Comparison: Best Buy Fish Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If your garden’s looking a little under the weather, it might just be craving some good old-fashioned fish fertilizer. Smelly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. We’ve all seen the “best buy” labels, but which ones actually deliver lush greens and vibrant blooms without breaking the bank? After digging into ingredients, user reviews, and real garden results, we’ve rounded up the top fish fertilizers that offer serious value. Spoiler: not all budget picks are created equal.
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Sustainable Yield Booster
- Best for omri certified blend: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin-rich formula: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for seaweed boost: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for sustainable yield booster: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for salmon nutrient pack: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for odorless protein power: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for big odorless protein: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for garden-scale seaweed: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1 (36 Ounce)
- Best for root-boost bone meal: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
Product Comparison: Best Buy Fish Fertilizer
Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1, 115 oz
- Fish-based fertilizer for use in vegetable, fruit, and flower gardens
- Excellent for use on flowers, trees, and other plants
- OMRI listed
- For organic gardening
- Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
- NPK 5-1-1 fish emulsion fertilizer
- Fish has been used as a natural source of plant nutrients for centuries
- Easy to use, just mix with water
CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer, 1 Quart
- Promotes healthy plant growth with 11 vitamins
- Can be used on all indoor and outdoor plants
- 100-percent organic
- Stimulates microorganisms
- Does not burn
Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Will Not Burn
- Great for all plants
- Deodorized with Natural Wintergreen
- 5-1-1 fertilizer is an excellent source of organic plant nutrients
- Fish Fertilizer
Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1, 18 Ounce
- Grow a beautiful vegetable garden
- Flowers and foliage will be stronger and more colorful
- Blooms will be more plentiful, fragrant and longer lasting
- Easy to mix and apply by hand, sprayer, or drip line
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, 2-3-1 NPK – Sustainably Sourced and Hydrolyzed for Steady Growth
- ORGANIC FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER – Our liquid fish fertilizer is made from sustainably sourced fish emulsion and we use up all the parts that would otherwise go to waste. Using an environmentally conscious method, ingredients are refined fresh and 100% cold pressed to help retain all of the nutrients, vitamins, and amino acids needed to grow healthy plants.
- GROW PLANTS NATURALLY – This wonderfully organic alternative to synthetic fertilizer contains a 2-3-1 NPK ratio perfect for light and frequent applications. Promotes steady, healthy plant development throughout the growing season.
- ENRICHES SOIL – Helps build a strong foundation for your organic garden to thrive on! Use as an effective soil drench to improve fertility, structure, and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms like fungi in your garden’s soil.
- PRODUCE MORE – Get the most out of your fertilizer and your garden! This organic garden fertilizer helps to increase crop yields and flower blooms. Gentle enough to use as a foliar spray makes this the perfect fish fertilizer for plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- SMELL THE DIFFERENCE – This fertilizer smells like fish because it’s made from fish! Crafted with high-quality concentrated and undiluted hydrolyzed fish emulsion each bottle gives off a pungent fishy aroma. When compared, we see it like this – if it doesn’t smell, then it’s not real fish!
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer, Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, 8 oz (250mL)
- Complete fish fertilizer for thriving plants
- Helps growth with natural harvest salmon nutrients
- Easy-to-follow care instructions included
- Made in the USA
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 18 Ounce
- Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh north Atlantic fish
- It is made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish
- Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 36 Ounce
- Neptune’s Harvest is an organic fertilizer made from fresh north Atlantic fish
- It is made by a unique cold process that protects the vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and growth hormones
- It also contains all the micro and macro nutrients naturally found in fish
- Unlike fish emulsions, Neptune’s Harvest retains the fish proteins and oils and has no unpleasant odor
Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1 (36 Ounce)
- Grow a beautiful vegetable garden
- Flowers and foliage will be stronger and more colorful
- Blooms will be more plentiful, fragrant and longer lasting
- Easy to mix and apply by hand, sprayer, or drip line
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds, Bulbs, Blooms, Flower Beds 4-12-0, 5 lb
- Water-Soluble Formula – Easily dissolves in water for quick absorption and efficient nutrient delivery directly to the root zone
- Targets Root Development – Formulated to enhance root growth, improving plant stability, nutrient uptake, and drought resistance
- Fast-Acting Nutrients – Provides immediate access to essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium where roots need them most.
- Ideal for Transplants & Seedlings – Great for jumpstarting young plants or helping transplants establish quickly in new soil.
- Improves Soil-Root Interaction – Encourages a healthy rhizosphere, boosting microbial activity and root-zone nutrient cycling.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the key factors to consider when choosing a fish fertilizer for my garden?
Look at the NPK ratio to match your plant’s nutritional needs, the product’s concentration (e.g., 5‑1‑1 vs 2‑3‑1), and whether it’s OMRI listed for organic certification. Also compare odor levels, packaging size, and any added ingredients like seaweed or bone meal that can boost soil health. Finally, check if the formula is deodorized or cold‑processed, as these affect usability and nutrient retention.
How does Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) compare to Neptune’s Harvest (2‑4‑1) in terms of nutrient balance?
Alaska’s 5‑1‑1 ratio provides a higher nitrogen content, which promotes vigorous leaf growth, while Neptune’s Harvest 2‑4‑1 offers more phosphorus for stronger root and flower development. Neptune’s Harvest also retains fish proteins and oils, giving it a richer micronutrient profile and a milder odor. Choose Alaska for fast‑green growth and Neptune’s Harvest for balanced flowering and root health.
Is a larger container, like a 1‑gallon fish emulsion, more cost‑effective than buying multiple smaller bottles?
Generally, buying in bulk reduces the per‑ounce price and minimizes packaging waste, making a 1‑gallon jug a better value for frequent users. However, larger volumes require proper storage to maintain freshness and prevent odor buildup. If you garden seasonally or have limited space, smaller 8‑oz or 18‑oz bottles may be more convenient despite a higher unit cost.
Do fish fertilizers that include seaweed, such as Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed, offer any advantages over pure fish emulsion?
Seaweed adds natural plant hormones, trace minerals, and carbohydrates that enhance stress tolerance and improve bloom quality. Products combining fish and seaweed often deliver a broader spectrum of nutrients, supporting both vegetative growth and flower production. The trade‑off can be a slightly higher price, but many gardeners find the added vigor worth it.
What should I know about odor when selecting a fish fertilizer?
Traditional fish emulsions can have a strong fishy smell, which some users find off‑putting. Formulas that are deodorized (e.g., Alaska’s wintergreen‑scented version) or cold‑processed (like Neptune’s Harvest) typically have a milder aroma. If you plan to use the fertilizer indoors or in close proximity to living spaces, opting for a low‑odor product is advisable.
How do organic certifications like OMRI listing influence the value of a fish fertilizer?
An OMRI listing confirms the product meets strict organic standards, making it suitable for certified organic gardens and ensuring no synthetic chemicals are present. This can be important for growers who sell produce under organic labels or who want to maintain soil health over the long term. While OMRI‑listed products may cost a bit more, they provide peace of mind and compliance with organic regulations.
Can I use fish fertilizer as a foliar spray, and does that differ between products?
Many liquid fish fertilizers, especially those with a 2‑3‑1 or 2‑4‑1 ratio, are safe for foliar applications and can quickly address nutrient deficiencies. Products with higher nitrogen (like 5‑1‑1) are better suited for soil drenching to avoid leaf burn. Always follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions and test on a small area first to ensure compatibility with your plant species.