Organic Blood Meal Fertilizer 13-0-0
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Organic Blood Meal 13-0-0 Fertilizer
Premium OMRI listed blood meal fertilizer from bovine sources. With 13% slow-release organic nitrogen, it drives vigorous growth, deep green color, and lush foliage — naturally.
Ideal Applications
FEATURES
💪 13% Organic Nitrogen
One of the highest nitrogen concentrations available in an organic fertilizer. Drives rapid chlorophyll production and vigorous vegetative growth.
⏱️ Medium-Release Formula
Nitrogen releases steadily over 6–8 weeks as soil microbes break down the protein, reducing leaching risk and minimizing the chance of nitrogen burn.
🌱 OMRI Listed for Organic Use
Certified for use in certified organic production. Safe for vegetables, fruits, herbs, and ornamentals when applied according to directions.
🐄 Bovine Source — Sustainable Byproduct
Derived from dried bovine blood, a natural byproduct of the meat industry. Choosing blood meal helps divert waste from landfills into productive agriculture.
🦠 Feeds Soil Biology
Proteins in blood meal provide amino acids that stimulate beneficial microbial populations, gradually improving soil structure and water retention.
🔬 Tested for Heavy Metals
Every batch is independently tested for heavy metal content to ensure it meets safety standards for food crop and home garden use.
🥦 Best for High-Nitrogen Crops
Leafy greens, corn, brassicas, and lawns all have elevated nitrogen demands — blood meal delivers exactly the nutrient profile these plants need most.
🌡️ Activates at Soil Temperature
Microbial breakdown begins when soil temperatures exceed 50°F, making blood meal most effective during spring through fall growing seasons.
🏡 Versatile Application Methods
Use as a soil amendment worked into beds, side-dress around established plants, or dissolve in water for a nitrogen-rich liquid feed for containers.
📦 Available in Multiple Sizes
Choose from 2 lb, 5 lb, 10 lb, and 25 lb bags to match the scale of your garden — from a single raised bed to a full-acre production plot.
DERIVED FROM
Blood meal is a single-ingredient organic fertilizer — no fillers, binders, or synthetic additives. It is produced by collecting and drying bovine blood at USDA-inspected processing facilities. The dried material is then milled to a fine, water-soluble powder that mixes readily into soil.
Nitrogen Source
Complementary Organic Sources
Blood meal supplies nitrogen only (13-0-0). To build a complete nutrient program, pair it with sources of phosphorus and potassium:
Bone Meal 3-15-0
Adds slow-release phosphorus for root development, flowering, and fruiting — the macronutrient blood meal naturally lacks.
Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Adds potassium for stress resistance, fruit quality, and cell function. Safe to combine with blood meal in soil applications.
Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5
Provides additional nitrogen and potassium with triacontanol — a natural plant growth stimulant. A gentler complement for flowering plants.
SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA
13-0-0: Pure Nitrogen, Protein-Bound
Blood meal is essentially concentrated protein — roughly 80% crude protein by dry weight. Soil microbes break that protein into amino acids and then into ammonium, making it one of the fastest-releasing organic nitrogen sources available. Best performance when soil temperatures are above 50°F and soil is kept evenly moist to support microbial activity.
🌿 Nitrogen — 13% (Protein-Bound)
Nitrogen is the engine of vegetative growth. It is a key component of chlorophyll (which drives photosynthesis), amino acids (the building blocks of plant proteins), and DNA. Blood meal's 13% N level makes it one of the most concentrated organic nitrogen sources available.
🌸 Phosphorus — 0%
Blood meal naturally contains no significant phosphorus. This is not a limitation — it is what makes blood meal useful as a targeted nitrogen amendment without risk of over-applying phosphorus. Pair with Bone Meal 3-15-0 when phosphorus is also needed.
⭐ Potassium — 0%
Blood meal supplies no potassium. For crops that need all three macronutrients, combine with Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 or Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5 to round out the nutrient program.
