Blood Meal Vs. Bone Meal Fertilizer: What's The Difference? (& When To Use Each)

If you've ever stood in the fertilizer aisle wondering whether your plants need blood or bones, it might give you pause; but don't worry, it's simpler than it sounds. Blood meal and bone meal are two of the best natural fertilizers for your lawn and garden. Derived from animal byproducts, these organic powders deliver a nutrient boost that helps plants thrive, grow greener, and become more resilient and productive over time.

Blood meal is rich in nitrogen (around 12–15%), which is the nutrient plants crave when growing leaves and stems. It's perfect for leafy greens and is also considered one of the best natural fertilizers for your lawn, giving it a healthy, vibrant green-up. Bone meal, on the other hand, delivers phosphorus (about 15–22%), which supports strong roots, bigger blooms, and better fruit development. Knowing the differences between these two fertilizers helps you give each plant exactly what it needs for optimal growth.

Think of blood meal as a quick energy shot for your plants. It's ideal for fertilizing avocado trees (for those Instagrammable avocado toasts), or other nutrient-hungry plants like cabbage, kale, and cucumbers. You can also use it when leaves start yellowing — a classic sign of nitrogen deficiency. For a brand-new garden bed, aim for about 1 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet, which is like giving the soil a solid breakfast. For everything else, just follow the package instructions for the right amount. Working the blood meal into the top layer of soil helps roots access the nutrients.

Moderation is key. Too much blood meal can push flowering or fruiting plants to focus on leaves instead of blooms or fruit, or cause crispy brown leaf edges from nitrogen burn. It can also attract curious pets (and raccoons), so consider fencing off freshly fertilized areas until the scent fades. For best results, sprinkle evenly over garden beds and give them a good soak, or scatter around the drip line for individual plants and water it in.

If you want blooms that stop people in their tracks, or tomatoes worthy of a seed catalog cover, bone meal is a total game-changer for tomato gardens and other flowering or fruiting plants. Loaded with phosphorus, it builds strong root growth, encourages bigger blossoms, and produces tastier fruits. For most garden beds, scatter it over the soil, gently work it in, and water well. Amounts vary depending on the plant and its size, so double-check the directions on the package. Just keep in mind: bone meal only works if your soil isn't too alkaline; otherwise, plants can't absorb the phosphorus.

Container gardeners, you're covered too. Add bone meal to pots once or twice during the growing season, following the package rates. For an extra edge, mix roughly twice as much wood ash as bone meal so your plants get a healthy dose of potassium along with the phosphorus. Like blood meal, more isn't better. Too much phosphorus can throw your soil out of balance, making it harder for plants to take up other nutrients. A quick soil test and sticking to recommended amounts keeps everything healthy.