Comparison: Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer For Tomatoes (Updated | Dec 1st)

Tomatoes thrive on a balanced fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen to support foliage early on, followed by more phosphorus and potassium for fruit set; a 5-1-1 or 2-3-1 ratio works well. The Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5-1-1) and the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2-3-1) both provide suitable ratios. For a higher‑potassium boost, the 12-2-2 powder offers extra phosphorus and potassium, which can be mixed in later stages.

Strong fishy odor can be unpleasant in indoor or kitchen garden settings, so low‑odor or deodorized products are preferable. Alaska’s 5‑1‑1 concentrate is deodorized with natural wintergreen, and Neptune’s Harvest claims a virtually odor‑free formula despite being a fish‑based product. The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion has a pronounced smell, making it better suited for outdoor beds.

When comparing cost per ounce, the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (approximately 128 oz) and the Alaska 5‑1‑1 Concentrate (1 gallon) usually provide the lowest price per ounce because of their larger containers. Both deliver a reliable NPK ratio for tomatoes and can be diluted for many applications, stretching the product further. Smaller packages like the 8‑oz Complete Fish Emulsion are convenient but cost more per ounce.

Yes, Alaska’s 5‑1‑1 Concentrate is specifically deodorized with natural wintergreen, reducing the fishy scent while remaining OMRI‑listed for organic gardening. Neptune’s Harvest 2‑4‑1 also advertises a minimal odor thanks to its cold‑process extraction, making it a good choice for edible crops. Both products meet organic standards and won’t leave an off‑taste on harvested tomatoes.

Liquid emulsions, such as the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion, are easy to mix and apply as a weekly drench, which fits the frequent feeding needs of tomato plants. Powder forms like the 12‑2‑2 Fish Emulsion Powder are highly concentrated, allowing you to make large batches of feed for extensive plots and reducing storage space. Powdered versions also tend to have less odor and a longer shelf life, though they require thorough mixing to avoid clumping.

If you follow an OMRI‑certified organic program, choose a fertilizer that carries the OMRI listing, such as Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) or Central Garden Brands Fish Emulsion. Certification ensures the product meets strict standards for synthetic additives and contaminant levels, which is important for market‑ready tomatoes. Non‑certified products may still be natural but could contain trace chemicals not allowed in certified organic production.

For large fields, the 12‑2‑2 Powder (3.3 lb) offers the highest concentration and can be mixed to cover up to 300 gallons of water, making it economical for bulk applications. For container or small‑bed growers, the 8‑oz Complete Fish Emulsion or the 1‑quart Central Garden Brands product provide convenient sizes and easy dosing. Both options deliver the essential nutrients without over‑diluting the feed.

Products like Fertilome 5‑1‑1 recommend 1‑2 tablespoons per gallon of water for foliage, while the 5‑1‑1 concentrate from Alaska suggests a similar dilution but in larger volumes, reducing the number of mixes needed. The powder version requires measuring a small amount (about 1 lb per 100 gal), which can save labor if you have a large irrigation system. Understanding each product’s recommended rate helps you calculate the true cost per application and plan the amount of mixing work required throughout the growing season.