Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 3-15-0
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Greenway Biotech · Made in California since 1989
Organic Bone Meal 3-15-0.
The slow-release phosphate roots wait for.
Steam-processed bovine bone meal delivering 15% available phosphate (P₂O₅) and 24% calcium in a single organic amendment. Slow-release nutrition over 1–4 months supports root development, flowering, and fruit calcium nutrition. Repackaged from OMRI Listed®, non-GMO source material, with each batch tested for heavy metals.
Find your size → Calculate how much I need15%
Available phosphate (P₂O₅) for roots and blooms
24%
Calcium for cell walls and fruit nutrition
1–4mo
Slow-release window from a single application
35+yrs
Family-owned California fertilizer manufacturer
01 / Choose your size
Right-sized
for the job.
Coverage below assumes the soil-test-first garden rate of 2.5–5 lb per 100 sq ft (low-to-moderate soil phosphorus). A soil-test-confirmed low-P correction of up to 10 lb per 100 sq ft roughly halves the coverage shown. Always confirm with a current soil test.
⚠ Do not apply to high-P soils: If a soil test already shows adequate or high phosphorus, skip bone meal. Excess phosphorus accumulates over time and can interfere with iron, zinc, and mycorrhizal activity.
| Bag Size | Garden Coverage | Per-Plant Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 lb | ~60–120 sq ft | 50–95 bulbs | Container plants, small flower beds |
| 5 lb | ~100–200 sq ft | 5–10 transplants or 80–160 bulbs | Most popular Small raised beds, rose plantings |
| 25 lb | ~500–1,000 sq ft | Full vegetable garden bed prep | Best value Large gardens, orchards, market growers |
| 50 lb | ~1,000–2,000 sq ft | Multiple orchard trees or large bulb planting | Acreage prep, commercial operations |
02 / Ideal applications
One amendment.
Six different jobs.
Bone meal performs best where phosphorus and calcium are limiting and microbial activity is strong. Use it at planting, at transplant, or as a fall pre-bulb amendment — not as a quick-fix mid-season foliar feed. Start from a soil test.
Bulbs & Tubers
Tulips, daffodils, alliums, lilies, and dahlias respond well to slow-release phosphate placed below the bulb at planting. About 1 tablespoon per medium bulb.
Vegetable Gardens
A go-to organic phosphate amendment for new garden beds. Work in 2.5–5 lb per 100 sq ft before planting when soil P is low to moderate, especially for root crops and fruiting vegetables.
Tomatoes & Peppers
2 tablespoons per planting hole at transplant. The 24% calcium content may help support fruit calcium nutrition where calcium is limiting — though consistent soil moisture remains the primary factor in blossom end rot.
Roses & Flowering Shrubs
About 1 cup per rose bush at planting, worked into the backfill, when soil P is low to moderate. Slow phosphate release supports the next bloom cycle without forcing soft growth.
Fruit Trees
At planting, mix 2–4 oz per cubic foot of backfill when a soil test shows P below optimum. Established trees usually need nitrogen more than phosphorus — test first.
Container Plants
Mix lightly into fresh potting media at planting. Start conservative and avoid repeated applications unless plant growth or a media test indicates a phosphorus need.
03 / Why bone meal
Phosphate that
waits for the roots.
Fast-release synthetic phosphorus delivers a spike and a tail. Bone meal delivers a sustained curve as soil microbes break down the protein-mineral matrix — with calcium along for the ride.
15%
Slow-release available phosphate (P₂O₅).
Steady phosphate release over 1–4 months supports root development, flowering, and fruit set, with low burn risk and a low salt index when incorporated as directed. Like all phosphorus fertilizers, bone meal should not be overapplied or left on the soil surface, where phosphorus can contribute to runoff.
24%
Calcium for cell strength.
