When to Add Bone Meal to Tomatoes for Optimal Growth and Yield

As a tomato gardener, I’m always looking for ways to maximize the health, productivity, and taste of my cherished tomato plants One of the best tricks I’ve discovered is using bone meal fertilizer. Applying this organic supplement at the right times when growing tomatoes can significantly increase flowering, fruit production, and overall vigor. But when exactly should you add bone meal to tomatoes? Follow this guide to proper bone meal fertilizer timing and get the most out of this natural booster

What is Bone Meal?

Bone meal is an organic fertilizer made by finely grinding animal bones that have been steamed and dried It provides an excellent source of phosphorus and calcium These are both nutrients that plants need for optimal growth and fruiting,

Unlike synthetic chemical fertilizers, bone meal enhances soil health by feeding beneficial microbes and fungi. It’s especially useful for crops that produce heavy fruits like tomatoes and peppers. The nutrients are also released slowly over a period of 2-4 months.

Why Use Bone Meal on Tomatoes?

Applying bone meal fertilizer to tomatoes provides numerous benefits:

Promotes a vigorous root system to anchor plants and access more moisture and nutrients.
Provides phosphorus for better flower and fruit production, photosynthesis and energy creation.
Supplies calcium to prevent blossom end rot and build stronger cell walls.
Releases nutrients steadily to feed plants for months vs all at once.
Improves soil structure, retention, and microbiology for healthier plants.
Has a neutral pH so it won’t alter existing soil acidity like chemical fertilizers.

When to Apply Bone Meal Over the Tomato Growing Season

Proper timing is crucial when adding bone meal fertilizer during the tomato growing season:

At Planting Time

Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of bone meal into each planting hole and mix thoroughly with the soil. Provides an immediate feeding for young seedlings and transplants.

When First Flowers Appear

Side dress established plants with 1-2 tablespoons per plant, placed in a band 3-6 inches away from stems. Boosts fruit set and early development.

After First Fruits Form

Side dress again when small green tomatoes start swelling on plants. Aids continued fruit growth.

Every 4-6 Weeks During Growth

Lightly scratch 1-2 tablespoons per plant into the top few inches of soil. Maintains nutrition levels through harvests.

The key is to apply bone meal preventatively, before deficiency symptoms arise. Addressing needs proactively results in healthier, more productive tomato plants.

How to Apply Bone Meal Fertilizer to Tomato Plants

Follow these guidelines when adding bone meal fertilizer:

For transplants, mix 1-2 tablespoons into bottom of planting holes before setting plants.
Side dress established plants by sprinkling band 3-6 inches away from stems to prevent burning.
For rows, use 1 cup per 10 feet of row sprinkled in a band alongside plants.
Use higher amounts for heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and melons.
Reapply every 4-6 weeks based on plant response and fruit loads.
Water thoroughly after application to dissolve granules and move into soil.
Avoid direct contact with plant leaves and stems to prevent potential burning.
Start with less and increase slowly. Too much bone meal can damage plant roots.

Signs Your Tomato Plants Need More Bone Meal

Watch for these clues that your tomatoes are hungry for more phosphorus and calcium:

Stunted growth and smaller than expected plants
Weak, floppy stems that easily snap or break
Pale leaves and poor foliage development
Small sets of flowers and low fruit production
Blossom end rot appearing on fruits
Overall lackluster performance

How Much Bone Meal Per Tomato Plant?

As a general rule of thumb:

Use 1-2 tablespoons per transplant or established tomato plant.
Apply 1 cup per 10 feet of row for banding fertilizer alongside planted rows.
Mix 1-2 cups per 25 square feet into beds before sowing seeds or transplants.
Reapply bone meal every 4-6 weeks based on plant response.

Since bone meal releases slowly over an extended period, a little goes a long way. It’s better to start with lighter amounts and increase over time as needed. Pay close attention to how your tomato plants respond.

Tips for Using Bone Meal on Tomatoes

Follow these tips to maximize success when using bone meal fertilizer on tomato plants:

Test soil first to ensure need and proper pH level below 7.0.
Focus on applying directly to plants rather than broadcasting everywhere.
Incorporate into soil to prevent pets or wildlife from digging it up.
Pair with organic nitrogen sources like compost, fish emulsion, etc.
Alternate or combine with worm castings, kelp meal, alfalfa meal, etc.
Use at planting then switch to a balanced organic fertilizer during growth.

Paying attention to timing when applying bone meal fertilizer to tomatoes is crucial. Focus on supplying plants at key growth stages and you’ll be rewarded with vigorous vines and bumper harvests of delicious tomatoes. Give bone meal a try this season for tomato success!

when to add bone meal to tomatoes

Add Compost to Your Tomato Plants for the Ultimate Nutritional Boost

There is one thing you can give to tomato plants at all stages, and thats compost. Routinely adding compost around the base of your tomatoes is a natural way to feed your plants. Compost contains the best food you can give to your plants.

I love mushroom compost, which is a byproduct of the mushroom farming industry. Its easy to add to the garden, and you dont have to worry about it burning your plants. Mushroom compost is just a natural way to add to your soils nutrients and feed your plants from the bottom up.

