Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion And Kelp Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If your garden’s craving a natural boost, you’ve probably heard about fish emulsion and kelp fertilizer—but which one delivers the best results? Both are powerhouse organic options, rich in nutrients and loved by eco-conscious gardeners. No fluff, just honest insights from experience and expert feedback. Let’s dive in and find the right fit for your flourishing garden.
- Best for organic sea blend: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for fast-acting boost: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1
- Best for compact fish emulsion: EB Stone Fish Emulsion with Kelp
- Best for omri-listed power: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for deodorized wintergreen: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for vitamin-rich formula: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for commercial-grade blend: Omri Listed Fish & Kelp Fertilizer for Plants by GS Plant Foods (36oz) – Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables
- Best for cold-pressed purity: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for gallon-size green: Organic Fish Emulsion with Kelp
- Best for compact complete: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion And Kelp Fertilizer
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.
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate – Plant Food for Vegetable Gardens and Flower Beds – Makes up to 32 Gallons 2-4-1, 32 oz
- Fast‑acting liquid formula: Perfect for foliar feed or soil drench applications, supporting quick absorption and growth stimulation.
- Stimulates overall plant vigor: High phosphorus aids flowering and fruiting, while nitrogen supports lush foliage and root development.
- Organic & soil‑friendly: Helps promote beneficial microbial activity and sustainable soil health due to its fish and kelp base
- Versatile application rates: For general garden use: ¼–½ cup per gallon of water; for containers: 2–4 Tbsp per gallon; for houseplants: 2 Tbsp per gallon, repeated every 2–4 weeks depending on growth stage
- Watch out for odor: While extremely effective, many users report a strong fish-like odor characteristic of fish emulsions—though it typically subsides quickly and doesn’t linger long indoors
EB Stone Fish Emulsion with Kelp, Quart Size
- All natural plant food to help plants grow, flower, fruit and stay deep green.
- This liquid fertilizer is concentrated and must be diluted before use.
- Derived from: Whole fish and Kelp.
- Quart size
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
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
Omri Listed Fish & Kelp Fertilizer for Plants by GS Plant Foods (36oz) – Organic Fertilizer for Vegetables, Trees, Lawns, Shrubs, Flowers, Seeds & Plants – Hydrolyzed Fish and Seaweed Blend
- OMRI ORGANIC LISTED FISH AND SEAWEED BLEND: GS Plant Foods all-natural liquid fish is a high quality organic product that gives excellent plant growth, rebuilds soil, and offers higher production yields. Kelp is often applied to any type of plants, trees, lawns, flowers, vegetables and seeds without concern for harmful runoff.
- OPTIMAL PLANT GROWTH & HEALTH AT HOME OR COMMERCIALLY: Used in low concentrations, liquid seaweed fertilizer acts as an efficacious growth promoter. GS Plant Foods fish seaweed fertilizer is used extensively on a commercial basis, as well as at home for gardeners as an organic soil conditioner. This fish fertilizer for vegetables will lead to healthier crop yields and general plant well being.
- EASY TO APPLY FOR NATURAL GREAT RESULTS: Apply liquid fish & kelp fertilizer to improve specific growth stages. For House Plants; use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Feed every two weeks and do not over water. For Outdoor Plants; Use 2 fl. Oz per gallon of water. Feed vegetables, flowers, trees and shrubs every 2-3 weeks. Apply until soil is saturated or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet, top and bottom. For Lawns; use 2 to 4 oz concentrate per gallon of water to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
- TRUSTED & RELIABLE: At GS Plant Foods, we understand that you are placing your trust in us to provide you with the highest quality products available. We have 100% confidence in the quality of our products and continuously strive to deliver the best customer experience. Our products are organic, easy to use, cost efficient, sustainable, and yield consistent & amazing results in your garden, no matter what you’re growing or what medium in which your plants are growing.
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!
Organic Fish Emulsion with Kelp, one Gallon Size
- All natural plant food to help plants grow, flower, fruit and stay deep green.
- This liquid fertilizer is concentrated and must be diluted before use.
- Derived from: Whole fish and Kelp.
- One Gallon Size
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
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 essential nutrients do fish and kelp fertilizers provide, and why are they important for plant health?
Fish emulsion supplies high levels of nitrogen, while kelp adds potassium, micronutrients, and natural plant hormones that promote root development and stress tolerance. Together they create a balanced feed that supports vigorous foliage, flowering, and fruiting. This combination also encourages beneficial soil microbes, improving overall soil fertility.
How do the NPK ratios compare across the listed products?
The 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion (B09FZTPQJL) uses a 2‑3‑1 ratio, ideal for frequent, light feeding. Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) offers a 5‑1‑1 ratio, delivering more nitrogen for rapid vegetative growth. Most other blends, such as GS Plant Foods (B00BBLMXVQ) and Down To Earth (B07W81C9T8), do not publish exact NPK numbers but focus on a balanced fish‑kelp blend that behaves similarly to a 2‑1‑2 formulation.
Which product gives the best value for the amount of fertilizer I receive?
GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp (B00BBLMXVQ) provides a full gallon at a competitive price and includes a high‑quality kelp source, making it a strong value for large gardens. Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) also comes in a gallon and is deodorized, which can justify a slightly higher cost for indoor growers. For smaller budgets, the quart‑size EB Stone Fish Emulsion (B00B8CEQR2) offers a lower upfront price but higher per‑gallon cost.
I’m sensitive to smell—how do the odors differ between these fertilizers?
Most fish emulsions have a noticeable fishy scent, but products like Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) are deodorized with natural wintergreen, reducing the odor significantly. Down To Earth (B07W81C9T8) notes a strong smell that fades quickly after application. If odor is a primary concern, the GS Plant Foods concentrate (B00BBLMXVQ) is formulated to minimize lingering scent while still delivering full potency.
Are these fertilizers certified for organic gardening?
Yes, several items are OMRI listed, including GS Plant Foods (B00BBLMXVQ), Alaska Fish Fertilizer (B0DQ2LNX35), and the GS Plant Foods 36‑oz bottle (B00A2A2GT6). OMRI certification ensures the products meet organic standards and can be used in certified organic production. The other brands, such as Central Garden Brands (B000BX4QGK), also claim 100 % organic status, though they do not explicitly display OMRI labeling.
Which fertilizer is the easiest to use on indoor houseplants?
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers (B07W81C9T8) provides clear dosage instructions for houseplants—2 Tbsp per gallon of water every 2‑4 weeks—making it straightforward for indoor use. The GS Plant Foods 36‑oz bottle (B00A2A2GT6) also offers a simple 1 Tbsp per gallon guideline. Both are liquid concentrates that dissolve quickly, reducing the risk of over‑application.
Do I need to adjust dilution rates when switching between brands?
Yes, concentration varies: GS Plant Foods (B00BBLMXVQ) recommends 2 oz per gallon of water, while Down To Earth (B07W81C9T8) suggests ¼–½ cup per gallon. Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) uses 2 fl oz per gallon for outdoor use and 1 Tbsp for indoor plants. Always follow the specific label to avoid nutrient burn or waste.
What sustainability factors should I consider when choosing a fish emulsion?
Look for products that use whole‑fish processing and claim zero waste, such as the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion (B09FZTPQJL), which utilizes cold‑pressed, sustainably sourced fish. GS Plant Foods emphasizes U.S. manufacturing with no synthetic additives, supporting local sourcing. Choosing an OMRI‑listed fertilizer also ensures environmentally responsible production practices.