Bone Meal is a general purpose slow release powder fertiliser, that can be applied as a base dressing or as a top dressing for already established plants. It can be used for Trees, Roses, Shrubs, Climbers, Bulbs, and most other plants.

It has an interesting history of uses. Among other things it was formerly used in animal feeds until it was discovered that it played host to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Most likely that's why it says on the packet not to use where cattle and sheep have access. It was also used as calcium supplement in humans until it emerged that many preparations were contaminated with heavy metals such as lead.

There are several reasons why Bone Meal (for me anyway) is the ideal fertiliser. It is quick and easy to apply on a large scale and doesn't require any additional equipment to do so. It's slow release therefore nutrients are released throughout the year meaning it requires less applications than compered to an soluble fertiliser. This also means that in the long run it will probably cost you less, especially if like me your dealing with large areas of soil. The three kilogram tub is all plastic with a tight fitting lid which ensures that the product is kept free from moisture and is easier to keep away from children. And it can be used all year round.

Personally I wouldn't recommend Bone Meal for use with Fruit and Vegetables, as the fertiliser is low in potassium (which is often needed in large amounts for higher and more successful crops). It would been have been nice if it come with some sort of measuring spoon (like the Phostrogen fertiliser does) to ensure correct rate of use. Because it's a fine powder it is likely to be blown out your hand by the wind while your trying to sprinkle it evenly over the soil (but that's the winds fault not the Bone Meal's)

While there are other cheaper fertilisers available to buy, I feel that the advantages I mentioned justify the slightly higher price tag. In an ideal world we wouldn't need to use fertilisers at all, but with declining nutrients in our soil, Bone Meal is probably the best way to go about breathing new life into your soil, and thus ensuring a picture perfect garden (or whatever) year after year.

(I'm a reviewer on Amazon, and some my reviews are copied from there to dooyoo. Please feel free to check out my Amazon profile under my real name of Mr Andrew M Kerr.)