You can also use something called compost tea, which is made by putting compost into a bucket, aerating it, and basically steeping it in water the way you would tea. The result can be used as a foliar feed for the leaves or soil drench to provide a quick boost of nutrients to your tomato plants.

when to add bone meal to tomatoes

Fertilize Your Tomato Plant in Stages

Nurseries and big box stores will try to sell you all-purpose fertilizers, promising youll save money by buying one big bag that can feed all your plants for their entire lives. I urge you to skip these fertilizers in your garden. Theyre full of stuff your plants dont need except in certain stages.

Instead, give more careful thought to what you feed your plants and when. I learned from another gardener that every time your plant is doing something new, you should feed it. When I see my plants starting to flower, setting fruit, or growing new vines, I know its time for me to come in and give them a little bit of extra food.

The food that you give your tomatoes, though, will vary based on what stage of life the tomato plant is in.

First, lets look at how to prepare your garden for planting tomatoes.

when to add bone meal to tomatoes

This Magic White Powder Will DOUBLE Your Tomato Harvest!

FAQ

How do you apply bone meal to tomatoes?

Bone meal is the next to go into the hole. We put in a half cup of bone meal. This is a nice organic phosphorus source, which is essential for blossom production. More blossoms, more fruit.

Can you put too much bone meal on tomato plants?

Although bone powder is a natural plant food, using it is not risk-free. Phosphorus can accumulate in your soil with too much use of bone powder.

Can you sprinkle bone meal on top of soil?

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Sprinkling and Incorporating:

You can sprinkle bone meal on the soil surface, but it’s crucial to then gently mix it into the topsoil using a rake or similar tool.
Why Incorporate?
Nutrient Availability: Incorporating bone meal helps the nutrients it contains become more accessible to plant roots.

Reduced Animal Attraction: Mixing the bone meal into the soil helps to dilute the scent, which can attract wildlife like raccoons and dogs.
Application Timing:
Before Planting: You can apply bone meal during soil preparation, either by sprinkling it on the surface and mixing it in or adding it directly to planting holes.

During the Growing Season: You can also apply bone meal as a top dressing around established plants, but again, it’s best to work it into the topsoil.
Watering:

After applying bone meal, water thoroughly to help the fertilizer break down and release its nutrients into the soil.
Bone Meal is slow release:

Bone meal is a slow-release fertilizer, so it’s important to water regularly to help it absorb into the soil.
Soil pH:

Bone meal is most effective in acidic soil (pH < 7.0).

When should you not use bone meal?

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Soil pH:

Bone meal is most effective in acidic soils with a pH below 7.0. In alkaline soils, the nutrients in bone meal become less available for plant uptake.
Excess Phosphorus:

If your soil already has sufficient or even excessive phosphorus, adding bone meal can be counterproductive, potentially hindering the uptake of other essential nutrients.
Complete Fertilizers:

Bone meal is not a balanced fertilizer and should not be used as a substitute for fertilizers that provide a wider range of nutrients.
Other Considerations:
Bone meal can attract animals like dogs and scavengers, so store it securely.

Overuse can lead to nutrient imbalances and potentially harm plants.

Excess phosphorus can also lead to environmental problems like algae blooms in water bodies.

Bone meal can contain toxic substances like mercury and lead, so careful handling and application are essential.

When should I add bone meal to my Tomatoes?

Bone meal should be added to the soil when the first set of tomatoes starts growing. Wait until your plant is about 6 – 8 inches tall before adding bone meal fertilizer. If you add it too early, it will affect how healthy or how tall they grow. Lory is an avid gardener who loves spending time outdoors.

What foods promote bone healing and growth?

Milk and yogurts – are good sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein. Broccoli – full of vitamin C and vitamin K. Oranges – contains vitamin C, an important antioxidant that properly synthesizes collagen and helps with healing. Green vegetables – are rich in vitamin K and antioxidants, which help the body fight free radicals that delay bone healing. Nuts and seeds – rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Beans – Abundant in calcium and phosphorus. Cereals – amaranth, quinoa and brown rice contain calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Millet, barley, wheat and rye contain doses of vitamin A, which is beneficial for calcium absorption and thus strong bones.

How to use bone meal in tomato plant?

Anyway, you can add 1 teaspoon of bone meal to the soil while planting tomato seedling or sprinkle 1 teaspoon around established tomato plant and cover it with soil. IMPORTANT: You must use bone meal only when the soil pH is less than 7.

Should you add bone meal before transplanting a tomato plant?

You should add the heaping teaspoon at the time of transplant before placing the tomato plant into the growing location. When adding the bone meal to the planting hole, take the time to mix it with a few inches of the soil in the area. This ensures it’s well incorporated into the growing space before planting in it.

Can you add too much bone meal to a tomato plant?

It is possible to add too much bone meal and hurt your crops. Do not add too much bone meal to the soil because it will cause phytotoxicity in tomato plants. Excess amounts of nitrogen contained in it can damage leaves and slow down fruit formation or growth.

Can bone meal be used to fertilize tomato plants?

When adding bone meal to the top of the soil, you should water your soil immediately to help the meal seep into the ground better. Using bone meal to fertilize your tomato plants has a wide variety of benefits. These benefits include: Increased fruit yield. Increased fruit size. Stronger roots. Stronger stems.

What is Bone Meal?

Why Use Bone Meal on Tomatoes?