Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Potatoes (Updated | Dec 1st)
But here’s a question worth spilling soil over: what’s the best fish fertilizer to give your spuds a boost? With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We’ve dug into the details, tested the top contenders, and compared their benefits to help you make an informed choice—because great potatoes start with great fertilizer, and we’re here to help you grow the best harvest yet.
- Best for omri certified power: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for root development pro: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
- Best for high-nitrogen meal: Fish Meal – Organic Fish Fertilizer 8-6-0 (5 lbs)
- Best for wintergreen fresh: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for odorless protein: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for compact odorless: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for eco-complete emulsion: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for seaweed synergy: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1 (36 Ounce)
- Best for deep green formula: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Potatoes
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
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.
Fish Meal – Organic Fish Fertilizer 8-6-0 (5 lbs)
- Organic Fish Meal – All Natural Fertilizer!
- Excellent Source of Nitrogen and Phosphorus!
- Stimulates beneficial microbes
- 5 pound bulk bag of Organic Fish Meal Fertilizer
- Fish Meal is a perfect early season Organic Fertilizer!
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 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 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
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!
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
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.
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 NPK ratio should I look for when fertilizing potatoes?
Potatoes thrive with a balanced ratio that emphasizes nitrogen early for foliage and a higher phosphorus later for tuber development, such as 5-1-1 for early growth or 2-4-1 for mid‑season. Fish fertilizers like Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5-1-1) and Neptune’s Harvest (2-4-1) provide these ratios in convenient liquid forms. Switching ratios as the plants mature can improve yield and tuber size.
How does fish emulsion compare to fish meal for feeding potatoes?
Fish emulsion is a liquid, fast‑acting source that dissolves easily and delivers nutrients directly to the root zone, making it ideal for quick foliar feeds and early‑season applications. Fish meal, such as the 8-6-0 bulk bag, is a dry, slow‑release fertilizer that supplies nitrogen and phosphorus over a longer period, which can be useful for sustained feeding. For potatoes, many growers start with emulsion for rapid growth and finish with meal to maintain nutrient levels through tuber bulking.
Which product gives the best value per ounce?
The 5‑pound bulk bag of Fish Meal (8-6-0) offers the lowest cost per ounce of nutrients, especially for large gardens. However, liquid options like the 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion (5-1-1) provide convenience and quicker results, which may justify the higher price for smaller plots. Compare the total nutrient content and your garden size to decide which pricing structure fits your budget.
Will the fish fertilizer smell badly in my garden?
Most liquid fish fertilizers have a noticeable odor, but products such as Alaska Fish Emulsion are deodorized with natural wintergreen to reduce the scent. Solid options like Fish Meal have minimal odor once mixed into soil. If odor is a concern, choose a deodorized liquid or a dry formulation and apply it during cooler parts of the day to lessen the smell.
Why is an OMRI listing important for organic potato growers?
An OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listing confirms that the product meets strict organic standards, allowing it to be used in certified organic production. Alaska Fish Fertilizer and several other listed items are OMRI‑approved, giving growers confidence that they remain compliant with organic regulations. Using OMRI‑listed fertilizers also reassures consumers about the purity of the harvested potatoes.
What fertilizer is best for early‑season potato planting versus mid‑season growth?
For early planting, a high‑nitrogen fish emulsion such as Alaska Fish Emulsion (5-1-1) or Central Garden Brands Fish Emul (11 vitamins, no burn) promotes vigorous leaf development. Mid‑season, switch to a higher‑phosphorus formula like Neptune’s Harvest (2-4-1) or Down To Earth Fish Bone Meal, which encourages root expansion and tuber formation. Adjusting the NPK ratio as the crop progresses maximizes both foliage health and yield.
How do liquid and solid fish fertilizers differ in application for potatoes?
Liquid fish fertilizers can be mixed with water and applied as a soil drench or foliar spray, allowing rapid nutrient uptake and easy coverage of large beds. Solid forms like fish meal are spread on the soil surface and worked in, providing a slower, more sustained release that reduces the frequency of applications. Choose liquids for quick boosts and solids for long‑term feeding, or combine both for a balanced program.
What should I consider about microbial activity when selecting a fish fertilizer?
Fish-based fertilizers naturally stimulate beneficial microbes, improving soil structure and nutrient cycling. Products that emphasize microbial stimulation, such as Central Garden Brands Fish Emul and the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion, contain additional microorganisms that enhance root health. Selecting a fertilizer that promotes a thriving rhizosphere can lead to stronger potato plants and higher resistance to disease.