Why Blood Meal Works
🦠 Microbial Breakdown
Unlike urea or ammonium sulfate, which release nitrogen chemically, blood meal's nitrogen is locked in protein bonds. Soil bacteria must first digest the protein — a process that creates a natural time-release effect and feeds the soil food web simultaneously.
🥬 Drives Lush Foliage
Plants receiving adequate nitrogen produce larger, darker green leaves with more chlorophyll — directly increasing photosynthetic efficiency and above-ground biomass. This is why leafy greens and corn respond so visibly to blood meal applications.
🌡️ Temperature-Dependent Release
Microbial activity drops significantly below 50°F. In cool soils, blood meal may sit largely unreleased for weeks. In warm soils (65–80°F), the same amount can become plant-available within 7–14 days. Plan applications accordingly in spring and fall.
What to Expect After Application
Results vary with soil temperature, moisture, and microbial activity. Best performance when soil temps are above 50°F and soil is kept evenly moist.
APPLICATION RATES & DIRECTIONS
Vegetable Gardens
| Crop Type | Per 100 sq ft | Per Plant | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens (lettuce, spinach, kale) | 3–4 lb | 2–3 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Corn (heavy feeder) | 4–5 lb | 2–3 tbsp side-dress | At planting + V6 stage |
| Fruiting Vegetables (tomatoes, peppers) | 2–3 lb | 1–2 tbsp | Vegetative phase only |
| Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) | 3–4 lb | 2 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
Flowers & Ornamentals
| Plant Type | Application Rate | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Flowers | 1–2 tbsp per plant | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Perennial Flowers | 2–3 tbsp per plant | Spring & mid-summer |
| Roses | ¼ cup per bush | Monthly during growing season |
Trees & Shrubs
| Plant Size | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Small shrubs (under 3 ft) | ½ cup | 2× per year |
| Large shrubs (over 3 ft) | 1–2 cups | 2× per year |
| Young trees | 1–2 cups | 2–3× per year |
| Mature trees | 2–4 cups | 2× per year |
Lawn & Turf
| Application | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance feeding | 8 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Early spring or fall |
| Standard feeding | 10 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Spring or fall |
| Boost for poor lawn | 12 lb per 1,000 sq ft | Split into 2 applications |
Container & Potted Plants
| Pot Size | Amount per Application | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6-inch pot | 1 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
| 10-inch pot | 2 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
| 14+ inch pot or grow bag | 3 tbsp | Every 4–6 weeks |
HOW TO USE
Soil & Garden Beds
- Measure your garden area in square feet.
- Calculate the amount of blood meal needed based on crop type (see Application Rates above).
- Spread blood meal evenly over the soil surface — avoid piling against plant stems.
- Work into the top 2–3 inches of soil using a rake or hand cultivator.
- Water thoroughly immediately after application to begin microbial activation.
- Reapply every 4–6 weeks during the active growing season.
Container & Potted Plants
- Measure 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot, scaling up with pot size.
- Sprinkle evenly over the soil surface, keeping clear of the stem base.
- Lightly scratch into the top inch of potting mix with a chopstick or finger.
- Water well until it drains from the bottom.
- Reapply monthly during the growing season.
Liquid Feed (Container or Foliar Drench)
- Dissolve 1–2 tablespoons of blood meal into 1 gallon of warm water.
- Stir thoroughly and allow 5–10 minutes for partial dissolution.
- Apply directly to the root zone as a soil drench — not as a foliar spray.
- Use within 24 hours; do not store the diluted mixture.
Pro Tip: Timing for Fruiting Crops
For tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting crops, apply blood meal during the vegetative (leafy growth) phase only. Stop nitrogen applications once flowering begins — excess nitrogen at that stage redirects energy into leaves at the expense of fruit set. Switch to a phosphorus-forward fertilizer like Bone Meal 3-15-0 once buds appear.