One of the highest organic calcium concentrations in a single amendment. Calcium strengthens cell walls and supports root tip growth; adequate fruit calcium nutrition can contribute to lower BER incidence in tomatoes, peppers, and squash where calcium is limiting — though consistent soil moisture remains the primary driver. For a broader look, see Best Calcium Fertilizers.
1–4mo
One application, full season.
Soil microbes drive phosphate release as they decompose the bone matrix. One application at planting can carry most crops through the season, with a side-dress available for heavy feeders. Performance scales with soil temperature (above ~50°F) and moisture; release is slower in cold or dry conditions.
3%
Gentle nitrogen support.
A small, slow nitrogen (N) contribution supports early establishment without overstimulating foliage at the expense of roots and flowers. Pair with Blood Meal 13-0-0 when more nitrogen is needed during vegetative growth.
0K₂O
Pair for potassium.
Bone meal naturally contains no significant soluble potash (K₂O). For a complete NPK program, combine with a chloride-free potassium source like Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 — especially for chloride-sensitive crops.
CDFA
Registered, tested, traceable.
Repackaged from OMRI Listed®, non-GMO bovine bone meal. CDFA registered as a fertilizer. Independently lab tested for heavy metal content, with results consistently well below required limits. Made in Madera, California — quality you can trace from source to shelf.
04 / The science
Phosphate the way
plants find it in nature.
15%
P₂O₅ · Available Phosphate in 3-15-0
Phosphorus drives ATP energy transfer, cell division, root development, and reproductive growth. In bone meal, it's bound in a hydroxyapatite matrix — the same form found in vertebrate skeletons — which soil microbes and naturally occurring soil acids break down gradually. The result is plant-available orthophosphate released on the same timescale as plant uptake, rather than the dose-and-run profile of fast-release synthetic phosphates.
The 24% calcium content matters as much as the phosphate. Calcium is required for cell wall pectin cross-linking, root tip elongation, and the structural integrity of expanding fruit cells. Adequate calcium nutrition during fruit fill can contribute to lower blossom end rot incidence in tomatoes, peppers, and squash — though BER is influenced by many factors, and consistent soil moisture is the primary driver of calcium movement into fruit, not total calcium supply alone.
Practically, bone meal works best when soil pH is at or below 7.0 and soil temperatures are above ~50°F. In alkaline soils above pH 7.5, phosphate binds with soil calcium and availability drops — if that's your situation, a water-soluble source like MAP 12-61-0 or amending soil pH first will deliver better results. For deeper coverage, see The Function of Phosphorus in Plants and How Soil Microbes Affect Plant Health.
05 / Application rates
Pick your use.
Get your rate.
Apply only when a soil test shows low to moderate phosphorus, and incorporate into the soil rather than leaving it on the surface. Bone meal performs best in biologically active soils at pH at or below ~7.0. Do not apply to soils already testing high in phosphorus — excess accumulates over time and can interfere with micronutrient availability.
| Guaranteed Analysis | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Nitrogen (N) | 3% |
| Available Phosphate (P₂O₅) | 15% |
| Soluble Potash (K₂O) | 0% |
| Calcium (Ca) | 24% |
| Derived from | Steam-processed bovine bone meal |
Vegetable Gardens
Quick answer: 2.5–5 lb per 100 sq ft worked into the top 6″ of soil at bed prep when soil P is low to moderate, plus 1–2 tablespoons per planting hole for transplants. Apply 0 on soils testing high in phosphorus.
