Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Vegetables (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re growing vegetables, you already know healthy soil is the secret to a bountiful harvest. Packed with nutrients and easy to use, it’s a garden favorite—but not all formulas are created equal. In this article, we’ll compare the top fish fertilizers on the market, weighing smell, nutrient content, and real results in the garden.
- Best for omri certified blend: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin-rich formula: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for sustainable soil drench: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for fish‑kelp boost: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for fast-acting phosphor: 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 odorless cold-processed: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for seaweed bloom enhancer: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for balanced marine blend: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Bio-Fish – Plant Food for Corn
- Best for compact usa formula: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer For Vegetables
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
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.
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 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 & 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
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
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.
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 NPK ratio should I look for in a fish fertilizer for vegetables?
For most vegetable gardens a balanced ratio like 2-3-1 or 5-1-1 works well, providing enough nitrogen for foliage and phosphorus for root and fruit development. Higher nitrogen formulas promote leafy growth, while lower ratios reduce the risk of excessive foliage at the expense of fruit. Choose a ratio that matches the stage of growth you’re targeting.
How important is an OMRI listing when buying fish fertilizer?
An OMRI listing guarantees the product meets organic certification standards, which is crucial if you garden organically or sell produce as organic. It also reassures you that the fertilizer contains no prohibited synthetic chemicals. Products like Alaska Fish Fertilizer and GS Plant Foods carry this certification.
Will the fish smell be a problem for indoor or container gardening?
All true fish emulsions emit a fishy odor, but the intensity varies. Deodorized options such as Alaska Fish Emulsion use natural wintergreen to mask the scent, while Neptune’s Harvest claims to have no unpleasant odor. If you garden indoors, consider a low‑odor formula or dilute the fertilizer more heavily.
Which product offers the best value for a large garden?
Generally, larger containers provide a lower cost per ounce. The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (B09FZTPQJL) and the 1‑gallon GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp (B00BBLMXVQ) give you ample volume for extensive beds at a reasonable price. Compare the price per ounce and factor in any dilution rates to calculate true cost.
How do fish‑only fertilizers compare to fish‑and‑kelp blends?
Fish‑only emulsions supply high nitrogen and essential micronutrients, while kelp adds natural hormones and trace minerals that improve stress tolerance and root development. Blends like Down To Earth and GS Plant Foods combine both benefits, often resulting in more vigorous flowering and fruiting. Choose a blend if you want a broader nutrient profile without adding separate supplements.
Can I use fish fertilizer on both vegetables and ornamental plants?
Yes, fish fertilizers are versatile and safe for vegetables, fruits, flowers, and shrubs. Products such as Central Garden Brands Fish Emul and Alaska Fish Fertilizer specifically note suitability for indoor and outdoor plants. Adjust the application rate according to the plant type and growth stage for optimal results.
What should I consider about application methods and frequency?
Most liquid fish fertilizers are mixed with water and applied as a soil drench or foliar spray every 2–4 weeks. Concentrated formulas like GS Plant Foods require a smaller amount of product per gallon of water, while ready‑to‑use emulsions can be applied directly. Follow the label instructions for the specific product and monitor plant response to avoid over‑feeding.
Is there a noticeable performance difference between cold‑processed and regular fish emulsions?
Cold‑processed emulsions, such as Neptune’s Harvest, preserve more vitamins, amino acids, and hormones, which can boost plant vigor and reduce odor. Regular emulsions still provide essential nutrients but may have a stronger smell and slightly lower nutrient retention. If you prioritize nutrient richness and minimal odor, a cold‑processed product is often the better choice.