Tips to increase flowering- Use Bonemeal as Organic Fertilizer
It is disappointing for a gardener when nursery bought plants stop flowering once planted in our garden. Those chemical fed plants are exhausted with blooming and give up, once moved. But there is an easy way to maintain and make nursery bought plants flower again – Using Bonemeal as an Organic Fertilizer. It is a coarsely ground dirty whitish brown powder used a natural supplement to get more blooms & healthy plants.
Bonemeal is made of, as the name suggests, crushed animal bones, steamed into a usable form. It is a great source of Phosphorous & Calcium for flowering plants. Phosphorous is the P in NPK and is essential for formation of flowers, hence it is a great source of nutrition for flowering plants and vegetables as well. Calcium strengthens the stems and promotes new growth. It also prevents blossom end rot in fruiting plants like tomatoes.
If you notice healthy green plants with no obvious signs of diseases or deficiency, but less flowering, the soil may be lacking in phosphorous or too high in nitrogen(usually happens if only cow dung manure is used). Bonemeal acts as a slow release organic fertilizer to add nutrients into the soil periodically and help plants flower more & frequently.
USE BONEMEAL TO GET MORE FLOWERS
SOIL APPLICATION
- Dig lightly around the base of a plant and spread 1 tsp. of bonemeal around it. Top up with some compost or soil. Water.
- If you are planting a new plant, mix in a teaspoon of bonemeal in the potting soil
MIXING WITH COMPOST
- A combination of vermicompost and bonemeal works really well to promote flowering and healthy lush green plants.
Despite the fact that it is made of bones, bonemeal does not smell bad upon application and is an easy supplement for the soil.
WHERE TO BUY BONEMEAL IN INDIA?
It is easily available in packets at agricultural supplies or seed shops and i buy my stock from TECHNOCARE NURSERY in Ludhiana, for Rs.50/kg which is extremely economical, as per application.
Once opened, i transfer the contents of the packet into a plastic jar for effective storage and use.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE BONEMEAL?
Since it is a slow-release fertilizer, recommended application is 1 tsp. per plant every 3-4 months or when you feel the plant needs a boost of Phosphorous.
WHICH PLANTS LIKE BONEMEAL?
All flowering and fruiting plants specially Roses, Azaleas, Tomatoes, Peppers, Hibiscus, Gardenias, Jasmine, Bulbous flowers and Root crops benefit from the application of bonemeal.
Do you use bonemeal to get more flowers? Do share your experience and tips!
Happy Gardening 🙂
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