As the weather begins to change, gardeners are being reminded that they have crucial tasks to undertake this autumn to ensure their gardens ‘survive the winter.’ One peculiar task has been suggested by a well-known content creator known as @creative_explained, who has advised gardeners to scatter chicken bones in their gardens.
He said: “Think about how many chicken bones are being wasted every day. You can turn the bones into something useful like this. Next time you eat chicken, make some bone meal afterwards.” Bone meal is an unexpected fertiliser that can enhance the vigour of your plants.
Why do you need to use fertiliser in Autumn?
Administering fertiliser in autumn is vital as plants concentrate on root development. Robust roots enhance winter survival and result in more abundant blooms the following season.
According to gardening gurus at Lancasters, “During this time, your plants won’t require high-nitrogen fertilisers, as nitrogen primarily aids with leafy green growth. Instead, you’ll want to focus on nutrients that strengthen roots and improve plant health while they become dormant.”
These nutrients encompass phosphorus, which encourages root growth and energy storage for winter. Potassium is necessary as it heightens resistance to disease, frost, and stress, whilst calcium and magnesium facilitate nutrient absorption and boost soil health during dormancy.
Bone meal is packed with phosphorus and calcium, promoting robust root development, making it ideal for “planting autumn bulbs like daffodils and tulips or when planting/dividing perennials.”
Its important to use fertiliser this autumn -Credit:Getty
How to make bone meal
Start by boiling the bones to get rid of meat and fat. Once clean, bake until they’re dry and brittle, then crush into small pieces.
The experts at Meat Eater suggest that smaller bones can be broken with a rolling pin or mallet, while larger, denser bones may require heavier tools or pressure cooking first.
They added: “When the pieces are less than an inch in diameter, you can transfer them to a high-power blender or mortar and pestle to break them down even further into a fine powder, which will help it break down faster in the soil, but it isn’t completely necessary. Simply scatter it over your garden soil and lightly work it in. As a “slow-release fertiliser”, it shouldn’t harm your plants, but it’s still best to apply the right amount for your space, as too much phosphorus will “run off into waterways, creating pollution.”.
It’s also worth noting that gardeners with dogs might want to steer clear of using bone meal. The fertiliser can smell like a tasty treat and could tempt your dog to dig up your flowerbeds and damage your plants.
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