top of page

Blood Meal For Plants

Blood Meal

Blood meal, a good, high quality, natural and nutrient-rich product derived from the blood of animals, typically from slaughterhouses. It has been used for centuries as a potent organic fertilizer and soil amendment in gardens. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of it, its nutritional composition, and how to use it effectively in your garden to help make good soil.  Please click any links below, in the table of contents, to be directed to that section!

Blood Meal 25lb Bag

$59.25Price

Understanding Blood Meal

Blood Meal in a Dish

It is used widely in the gardening industry and whether you are a seasoned grower or just starting out, this can be used effectively to promote healthy plants that yield well for you.  Many folks still do not know what it is and we are here to shed some light on what it is and its use.

What is it?

This is a valuable soil amendment that has been used for centuries in gardening and agriculture. It is produced by drying and grinding the blood collected from animals, usually from slaughterhouses. The blood is heated to a high temperature to coagulate and then dried, resulting in a fine powder or granular form. This process ensures the elimination of any potential pathogens, making it safe to use in the garden.

Nutritional Composition

One of the key reasons it is highly regarded in gardening is its impressive nutritional composition. It is particularly known for its significant organic nitrogen content. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is crucial for the development of healthy foliage. It typically contains around 12-13% nitrogen by weight, making it an excellent source of this vital element.

​

In addition to nitrogen and being a slow release fertilizer, it also contains other essential nutrients that plants need to thrive. These include phosphorus, which is necessary for root development, flowering, and fruiting, as well as potassium, which promotes overall plant health and disease resistance. It also provides trace elements like iron, zinc, and calcium, which are essential for various physiological processes within plants in critical months during the growing season.

Benefits of Using it in the Garden

Using it as a soil amendment offers several notable benefits for gardeners. Firstly, its high nitrogen content provides a quick and readily available source of this essential nutrient to plants. This promotes rapid and robust vegetative growth, resulting in healthier and more vigorous plants.

​

It also contributes to improving soil fertility and structure. When incorporated into the soil, it gradually releases nitrogen, enhancing nutrient levels and overall soil health. The slow release of nitrogen from it ensures a steady supply for plants over an extended period.

​

Moreover, it can help improve soil drainage and aeration, particularly in heavy clay soils. Its organic matter content improves soil structure, allowing better water infiltration and root penetration. This, in turn, enhances the overall health and productivity of plants along with providing healthy root development.

​

Additionally, blood meal's strong scent acts as a natural deterrent for some pests and animals. The odor helps to repel certain critters, reducing the risk of damage to plants. However, it's important to note that it may not be effective against all pests, and additional pest control measures may be necessary.

​

In summary, its rich nutrient profile, ability to enhance soil fertility, and pest deterrent properties make it a valuable tool for gardeners. Understanding how to effectively utilize blood meal in the garden can lead to healthier plants, improved yields, and a more vibrant and thriving garden overall.

The Role of it in Soil Improvement

Blood Meal in Soil Improvement

blood plays a vital role in soil improvement by enhancing soil fertility, improving soil structure and drainage, and promoting microbial activity for a healthy root system. Its high nitrogen content provides plants with a steady supply of this essential nutrient, leading to vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. It also helps to bind soil particles together, improving soil aggregation and allowing for better root penetration, water infiltration, and air circulation.

 

Additionally, it acts as a substrate for beneficial soil microbes, encouraging their growth and activity, which in turn aids in nutrient cycling and overall soil health. By incorporating it into soil management practices, gardeners can create a nutrient-rich, well-structured soil environment that supports optimal plant growth and yields.

Enhancing Soil Fertility

It plays a crucial role in improving soil fertility due to its rich nutrient composition, particularly its high nitrogen content. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that plants require for various physiological processes, including leaf and stem development. When blood meal is incorporated into the soil, the nitrogen is slowly released, providing a sustainable and long-lasting source of this vital nutrient. As plants absorb the nitrogen, they experience enhanced growth, vibrant foliage, and improved overall health.

Improving Soil Structure and Drainage

In addition to its nutritional benefits, it also contributes to improving soil structure and drainage. Its organic matter content helps to bind particles together, improving soil aggregation and stability. This results in soil with improved tilth, which enhances root penetration, water infiltration, and air circulation. As a result, plants can establish stronger root systems, access moisture and nutrients more efficiently, and experience reduced water-logging or compaction issues.

Promoting Microbial Activity

This can also play a role in promoting microbial activity in the soil. Soil microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, are essential for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients in a form that plants can readily use. The addition of it provides a nutrient-rich substrate for these beneficial microbes, encouraging their growth and activity. As the microbes break down the organic matter in the soil, they release nutrients and help create a more biologically active and fertile soil environment.

