Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Diy (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your garden a natural boost, fish emulsion fertilizer might just be your new best friend. But with so many DIY recipes floating around, how do you know which one actually works? We’ve dug into the most popular homemade fish emulsion methods—from fermented blends to quick-mix versions—testing for ease, smell, and, most importantly, results. Whether you’re a compost veteran or a curious beginner, we’ll help you find the best DIY fish emulsion that’s effective, affordable, and garden-approved.
- Best for compact complete feed: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for vitamin-rich organic: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified large: 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 cold-pressed soil 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 power: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 12-2-2 Powder (3.3 pounds Powder-Up to 300 Gallons of Water)
- Best for bulk green builder: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for odorless protein rich: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for fish-kelp soil enhancer: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
Product Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Diy
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
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 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 look for when choosing a fish emulsion fertilizer?
Check the NPK ratio to match your plant’s nutrient needs; common ratios are 5-1-1 for general use or 12-2-2 for higher nitrogen demand. Look for OMRI certification if you garden organically, and consider odor level—powders often smell less than liquid emulsions. Also compare container sizes and price per ounce to gauge value.
How do liquid fish emulsions compare to powdered fish fertilizers?
Liquid emulsions, like the 8 oz and 1‑gallon options, are ready to dilute and apply, offering quick nutrient uptake but often have a strong fishy smell. Powdered forms, such as the 12‑2‑2 powder, are dry, store longer, and emit less odor, though they require mixing into water before use. Performance is similar; the choice depends on convenience and odor sensitivity.
Is a higher NPK ratio always better for my garden?
Not necessarily. A higher nitrogen ratio (e.g., 12‑2‑2) promotes rapid leaf growth, ideal for leafy vegetables, while a balanced 5‑1‑1 formula supports overall plant health and root development, suitable for flowers and fruiting plants. Match the ratio to the growth stage and type of plants you’re cultivating.
What are the benefits of buying an OMRI‑listed fish fertilizer?
OMRI‑listed products, such as the Alaska Fish Fertilizer, meet strict organic standards, allowing you to use them in certified organic gardens. They also tend to contain fewer synthetic additives and are formulated to support soil microbiology. This can improve long‑term soil health and compliance with organic gardening regulations.
How does price per unit volume affect the overall value?
Larger containers, like the 1‑gallon or 115 oz bottles, usually lower the cost per ounce compared to 8 oz or 16 oz packs, providing better value for frequent users. However, consider storage space and product shelf life; if you won’t use it quickly, a smaller size may prevent waste despite a higher unit price.
Do fish emulsions cause plant burn, and how can I avoid it?
Most reputable fish emulsions are formulated to be non‑burning, especially those labeled “Will Not Burn” or “Does Not Burn.” To avoid any risk, always dilute according to the manufacturer’s directions and start with a weaker solution for sensitive seedlings, gradually increasing concentration as plants mature.
Which fish emulsion is best for indoor versus outdoor plants?
For indoor use, low‑odor options like the deodorized Alaska concentrate or powder forms are preferable to keep indoor air fresh. Outdoor gardeners can opt for higher‑volume liquids such as the 1‑gallon organic fish emulsion, which provides ample coverage for beds, lawns, and larger containers.