Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer Uses (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’ve ever wondered how some gardeners get their tomatoes so plump or their roses so vibrant, the secret might just be swimming in a bottle of fish fertilizer. It’s smelly, yes—but incredibly effective. In this article, we’ll dive into the best ways to use it, compare top options, and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your garden—because great soil shouldn’t come at the cost of great yields.
- Best for organic garden starter: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin‑rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for vigorous green growth: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for wintergreen odor‑free: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for sustainable yield booster: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for fish‑kelp blend: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for powdered power mix: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for fast‑acting kelp: 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 bloom‑boost seaweed: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for balanced marine blend: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Bio-Fish – Plant Food for Corn
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer Uses
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Bio-Fish – Plant Food for Corn, Broccoli, Kale, Trees and Shrubs 7-7-2, 5 lb
- Balanced NPK Formula (7-7-2): Provides equal parts nitrogen and phosphorus for robust vegetative growth and root development, plus potassium for improved resilience and bloom support.
- Marine-Based Fertility Boost: Made with fish meal and fish bone meal—ideal for improving soil biology and long-term fertility.
- OMRI Listed for Organic Use: Safe and approved for certified organic farming and gardening systems.
- Feeds Soil & Plants Naturally: Encourages beneficial microbial activity, resulting in better nutrient absorption and stronger plants.
- Great for Vegetables, Fruits & Flowers: Versatile enough for raised beds, garden rows, containers, and landscape use.
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 key factors should I consider when choosing a fish fertilizer?
Look at the NPK ratio to match your plants’ nutrient needs, the concentration (liquid vs. powder) for ease of storage and application, and any certifications like OMRI for organic use. Also consider odor level, added ingredients such as kelp, and the recommended dilution rates for your garden size.
How does a liquid concentrate compare to a powdered fish emulsion?
Liquid concentrates, like Alaska’s 5‑1‑1 or GS Plant Foods, are ready to dilute and apply quickly, but they can have a strong fishy smell. Powdered forms, such as the 12‑2‑2 fish emulsion powder, reduce odor and are more space‑efficient, though they require mixing into water before use.
Is a higher NPK ratio always better for vegetable gardens?
Not necessarily; a balanced ratio such as 5‑1‑1 supports steady growth for most vegetables, while higher phosphorus formulas like 2‑3‑1 or 7‑7‑2 boost flowering and fruiting. Choose a ratio that aligns with the growth stage of your crops—more nitrogen for foliage, more phosphorus for blooms.
Do fish fertilizers differ in their impact on soil microbiology?
Yes, products that combine fish emulsion with kelp or seaweed, like GS Plant Foods and Down To Earth, provide extra trace minerals and organic matter that feed beneficial microbes. Pure fish emulsions still stimulate microbial activity, but the added seaweed can enhance nutrient uptake and soil structure.
Which fish fertilizer offers the best value for large garden plots?
The 12‑2‑2 powdered fish emulsion (3.3 lb) yields up to 100 gallons of liquid feed, making it cost‑effective for extensive beds. Liquid concentrates in gallon sizes, such as Alaska’s 1‑gallon 5‑1‑1, also provide good coverage but may require more frequent purchases.
How important is OMRI listing when buying fish fertilizer?
An OMRI listing confirms the product meets organic certification standards, which is crucial if you garden organically or sell produce as organic. Many reputable brands like Alaska, GS Plant Foods, and Down To Earth carry this certification, giving you confidence in compliance.
What are the pros and cons of deodorized fish fertilizers?
Deodorized options, such as Alaska’s wintergreen‑scented emulsion, reduce the strong fish smell, making indoor use more pleasant. However, they may be slightly more expensive, and some gardeners prefer the natural odor as an indicator of product potency.
Can I use the same fish fertilizer for both indoor houseplants and outdoor gardens?
Most fish emulsions are versatile enough for indoor and outdoor use, provided you follow the dilution instructions carefully. For indoor plants, choose a lower concentration to avoid leaf burn and consider a low‑odor formula to keep indoor air comfortable.