Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen12%
Delivers 12% slow-release nitrogen contained within keratin protein — one of the longest-lasting organic nitrogen sources available (3-4 months).
P · Phosphorus0%
N/A — Feather meal contains no phosphorus. Pair with bone meal for complete N-P organic feeding.
K · Potassium0%
N/A — Feather meal contains no potassium. Combine with Greensand or Sul-Po-Mag for potassium.
Derived from: Hydrolyzed poultry feathers (ground and steam-processed)
Overview
What It Is
Feather meal is produced by steam-processing and grinding poultry feathers collected as a byproduct of the poultry industry. The hydrolysis process partially breaks down the keratin protein structure, making the nitrogen more accessible to soil microbes while maintaining the slow-release characteristic.
The resulting product contains approximately 12% nitrogen, almost entirely in water-insoluble form. This means feather meal must be incorporated into soil where microorganisms can break it down — surface application without soil contact is far less effective. Soil temperatures above 50°F are needed for efficient decomposition.
Feather meal’s slow-release profile typically spans 3-4 months, with initial green-up visible in 2-4 weeks after application. This makes it an excellent choice for a single pre-season application that carries through to harvest.
Crop Fit
Best For
CornLeafy GreensTomatoesSquashBrassicasCool Season CropsHeavy FeedersLawns
Corn is the classic feather meal crop — its long growing season and heavy nitrogen demand match feather meal’s extended release profile. Leafy greens produce larger, darker leaves with sustained nitrogen availability. Tomatoes and squash benefit from the steady feed throughout fruiting. Cool-season crops like brassicas and lettuce appreciate the low burn risk.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 2-4 lbs per 100 sq ft |
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| Lawn | 10-12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft |
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| Trees & shrubs | 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter, base to drip line |
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| Containers | 1-2 tbsp per gallon of soil |
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| Frequency | Once per growing season; reapply every 8-12 weeks if needed |
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Step by Step
How to Apply
1Soil Test
Test soil to confirm nitrogen need. Feather meal is a slow-release nitrogen source ideal for sustained feeding.
2Application Rate
Calculate rate — 2–4 lbs per 100 sq ft for gardens. Use higher rates for heavy nitrogen feeders.
3Broadcast / Incorporate
Broadcast evenly and work into the top 3 inches of soil for faster microbial breakdown.
4Transplant Rate
For transplants, add 1–2 tablespoons per planting hole mixed into backfill soil.
5Water In
Water thoroughly after application to initiate microbial decomposition and slow nitrogen release.
6Duration
One application typically feeds for 3–4 months as soil microbes slowly break down the keratin protein.
For new gardens, apply 2-4 lbs per 100 sq ft and work into the top 3 inches of soil. For transplants, add 1-2 tablespoons per hole and mix into soil. For containers, mix 1-2 tablespoons per gallon. For trees and shrubs, spread 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter from base to drip line. For lawns, apply 10-12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Always incorporate into soil — feather meal needs soil contact for microbial breakdown. Reapply every 8-12 weeks only if plants show signs of nitrogen depletion.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Wear a dust mask when handling dry feather meal to avoid inhaling fine particles. Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Feather meal has minimal odor compared to blood meal and is less attractive to animals.
Seasonal Notes
Apply in early spring before planting for best results — feather meal needs warm soil temperatures (above 50°F) for microbial breakdown. A single spring application typically provides nitrogen through the entire growing season for most crops. For very heavy feeders, a mid-season side-dress may be needed. Not effective in cold soil — avoid late fall application.
In Context
How It Compares
Feather meal vs. Blood Meal: Both provide 12% nitrogen, but feather meal releases over 3-4 months (slow) while blood meal releases over 1-4 months (faster). Feather meal is virtually impossible to burn plants; blood meal can burn with over-application. Feather meal vs. Soybean Meal: Soybean meal (7-2-1) is plant-based with balanced NPK but lower nitrogen. Feather meal provides nearly double the nitrogen for crops that need maximum N.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is feather meal fertilizer?
Feather meal is a natural, organic nitrogen fertilizer made from hydrolyzed poultry feathers. It contains approximately 12–13% nitrogen with trace amounts of phosphorus and potassium, making it one of the highest-nitrogen organic amendments available. Unlike blood meal which releases nitrogen relatively quickly, feather meal breaks down more slowly over 4–12 weeks, providing a sustained nitrogen supply. This slow-release characteristic makes it excellent for crops that need steady nitrogen throughout the growing season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is a premium organic nitrogen source for gardens, farms, and landscapes.
What is feather meal used for?
Feather meal is used as a slow-release organic nitrogen source for crops, gardens, and soil-building programs. It is especially effective for heavy-feeding crops like corn, brassicas, and leafy greens that need sustained nitrogen over a long growing period. Feather meal is also popular in organic compost formulations, potting soil blends, and as a component in custom organic fertilizer mixes. Its slow breakdown rate means nitrogen becomes available gradually, reducing leaching and burn risk. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is versatile for direct soil application, composting, and custom blending.
What is the NPK of feather meal?
Feather meal has an approximate NPK ratio of 12-0-0 to 13-0-0, providing 12–13% nitrogen with negligible phosphorus and potassium. This makes it comparable to blood meal in nitrogen content, but feather meal releases its nitrogen more slowly — typically over 4–12 weeks compared to blood meal's 1–4 weeks. Because feather meal provides only nitrogen, combine it with bone meal or bone char (phosphorus) and sulfate of potash (potassium) for complete organic nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal delivers premium slow-release organic nitrogen.
How does feather meal compare to blood meal?
Both feather meal and blood meal provide approximately 12% nitrogen, but they differ in release speed. Blood meal releases nitrogen relatively quickly (1–4 weeks), making it better for fast correction of nitrogen deficiency. Feather meal releases nitrogen slowly over 4–12 weeks, providing sustained feeding for crops with long growing seasons. Blood meal can also serve as a mild animal deterrent, while feather meal has no repellent properties. Choose blood meal for quick results and feather meal for long-lasting nutrition. Old Cobblers Farm™ offers both products for flexible organic nitrogen management.
How do I apply feather meal to my garden?
Apply feather meal by broadcasting 3–5 pounds per 100 square feet and incorporating into the top 4–6 inches of soil before planting. For side-dressing, apply 1–2 tablespoons per plant around the base and work into the soil surface. For composting, add feather meal to the pile as a nitrogen activator at 5–10% by volume. Because of its slow release, apply 2–4 weeks before you need peak nitrogen availability. Water thoroughly after application. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is easy to spread and incorporate for effective organic nitrogen delivery.
Is feather meal safe for all garden plants?
Yes, feather meal is safe for virtually all garden plants when applied at recommended rates. Its slow-release nitrogen is less likely to burn plants compared to fast-release nitrogen sources. It works well on vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees, shrubs, and perennials. However, because feather meal provides only nitrogen, it should be combined with phosphorus and potassium sources for complete plant nutrition. Over-application can still cause nitrogen excess, so follow rate guidelines. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal provides gentle, sustained nitrogen that is safe for sensitive and established plantings alike.
Can I use feather meal in compost?
Yes, feather meal is an excellent compost activator and nitrogen source. Adding feather meal to carbon-rich compost piles (leaves, straw, wood chips) provides the nitrogen that decomposer microorganisms need to break down organic matter efficiently. Mix feather meal into the pile at 5–10% by volume or scatter a layer with each addition of carbon material. The combination accelerates composting and produces a richer finished product with higher nitrogen content. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Feather Meal is a cost-effective nitrogen booster for home and farm-scale composting operations.