| Crop / Use | Rate | Timing & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General garden bed prep | 2.5–5 lb per 100 sq ft | Low-to-moderate soil P; use the lower end at medium P. Work into top 6″ before planting |
| Confirmed low-P correction | Up to 10 lb per 100 sq ft | Only when a soil test confirms phosphorus deficiency |
| High-phosphorus soils | Do not apply (0 lb) | Excess P accumulates and can interfere with micronutrient uptake |
| Tomatoes & peppers (per hole) | 2 tbsp per planting hole | Mix into backfill at transplant; supports calcium nutrition where limiting — consistent moisture is the primary BER factor |
| Root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes) | 2.5–5 lb per 100 sq ft | Highest-response group; use lower end at medium P |
| Alliums (garlic, onions, leeks) | 1 tbsp per planting hole | Fall for garlic, spring for onions |
| Squash, eggplant, cucumbers (per hole) | 1–2 tbsp per planting hole | Mix with backfill; keep 1–2″ from direct root contact |
| Side-dress for established heavy feeders | 2–4 oz per plant | Scratch into top 1″ of soil and water in; only when growth or a soil test indicates need |
Sources: Oregon State University Extension (EC 1503 — Fertilizing Your Garden: Vegetables, Fruits, and Ornamentals); Colorado State University Extension (Organic Fertilizers / Phosphorus Fertilizers for Organic Farming Systems). A current soil test should override generic rates. Bone meal is most effective at soil pH at or below 7.0; in alkaline soils above 7.5, phosphate binds with soil calcium and availability drops.
Flowering Bulbs & Tubers
Quick answer: 1 tablespoon per medium bulb, placed 1–2 inches below the bulb at planting and lightly mixed into soil.
| Bulb / Tuber | Rate | Timing & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small bulbs (crocus, grape hyacinth, snowdrops) | 1 tsp per bulb | Fall planting; mix into soil below bulb |
| Medium bulbs (tulips, daffodils) | 1 tbsp per bulb | Fall planting; do not let bulb sit directly on bone meal |
| Large bulbs (alliums, lilies, large daffodils) | 1–2 tbsp per bulb | Fall or early spring depending on variety |
| Extra-large tubers (dahlias, peony divisions) | 2 tbsp per planting hole | Spring planting; mix into backfill soil |
| Naturalized bulb beds (annual refresh) | 2.5–5 lb per 100 sq ft | Top-dress in fall; scratch into top 1″ of soil |
Sources: The naturalized-bed rate follows Oregon State University Extension; per-bulb figures are general planting guidance, not university-derived rates. Place bone meal 1–2 inches below the bulb, mixed lightly into surrounding soil — never with the bulb sitting directly on the amendment. Water in well after planting.
Fruit Trees
Quick answer: When a soil test shows phosphorus below optimum, mix 2–4 oz per cubic foot of backfill soil at planting. Do not add phosphorus when soil P is already adequate or high.
| Tree Stage / Use | Rate | Timing & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New tree at planting (soil P below optimum) | 2–4 oz per cubic foot of backfill | Mix into backfill. Do NOT add if soil P is adequate or high; do not add nitrogen at planting |
| P₂O₅ conversion | 6.75 lb bone meal ≈ 1 lb phosphate | For sizing from a soil-test P recommendation |
| Established bearing tree | Apply P only when a soil test shows below optimum | Regularly fertilized older trees often need no added phosphorus |
| Pears (reduced rate) | Reduce 25–50% from standard | Lower P and N rates may help reduce disease pressure |
Sources: UConn Extension (Suggested Fertilizer Practices for Tree Fruits). Bone meal supplies phosphate and calcium — not the nitrogen most established fruit trees need. Pair with a separate nitrogen source like Blood Meal 13-0-0 or Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0 for a complete program.
Roses, Shrubs & Perennials
Quick answer: About 1 cup per rose bush or 4–6 tablespoons per shrub at planting, worked into the backfill soil, when soil P is low to moderate.
| Plant Type | Rate | Timing & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roses at planting | 1 cup per bush | When soil P is low to moderate; mix into backfill around root zone |
| Established roses (annual) | ¼–½ cup per bush | Soil-test first; early spring top-dress around drip line only if P is low |
| Flowering shrubs at planting | 4–6 tbsp per hole | Mix into backfill soil |
| Perennials (peonies, daylilies, hostas) | 2–4 tbsp per planting hole | First-year application most beneficial for root establishment |
Note: Rates for ornamentals are general planting guidance. Avoid bone meal on acid-loving ornamentals (azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries) — the 24% calcium content is alkaline and can shift soil pH out of their preferred range.
