of the meat industry. The bones are washed, sterilised, and ground into powder or ‘meal’. A similar but alternative to bonemeal is fish, blood, and bone, which is made from fish waste.
Because bonemeal comes from animals, dogs and foxes can be attracted to it and dig the soil to find it. This can result in your newly planted plants being dug up. Burying bonemeal deeply in the base of the planting hole usually avoids problems. Alternatively, use mycorrhizal fungi in the planting hole instead. This vegan alternative to bonemeal also encourages strong root formation, and gives plants a good start.
Fertilizers are food for plants that can be bought in concentrated and compact form such as pellets, granules, powder, or liquid. Fertilizers can be artificially produced (inorganic) or based on plant or animal products (organic).
Most fertilizers are what is known as compound, which is a blend of the three major nutrients that plants need for healthy growth. Product labels carry a detailed breakdown of these as a percentage of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus) and K (potassium). Fertilizers are used to improve plant performance and higher crop yields, although plants that are growing on healthy soil shouldn’t actually need fertilizer and applying it unnecessarily may do more harm than good.
Bonemeal can be used for a wide variety of ornamental and edible plants. Apply bonemeal before sowing or planting out, use it as a top dressing for established border plants in spring, and around fruit trees and bushes in autumn. Bonemeal boosts rooting and is therefore useful when planting hardy woody plants in autumn, as root growth continues through milder spells in autumn and winter.
Here are tips on how to identify, control, and prevent mosaic viruses on a variety of plants. What Are Mosaic Viruses? Mosaic viruses affect more than 150 types of plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The disease is characterized by leaves that are mottled with yellow, white, and light or dark green spots and streaks (in other words, a mosaic of these colors). Some of the most commonly infected plants include to
by Jonathan de Araujo Scientific and technological advancements are changing the world in ways we have never seen before. The gardening world is no exception, and hydroponics is at the forefront of this evolution. As more people discover the advantages hydroponics offers in comparison to conventional gardening, the more this innovative soilless technique gains in popularity. So in an effort to help you decide if ditching the soil makes sense for you, here is an introduction to hydropo
As I socialize with fellow gardeners, there is a common discussion that comes up when discussing plants. That discussion focuses on native plants. So, what is this surge in interest in native plants? This post explores the basic information you need to know about the importance of native plants in your landscape. Let us begin with a definition. Native refers to a plant that existed in a geographical area prior to the European’s arriving on American soil (~1500). The
Ripe pomegranate fruit.Karen Russ, ©2009 HGIC, Clemson Extension Pomegranates (Punica granatum) have been popular fruit throughout human history and are experiencing a surge in popularity at present due to the health benefits associated with their juice. Widely grown for their edible fruits, they are equally valuable as ornamental plants. While their precise origin is unknown, pomegranates are considered native from the near-Middle East to the Himalayas. The first plant