When Blood Meal Is the Right Choice
- Plants showing yellowing lower leaves (nitrogen deficiency signs)
- Leafy crops that need abundant, lush foliage — lettuce, spinach, kale, herbs
- Corn in vegetative stage (V1–V6) when nitrogen demand is highest
- Established lawns needing a spring green-up without synthetic fertilizers
- Organic gardeners who need a fast-acting nitrogen boost compared to compost
When to Consider Other Options
- Soil is below 50°F — nitrogen release will be minimal; consider Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0 for immediate availability in cold soils
- Plant is in bloom or fruiting stage — switch to Bone Meal 3-15-0 to support phosphorus needs
- You need a complete N-P-K fertilizer — blood meal only supplies nitrogen; pair with phosphorus and potassium sources
- Pets have regular access to the treated area — blood meal's scent can attract dogs; consider working it well into soil or using Alfalfa Meal as a lower-odor alternative
BLOOD MEAL CALCULATOR
SAFETY & HANDLING
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear gloves when handling — the fine powder can be an irritant with prolonged skin contact
- Wear a dust mask in enclosed spaces or on windy days to avoid inhaling the dry powder
- Eye protection recommended when pouring or spreading in bulk
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry place in the original sealed container or an airtight bag
- Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat or moisture sources
- Blood meal is hygroscopic — exposure to moisture will cause clumping; seal tightly after each use
- Keep out of reach of children and pets — the scent can be attractive to animals
Application Precautions
- Do not apply to frozen ground or waterlogged soil — nitrogen will not be absorbed and may run off
- Avoid direct stem contact when side-dressing established plants
- Keep pets away from treated areas until blood meal has been watered in and soil has dried
- Do not exceed recommended rates — excess nitrogen delays flowering and fruiting in many crops
- Blood meal's scent can attract wildlife; mix thoroughly into soil rather than leaving on the surface
First Aid
- Eye contact: Flush immediately with clean water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Skin contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if coughing or respiratory irritation persists.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information.
COMPLETE YOUR SYSTEM
Blood meal supplies 13% nitrogen and nothing else. For a complete nutrient program, pair it with sources of phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients based on your crop and soil test results.
Bone Meal 3-15-0
The most natural pairing — blood meal handles nitrogen while bone meal provides the phosphorus and calcium needed for roots, flowers, and fruit.
Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Rounds out the nutrient program with potassium for stress tolerance, fruit quality, and enzyme activation. Safe to combine with blood meal.
Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5
Adds a slower secondary nitrogen source plus potassium and triacontanol — excellent for roses, perennials, and ornamentals where you want gentle, sustained feeding.
Chelated Iron EDTA 13%
Blood meal improves overall greening, but if iron chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) is present, chelated iron addresses that deficiency directly.
Dolomite Lime
If your soil is acidic (below pH 6.0), nitrogen from blood meal may not release efficiently. Dolomite lime raises pH and supplies calcium and magnesium.
Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate)
Adds calcium and sulfur to complement the nitrogen in blood meal without affecting soil pH — ideal for clay soils that need structure improvement.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is blood meal fertilizer and where does it come from?
Blood meal is dried, powdered bovine blood — a byproduct of USDA-inspected meat processing facilities. The blood is collected, spray-dried or flash-dried at high temperature, and milled into the fine powder you see in the bag. The drying process kills pathogens and concentrates the protein, yielding approximately 13% nitrogen. It has been used as an organic fertilizer for centuries and remains one of the highest-nitrogen organic amendments available today.
How does blood meal release nitrogen, and how long does it last?
Blood meal's nitrogen is bound in protein chains. Soil bacteria must break down these proteins into amino acids, then into ammonium, before plants can absorb them. This microbial process takes 1–3 weeks to get underway and then continues for 6–8 weeks total, providing a steady supply of plant-available nitrogen rather than a single sharp flush. Release slows significantly when soil temperatures drop below 50°F because microbial activity decreases in cold conditions. For more detail on how nitrogen functions in plants, see our article on the function of nitrogen in plants.