​

By enhancing soil fertility, improving soil structure and drainage, and promoting microbial activity, it contributes to overall soil health and productivity. It provides a natural and sustainable means of enriching the soil, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth and development. Gardeners who incorporate it into their soil management practices often witness improved yields, healthier plants, and a thriving garden ecosystem.

Effective Uses of it in the Garden

Effective Uses for Blood Meal in Garden Soil

Blood meal has several effective uses in the garden. It serves as a valuable nitrogen source for plants, promoting healthy and vigorous growth, particularly in nitrogen-demanding crops. It can be applied to the soil or used as a side dressing to ensure a steady supply of nitrogen throughout the growing season.

​

Furthermore, it is beneficial for fertilizing nitrogen-hungry crops such as corn, tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage. By providing an additional boost of nitrogen, it supports their growth and development, resulting in improved yields and healthier plants.

​

Additionally, it's strong odor acts as a natural deterrent for some pests and animals. Sprinkling some around plants or creating a boundary around the garden can help repel critters like rabbits, deer, and squirrels, protecting plants from potential damage.

​

This product can also be utilized in composting efforts. Its high nitrogen content aids in the decomposition process and enriches the compost with essential nutrients. By incorporating it into compost piles, gardeners can produce nutrient-rich compost that enhances soil fertility when applied in the garden.

​

By harnessing the effective uses of it in the garden, gardeners can maximize plant nutrition, deter pests, and improve composting practices, leading to thriving plants, increased yields, and a more productive and sustainable garden ecosystem.

As a Nitrogen Source for Plants

One of the primary uses of blood meal in the garden is as a valuable nitrogen source for plants. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and is responsible for stimulating leaf and stem development. With its high amounts of nitrogen content, provides a readily available and organic form of nitrogen that can be easily absorbed by plants. It is particularly beneficial for nitrogen-demanding crops such as leafy greens, vegetables, and plants with lush foliage. By incorporating it into the soil or using it as a side dressing around plants, gardeners can ensure a steady supply of nitrogen to promote healthy and vigorous plant growth.

Fertilizing Nitrogen-Hungry Crops

Certain crops have high nitrogen requirements and benefit greatly from the application of blood meal. These nitrogen-hungry plants include corn, tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage, among others. When planting or transplanting these crops, adding it to the soil or using it as a top dressing can provide a boost of nitrogen to support their growth. This ensures that these plants have access to an adequate supply of nitrogen throughout their growing season, resulting in improved yields, larger fruits, and healthier plants overall.  Other alternatives to this product include alfalfa meal, feather meal, and animal bones (bone meal).  Bone meal and blood meal are frequently used together but because of the rise of swine diseases, we elect to not carry bone meal and offer a blood meal without any bone within it.

Deterring Pests and Animals

This product's strong and distinctive odor can serve as a natural deterrent for some pests and animals in the garden. The smell of it can repel certain critters like rabbits, deer, and squirrels, helping to protect plants from potential damage. Gardeners can create a barrier by sprinkling some around susceptible plants or using it as a boundary around the garden perimeter. However, it's important to note that this deterrent effect may vary depending on the pest species, and additional pest control measures may be necessary for comprehensive protection.

Composting with it

Blood meal can also be incorporated into compost piles to enhance their nutrient content. When adding it to compost, its high nitrogen content contributes to the decomposition process, providing a source of nutrients for the beneficial microbes involved. This helps accelerate the breakdown of organic materials and creates nutrient-rich compost that can be later used to improve soil fertility in the garden. The product can be sprinkled onto the compost pile during layering or mixed in with the organic matter to ensure a balanced nutrient composition in the final compost product.

​

By effectively utilizing it in the garden, gardeners can optimize plant nutrition, deter pests, and enhance composting efforts. Its versatility as a nitrogen source and pest deterrent makes it a valuable tool for promoting healthy plant growth and protecting crops from potential threats. When used in conjunction with proper gardening practices, this can contribute to the success and productivity of the garden.

Application Techniques and Precautions

Applying Soil Amendments

When using blood meal in the garden, it is important to follow proper application techniques and take necessary precautions. This includes adhering to recommended dosage and application rates, as excessive use can lead to nitrogen burn and damage plants. Incorporating it into the soil before planting or using it as a side dressing around established plants ensures that the nutrients are available to the root systems.

​

Precautions should be taken to minimize the strong odor of it, as it may attract animals. Covering the application with soil or mulch after application can help prevent unwanted disturbances. It is also essential to store it in a cool, dry place, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Wearing gloves and protective clothing when handling it is recommended to avoid skin or eye irritation.

​

Following the recommended application rates and guidelines is crucial to prevent nutrient imbalances and maintain plant health. Additionally, if practicing organic gardening, using certified organic blood meal ensures the integrity of your organic garden.

​

By implementing proper application techniques and precautions, gardeners can effectively utilize it as a beneficial fertilizer while safeguarding the well-being of plants, animals, and themselves.

