So what do all of the meals mean and do for our vegetables?  When I say meals, I’m looking at cottonseed meal, blood meal, and bone meal.

Cottonseed meal is a natural source of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash that helps create an acidic soil condition and stimulates beneficial bacteria. May be used on all types of plants. Use 3-1/2 lbs. per 100 square feet. Apply in the early spring after danger of last frost has passed and repeat in the early fall to help maintain plants during the winter months.

Blood meal has an analysis of 12-0-0. Blood meal provides a slow release of nitrogen. Use it on caladiums, roses, flowers such as pansies, and violets. Blood meal is used for shrubs and vegetables where luxuriant top growth and deep green foliage is desired. Apply rates of 2 lbs. per 100 square feet. Pansy planting needs 1 lb. per 25 plants.

Bone Meal provides a slow release form of natural phosphorus to help plants produce sturdy root systems. Use it on bulbs, roses, and shrubs. Bone meal is also great for onions. Apply at the rate of 1/2 to 2 tsp per bulb.

These are great additives for your garden and flower beds. All are organic and completely safe. You have to sometimes keep your pets away because they seem to like to dig in it.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal. Email Mitzi questions at  mitzithomas40@yahoo.com.)