Field Crops & Acreage
Quick answer: Size from a soil test and crop nutrient plan. lb of Bone Meal 3-15-0 per acre = target lb P₂O₅ per acre ÷ 0.15 (about ×6.67).
📋 Field & Acreage Rates: The figures below are general references for medium-testing soils at typical yield goals. Actual rates should be based on a current soil test and local nutrient removal estimates. Broadcast ranges follow Oregon State and Colorado State University Extension guidance; berry-row rates follow UConn Extension; conversions assume 15% P₂O₅. Consult your local extension service for site-specific recommendations.
| Soil Test / Goal | Rate per Acre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General broadcast (medium-testing soils) | 500–1,000 lb/acre | Adjust based on soil test and crop demand |
| 50 lb P₂O₅/acre target | ~333 lb/acre | 1 lb P₂O₅ = 6.67 lb bone meal at 15% P₂O₅ |
| 75 lb P₂O₅/acre target | ~500 lb/acre | — |
| 100 lb P₂O₅/acre target | ~667 lb/acre | For phosphorus-deficient soils with high-demand crops |
| 150 lb P₂O₅/acre target | ~1,000 lb/acre | Verify against soil test before applying |
| Repeated-application ceiling | Avoid annual rates near/above ~900–1,000 lb/acre | Repeated high rates build soil P; use only with a soil test and nutrient-management plan |
| Berry rows at planting | 5–10 lb per 100 sq ft | Apply when soil P is low |
Phosphate accumulation: Phosphorus does not leach readily — repeated heavy applications build up in soil over time. The ~900–1,000 lb/acre ceiling adapts the caution from peer-reviewed meat-and-bone-meal field research (Witkowicz et al. 2022, Sustainability, MDPI) to a 15% P₂O₅ bone meal; the study used a different material, so treat it as a conservative bound, not a target. Always confirm with a current soil test, and consider split applications over multiple seasons rather than one large dose.
06 / How to use & calculate
Measure.
Incorporate.
Water in.
Bone meal is a soil amendment, not a foliar product. Performance depends on getting it below the surface where soil microbes can reach it.
-
01
Check soil pH and temperature.
Bone meal works best at soil pH at or below 7.0 and soil temperatures above ~50°F. In alkaline or cold soils, phosphate availability drops. If pH is above 7.5, amend soil pH first or use a water-soluble source like MAP 12-61-0 instead.
-
02
Measure your rate by area or per plant.
Use 2.5–5 lb per 100 sq ft for garden beds when soil P is low to moderate, 1–2 tablespoons per transplant, or 1 tablespoon per medium bulb. The calculator on the right will work it out for you based on your specific use case and soil-test status.
-
03
Incorporate into the soil — do not surface-apply.
Work bone meal into the top 3–6 inches of soil with a garden fork or tiller. Surface application slows microbial breakdown and attracts dogs and wildlife. For planting holes, mix into the backfill soil rather than placing in a concentrated layer.
-
04
Water in thoroughly.
Water deeply after application to begin the microbial breakdown process and reduce surface scent. Plant-available phosphate begins releasing within weeks, with full release over 1–4 months.
-
05
NOT for foliar spraying.
Bone meal is not water-soluble and cannot be applied as a foliar spray. For foliar phosphorus correction, use MKP 0-52-34 or MAP 12-61-0 instead.
07 / Compare
Five phosphate sources.
Different jobs.