Application Techniques

When using blood meal in the garden, there are a few application techniques to consider. Firstly, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and application rates specified on the product label. Applying too much of it can lead to nitrogen burn, where excessive nitrogen damages plant roots and causes leaf discoloration. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage as needed.

​

This product can be incorporated into the soil before planting by mixing it evenly into the top few inches of the soil. This ensures that the nutrients are readily available to the plants' root systems. It can also be applied as a side dressing around established plants by sprinkling it evenly around the base of the plants and lightly working it into the soil surface.

​

For container gardening, it can be mixed into potting soil before planting or used as a top dressing by sprinkling a thin layer on the soil surface and gently working it into the top layer of the container.

Precautions

While blood meal is a valuable fertilizer, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Firstly, its strong odor may attract some animals like dogs or raccoons. To prevent unwanted disturbances, it is advisable to cover it with a layer of soil or mulch after application.

​

It is important to store it in a cool, dry place and keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Although it is generally safe to use, it is best to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it to avoid any skin or eye irritation.

​

As with any fertilizer, it is essential to follow the recommended application rates to avoid over-fertilization. Over-application of it can lead to nutrient imbalances and burn plants.

​

By employing proper application techniques and taking necessary precautions, gardeners can effectively use this product as a beneficial fertilizer while ensuring the safety and well-being of plants, animals, and themselves.

How Much Should Be Applied to a Garden

The amount of blood meal to apply to a garden depends on several factors, including the size of the garden, the specific nutrient needs of the plants, and the current nutrient levels in the soil. It is crucial to follow the recommended dosage provided on the packaging or instructions.

​

As a general guideline, for a typical vegetable garden or flower bed, a recommended dosage is around 1 to 2 pounds of it per 100 square feet (or 1 to 2 tablespoons per square foot) when incorporated into the soil before planting.

​

For side dressing around established plants, a dosage of around 1 to 2 tablespoons per plant is commonly recommended. This can be sprinkled evenly around the base of each plant and gently worked into the topsoil.

​

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific dosage may vary depending on the nutrient requirements of your plants, soil conditions, and the brand you are using. To ensure the most accurate and appropriate dosage, always refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer or consult with a local gardening expert or extension service for specific recommendations based on your garden's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Is it safe for organic gardening?

Yes, it can be used in organic gardening. However, it is essential to ensure that the blood meal you use is certified organic. Look for products that have been approved by organic certification bodies to maintain the integrity of your organic garden.

 

How often should I apply it to my plants?

The frequency of application depends on the specific needs of your plants and the nutrient levels in your soil. As a general guideline, it can be applied once or twice during the growing season. However, it is recommended to monitor the plants for signs of nutrient deficiency or excess and adjust the application frequency accordingly.

 

Can I use it as a sole fertilizer?

It is an excellent source of nitrogen but lacks other essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use it in conjunction with other organic fertilizers or amendments to provide a well-rounded nutrient balance for your plants.  A combination of blood meal and bone meal does the trick!

 

Can it attract pests or animals to my garden?

The strong odor of it may attract certain animals, such as dogs, raccoons, or rodents. To minimize this risk, cover it with a layer of soil or mulch after application. Additionally, the odor may act as a natural deterrent for some pests, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific pest species.

​

Can I use it on all types of plants?

Adding blood meal can be beneficial for a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamentals. However, some plants may have specific nutrient requirements or sensitivities. It is always a good idea to research the specific needs of your plants or consult with a gardening expert to determine the most appropriate and effective use of it for your particular garden.

 

Remember, these FAQs are intended as general information, and it's always best to refer to specific product instructions and seek advice from gardening professionals for personalized guidance based on your unique gardening situation.

​

In conclusion, it is a valuable and versatile fertilizer that can be used effectively in garden applications. Understanding the role of it in soil improvement is essential for maximizing its benefits. It provides a rich source of nitrogen, promoting healthy plant growth and improved yields, particularly in nitrogen-demanding crops.

​

By incorporating it into the garden, gardeners can enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, and create a thriving garden ecosystem. Its effective uses include soil incorporation, side dressing, pest deterrence, and composting. However, it is crucial to follow recommended dosages, application techniques, and take necessary precautions to avoid over-fertilization and potential risks.

​

The use of it should be based on the specific needs of plants, soil conditions, and environmental factors. Soil testing, monitoring plant response, and adjusting the application frequency as needed are important practices to ensure optimal results.

​

In summary, when used correctly and in moderation, blood meal fertilizer can be a valuable tool for gardeners seeking to provide their plants with a nutrient boost, improve soil health, and promote sustainable gardening practices. By harnessing the power of blood meal, gardeners can cultivate thriving gardens and enjoy the rewards of healthy, vibrant, and productive plants.

bottom of page