Can someone please help with this I have an old copy (1942) of Amateur Gardening (Pocket Guide) by A.G.L. Hellyer which gives Fertilisers mixes. One of these mixes calls for Steamed bone flour and I have tried everywhere to get hold it but with no success. Can I use bone meal instead as surely they will both have to same property's. Just need a second opinion
Cheers
Arnie
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
Similar source "The Encyclopaedia of Garden Work and Terms" by A.G.L. Hellyer published 1954.
The bones of all animals contain certain elements that are valuable as plant foods and particularly phosphorus and calcium, together with smaller quantities of nitrogen. Unfortunately whole bones decompose so slowly in the soil that it takes many years for these plant foods to be liberated. If, however, the bones are crushed into a fine powder, the rate of release of plant foods is greatly increased. As a result, finely ground flour is not only a valuable fertiliser, but it is also, contrary to popular opinion, a fairly quick-acting one. Coarser grades of bonemeal will give up their supplies of phosphorus more slowly.
Dear Arnie, If you want very fine grade bonemeal just get a sieve; there is usually plenty of fine stuff in amongst the rest of the bag. DO NOT use the Cook's sieve! Get your own from a charity or pound shop. Regards Sally Wright.
sally wright wrote:Dear Arnie, If you want very fine grade bonemeal just get a sieve; there is usually plenty of fine stuff in amongst the rest of the bag. DO NOT use the Cook's sieve! Get your own from a charity or pound shop. Regards Sally Wright.
Hi Sally,
Thank you excellent idea and it keeps me off the naughty step :
Cheers
Arnie
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.