Phosphorus comes in many forms. Bone meal is a slow-release organic source — the right choice when you want season-long release at planting. For fast correction or hydroponics, water-soluble sources are better fits. See The Function of Phosphorus in Plants for a deeper guide.
| Source | Available P₂O₅ | Calcium | Release Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Meal 3-15-0 (this product) | 15% | 24% | Slow (1–4 mo) | Organic gardens, bulbs, transplants, fruit calcium nutrition |
| Fish Bone Meal 4-17-0 | 17% | ~15–20% | Moderate | Marine-sourced alternative; faster release than bovine |
| MAP 11-52-0 (granular) | 52% | 0% | Fast | Conventional row crops, soil incorporation |
| MAP 12-61-0 (water-soluble) | 61% | 0% | Immediate | Hydroponics, fertigation, foliar correction |
| MKP 0-52-34 | 52% | 0% | Immediate | Bloom-stage P + K, fully water-soluble |
| Blood Meal 13-0-0 | 0% | 0% | Fast (organic) | Pair with bone meal for nitrogen — not a P source |
08 / Decision
Is bone meal the right
phosphate source for you?
Bone meal is a strong fit for some situations and a poor fit for others. Use this side-by-side before you buy.
Best Choice For
- Building soil phosphorus over the long term with a slow-release organic source
- Planting flowering bulbs — tulips, daffodils, alliums, lilies
- Transplanting tomatoes, peppers, and other fruiting vegetables where calcium nutrition matters
- Establishing fruit trees, roses, and flowering shrubs at planting
- Organic gardens needing both phosphate and calcium in one amendment
- Root crops — carrots, beets, potatoes — that benefit from steady phosphate supply
- Soils with pH at or below 7.0, active microbial life, and a soil test showing low-to-moderate P
Consider Another Product If
- You need fast correction of a severe P deficiency — try MAP 12-61-0 instead
- Your soil pH is above 7.5 — phosphate availability drops sharply; use a water-soluble source or amend pH first
- You're running a hydroponic or fertigation system — bone meal won't dissolve; use MKP 0-52-34 or MAP 12-61-0
- You need foliar phosphate — bone meal is not water-soluble and cannot be sprayed
- Your soil test already shows high P levels — further additions can interfere with micronutrient uptake
- You're growing acid-loving plants (azaleas, blueberries, rhododendrons) — the 24% calcium content is alkaline
- You need a pH-neutral calcium source — try Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) instead
09 / Build the program
Phosphate is one piece.
These complete the program.
Bone meal delivers phosphate and calcium. Pair it with the right nitrogen and potassium sources for a balanced organic feeding program.
Nitrogen
Blood Meal 13-0-0
Fast-acting organic nitrogen for leafy growth. The natural complement to bone meal's phosphate and calcium for a balanced NPK organic program.
Potassium + SulfurPotassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Completes the NPK trio with chloride-free potassium and 17% sulfur. Preferred over potassium chloride for chloride-sensitive crops like berries and tomatoes.
Marine alternativeFish Bone Meal 4-17-0
Marine-sourced phosphate with slightly higher P (17%) and faster release than bovine bone meal. A good fit when you want a non-mammalian organic option.
pH-neutral calciumGypsum (Calcium Sulfate)
Add calcium without raising soil pH. Pairs well with bone meal when you need more calcium than bone meal alone supplies, or when soil is already alkaline.
10 / Safety & handling
Read this before
you broadcast.
Bone meal is a low-toxicity organic amendment, but a few practices matter for both your safety and your garden's success.
- Wear gloves and a dust mask when handling dry product, especially in enclosed spaces. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Always incorporate into soil — never leave on the surface. Surface application slows breakdown and attracts dogs, raccoons, skunks, and rodents.
- Store sealed, cool, and dry. Bone meal can absorb moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets — the scent can attract dogs in particular.
- Do not exceed recommended rates. Phosphorus accumulates in soil over time and excess can interfere with iron and zinc uptake and suppress mycorrhizal fungi.
- First aid: Eye contact — flush 15 min with clean water; Skin — wash with soap and water; Ingestion — do not induce vomiting, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222); Inhalation — move to fresh air. Refer to the SDS for complete safety information.
11 / FAQ
Common questions.
Honest answers.
If your question isn't here, contact our team at questions@greenwaybiotech.com.
