Comparison: Best Diy Fish Emulsion Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’ve ever wondered how some gardeners get their tomatoes so plump or their greens so vibrant—without breaking the bank—chances are they’re using DIY fish emulsion fertilizer. It might sound a little funky, but this nutrient-rich powerhouse is a game-changer for organic gardening. In this article, we’ll compare the best homemade fish emulsion recipes, weighing ease of use, smell factor, and results, so you can choose the right one for your garden—without the guesswork or stinky surprises.
- Best for vitamin-rich growth: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for all-purpose usa: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for omri-certified bulk: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for organic liquid boost: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for deep green formula: Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Best for low-odor powder: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for extended-size green: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for odorless cold-process: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for fish-kelp fusion: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
Product Comparison: Best Diy Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
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
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
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
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
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!
Fertilome (10611) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (16 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water), for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Fruits
- Organic Fish Protein :12-2-2 NPK powder made from 100% fish dried liquid powder, ground, and highly water-soluble when mixed.
- 2× Super Concentrated Powder: 1 lb (≈450 g) makes up to 100 gal of liquid feed,ideal for both large veggie plots and indoor/hydro gardens, creating high-value yield.
- Proven Results and Trusted Organic Fertilizer: Comparison experient conducted on same seed, same soil. The fertilizer supports visible growth and robust fruit set.
- Promotes Healthier Roots & Foliage: Rich in natural amino acids and micronutrients, boosts plant stress resistance, soil biology, and nutrient uptake.
- Reduced Odor, Easy to Use: Dry powder form alleviates the strong “fishy” smell of traditional emulsions. Simple to store, measure, and apply; mix and water every 1–2 weeks.
- Sustainable & Responsibly Sourced: Made in small batches from by products of the fish meal industry, organically biodegradable with minimal waste.
- Includes a teaspoon for ease of measurement
Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Develops deep green foliage, vigorous root systems and a solid plant structure
- Derived from fish soluble, can be used from indoor and outdoor. Can be used on plants and trees.
- Mixes with water and can be used by any convenient method of application. Shake well before use.
- 5-1-1 Fertilizer contains 5% Nitrogen, 1% Phosphate and 1% Soluble Potash.
- For plants mix 1-2 tbsp per 1 gal of water. For trees mix 4 tbsp per gal of water.
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
GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens, Lawns, and Vegetables
- ORGANIC MATERIALS REVIEW INSTITUTE LISTED FOR TRUSTED GARDEN CARE Certified by OMRI for use in organic growing, GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer delivers reliable, natural nutrition for vegetables, lawns, flowers, and shrubs.
- SEA-AND-SOIL BASED NUTRITION Made from North Atlantic seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and fresh fish hydrolysate, this liquid concentrate provides essential nutrients and trace minerals that help support healthy soil and plant development.
- IMPROVES SOIL MICROBIOLOGY & NUTRIENT UPTAKE Supports a thriving soil ecosystem that promotes strong root systems and efficient nutrient absorption — the foundation for resilient, productive plants.
- EASY-TO-USE CONCENTRATE FOR ALL PLANTS Mix 2 oz per gallon of water and apply as a foliar spray or soil drench every 2–4 weeks. Safe for use on vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, turf, and houseplants.
- MADE IN THE USA – SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED Proudly produced by GS Plant Foods as a licensed fertilizer manufacturer. No synthetic chemicals, additives, or fillers — just natural ingredients formulated for healthy home gardens and hobby farms.
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 should I consider when choosing a fish emulsion fertilizer for my garden?
Look at the NPK ratio, concentration (liquid vs. powder), and organic certifications such as OMRI listing. Check the product’s odor level if you’re sensitive to fishy smells, and verify that it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. Also compare the recommended application rates to ensure they match your garden’s size and plant types.
How do liquid fish emulsions compare to powdered fish fertilizers?
Liquid emulsions, like the 1‑gallon Central Garden Brands or Alaska Fish Emulsion, are ready to dilute and apply, which is convenient for frequent feeding. Powdered options, such as the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder, have reduced odor and a longer shelf life, and they can be mixed into large volumes of water for big plots. Choose liquid for ease of use and powder if you need a low‑odor, high‑concentration solution.
Is an OMRI‑listed fish fertilizer worth the extra cost?
OMRI‑listed products, such as Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5‑1‑1, guarantee compliance with organic farming standards, which can be important for certified organic gardens. The certification often reflects stricter quality controls, but the price premium varies by brand. If organic certification is a priority for you, the added cost is generally justified.
Which fish emulsion offers the best value per ounce?
When evaluating value, compare both price and nutrient concentration. The 115‑oz Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) and the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion with a 2‑3‑1 NPK ratio provide large volumes at competitive pricing, making them cost‑effective for extensive gardens. Smaller 8‑oz bottles, like the Complete Fish Emulsion Plant Food, are convenient but usually have a higher cost per ounce.
How important is the NPK ratio for fish emulsions?
The NPK ratio indicates the balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which affects plant growth stages. A 5‑1‑1 ratio, common in many fish emulsions, supplies ample nitrogen for leafy growth, while a 2‑3‑1 ratio, as found in the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion, offers a more balanced feed for fruiting and flowering. Choose a ratio that matches the primary needs of the plants you are growing.
Can I use fish emulsion on both indoor houseplants and outdoor crops?
Yes, most fish emulsions are formulated for all plant types, including indoor houseplants, vegetables, fruits, and ornamental trees. Just follow the dilution instructions carefully to avoid over‑feeding, especially in confined indoor spaces where odor may be more noticeable. Products labeled as “safe for indoor use” often have reduced odor or deodorizing additives.
What are the benefits of a deodorized fish emulsion?
Deodorized formulas, like the Alaska Fish Emulsion with natural wintergreen scent, reduce the strong fishy smell that can be off‑putting in close‑quarter environments. This makes them more suitable for indoor gardening, balconies, or community gardens where odor control is important. The nutrient content remains comparable to non‑deodorized versions.
How often should I apply fish emulsion fertilizer?
Most liquid fish emulsions are applied every 2–4 weeks as a soil drench or foliar spray, depending on plant growth stage and soil fertility. Powdered or concentrated liquids can be diluted and used less frequently, often every 4–6 weeks, because they deliver higher nutrient levels per application. Always start with the lower recommended rate and adjust based on plant response.