Will blood meal attract animals to my garden?
Yes — the scent of blood meal can attract dogs, cats, raccoons, and other animals. To minimize this, work blood meal thoroughly into the top 2–3 inches of soil rather than leaving it on the surface, and water it in immediately after application. Once incorporated and moistened, the scent dissipates quickly. Store unused product in a sealed container away from pets. If animal access is a persistent problem, consider Alfalfa Meal 2.5-0-2.5 as a lower-odor nitrogen alternative.
Can I use blood meal on all my vegetables?
Blood meal works best on nitrogen-loving crops: leafy greens, corn, brassicas, and herbs in their vegetative growth phase. It is not ideal for legumes (beans, peas) which fix their own nitrogen and rarely benefit from added N. For fruiting crops like tomatoes and peppers, use blood meal only during the vegetative phase — once flowering begins, excess nitrogen delays fruit set and can reduce yield. Reduce or stop blood meal applications at the first sign of flower buds.
Does blood meal change soil pH?
Blood meal has a modest acidifying effect on soil over time — regular use may gradually lower pH by 0.5 or so across several seasons. For most garden soils in the 6.0–7.0 range, this is minor and rarely causes problems. If you are already gardening in naturally acidic soil (below 6.0), monitor pH with a soil test and consider adding Dolomite Lime to balance the pH while adding calcium and magnesium.
Is blood meal safe for organic gardening and food crops?
Yes. Blood meal is OMRI listed and approved for use in certified organic production under USDA NOP guidelines. It is safe for all edible crops when applied at recommended rates. As with any fertilizer, avoid direct contact between the dry powder and plant foliage, and allow it to be watered in before harvesting leafy greens. For a broader look at how organic and synthetic fertilizers differ, see our organic vs. synthetic fertilizer comparison.
Why doesn't blood meal have any phosphorus or potassium?
Blood meal is derived from animal blood, which is naturally very high in protein (and therefore nitrogen) but contains no significant phosphorus or potassium. This is simply the nutrient profile of the source material — it is not engineered or modified. Rather than seeing the 0% P and 0% K as a limitation, use blood meal as a targeted nitrogen amendment and pair it with Bone Meal 3-15-0 for phosphorus and Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 for potassium when a complete program is needed.
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
Quality & Testing
Every batch of Greenway Biotech Blood Meal is independently tested for heavy metal content and verified against quality standards before packaging. The product is OMRI listed and complies with USDA National Organic Program requirements.
- OMRI listed for certified organic production
- Independently tested for heavy metal content
- Sourced from USDA-inspected processing facilities
- CDFA registered fertilizer product
Returns & Guarantee
We stand behind every product we sell. If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, contact us within 90 days for a full refund or exchange — no questions asked.
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Easy returns — contact us by email to start the process
- Replacement or full refund, your choice
Sustainability
Blood meal is produced entirely from materials that would otherwise be disposed of as waste during beef processing. Choosing blood meal over synthetic nitrogen fertilizers reduces dependence on natural gas (the feedstock for most synthetic nitrogen production) and keeps valuable organic matter cycling back into the soil.
- 100% byproduct material — zero virgin resource extraction
- Builds soil organic matter and supports long-term soil health
- Lower carbon footprint than synthetic nitrogen fertilizers
About Greenway Biotech
Greenway Biotech, Inc. has been supplying premium fertilizers and plant nutrition products since 1989. Based in Madera, California — in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley — we serve commercial growers, hydroponic cultivators, and serious home gardeners with technically accurate, quality-tested products.
- Family-owned and operated since 1989
- Located in Madera, CA — close to our agricultural customers
- CDFA registered fertilizer distributor
DOCUMENTS
DISCOVER MORE
- What Is the Function of Nitrogen in Plants? — The science behind why nitrogen drives plant growth
- Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizer: Key Differences — How to choose between organic amendments and water-soluble fertilizers
- The Organic Gardener's Guide to Soil Preparation — How to build healthy soil before planting season
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