What is bone meal fertilizer best for?
Bone meal excels at supporting root development, flowering, and fruit set. It's particularly well-suited to flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, alliums), transplants, root vegetables, and flowering plants like roses. The 15% available phosphate (P₂O₅) provides slow-release energy for root and bloom development, while the 24% calcium content supports cell wall strength and can contribute to lower BER incidence in tomatoes, peppers, and squash when calcium nutrition is otherwise limiting. For a deeper look at why phosphorus matters, see The Function of Phosphorus in Plants.
How long does bone meal last in soil?
Bone meal is a slow-release amendment that continues feeding plants for roughly 1–4 months from a single application. Nutrients become plant-available gradually as soil microorganisms break down the protein-mineral matrix — faster in warm soils above ~50°F with consistent moisture, and slower in cold or dry conditions. Finer grinds break down faster than coarse particles. Learn more about how soil microbes affect nutrient release.
Can bone meal burn plants?
Burn risk is low when bone meal is used as directed. The slow-release nature provides gentle, sustained nutrition with a low salt index. That said, excessive amounts can drive soil phosphorus levels too high over time, which can interfere with iron, zinc, and other micronutrient uptake and suppress beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Follow recommended rates and consider periodic soil testing for any garden bed that has received bone meal year after year.
Is bone meal good for tomatoes?
Bone meal is one of the more popular organic amendments for tomatoes. The available phosphate supports root development and flowering, while the 24% calcium content can contribute to fruit calcium nutrition — which research links to lower blossom end rot incidence. BER is influenced by many factors, and consistent soil moisture is the primary driver of calcium movement into fruit, not total calcium supply alone. Typical use is 2 tablespoons per planting hole at transplant. For a complete tomato program, see Best Fertilizers for Tomatoes and Improving Fruit Yield with Fertilizers.
When should I apply bone meal?
Apply at planting time for the best results. For garden beds, work bone meal into the soil 4–6 weeks before peak demand. For established plants, work it into the top 2 inches of soil in early spring as growth begins. Fall application works well for spring-blooming bulbs. For more on timing and soil prep, see The Organic Gardener's Guide to Soil Preparation.
Will bone meal attract animals?
Yes — the natural scent can attract dogs and wildlife, particularly when freshly applied. Always mix bone meal thoroughly into the soil and water in well after application; never leave it on the surface. Store sealed bags out of reach of pets. In areas with significant wildlife pressure, consider fencing or using bone meal only inside planting holes rather than as a broadcast amendment.
Will bone meal change my soil pH?
Bone meal has minimal effect on soil pH when used at recommended rates. The 24% calcium content is alkaline, so large or repeated applications can slightly raise pH over time. If you need calcium without raising pH, consider Gypsum (Calcium Sulfate) as a pH-neutral alternative. For a broader look at calcium sources, see Best Calcium Fertilizers.
Can bone meal be used in hydroponics or as a foliar spray?
No. Bone meal is not water-soluble and will not dissolve in a reservoir or sprayer — it relies on soil microbial activity to release nutrients. For hydroponic phosphorus, use MKP 0-52-34 or MAP 12-61-0. For foliar correction, the same water-soluble sources apply — bone meal cannot substitute.
Is bone meal organic?
Our Bone Meal 3-15-0 is repackaged from OMRI Listed® organic, non-GMO bovine bone meal. The source material is from cattle raised under organic standards and processed without synthetic additives. For information on certified organic status for your specific use case (commercial certification, etc.), contact us at questions@greenwaybiotech.com.
Can I use bone meal with other fertilizers?
Bone meal pairs well with most organic and conventional fertilizers as a dry soil amendment. For a complete organic NPK program, combine with Blood Meal 13-0-0 for nitrogen and Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 for chloride-free potassium. The slow-release nature means it complements rather than competes with fast-acting fertilizers used in-season. Learn more in Organic vs Synthetic Fertilizer.
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