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 to help you choose the best one for your tomatoes, peppers, greens, and more. No fluff, just honest insights from real garden results. Let’s find the perfect feed for your thriving veggie patch.
- Best for omri certified 5-1-1: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin-rich emulsion: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for sustainable 2-3-1: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for fish & kelp fusion: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for fast-acting foliar: 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 boost blend: 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 7-7-2: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Bio-Fish – Plant Food for Corn
- Best for compact salmon 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 key factors should I consider when choosing a fish fertilizer for my vegetable garden?
Look at the NPK ratio to match the growth stage of your vegetables; a 2-3-1 or 5-1-1 ratio works well for leafy growth and fruiting. Check if the product is OMRI listed, which ensures it meets organic certification standards. Also consider odor level, as some emulsions are strong-smelling, and whether the formula includes kelp or seaweed for added micronutrients.
How does Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5-1-1) compare to Neptune’s Harvest (2-4-1) in terms of nutrient balance?
Alaska offers a higher nitrogen content (5) which promotes rapid leaf development, while Neptune’s Harvest provides more phosphorus (4) to boost root growth and fruit set. Both are organic, but Neptune’s Harvest uses a cold-process that retains fish oils and reduces odor. Choose Alaska for quick foliage growth and Neptune’s Harvest for stronger fruiting and a milder scent.
Is the addition of kelp in GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer worth the extra cost?
Kelp contributes trace minerals and natural hormones that improve nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, which can be especially beneficial for high‑yield vegetable crops. The product is OMRI listed and mixes easily, offering a versatile concentrate for both soil drench and foliar spray. If you want an all‑in‑one formula that supports soil biology, the kelp blend adds measurable value.
Which fish fertilizer has the least odor, making it suitable for indoor or balcony gardening?
Alaska Fish Emulsion (1 gallon) is deodorized with natural wintergreen, reducing the typical fishy smell. Neptune’s Harvest also claims an odor‑free experience due to its retained fish proteins and oils. For indoor use, either of these two options will be more pleasant than standard emulsions that emit a strong fish scent.
How do the concentrations differ, and what does that mean for application frequency?
Products like the 5‑1‑1 concentrate from Alaska require dilution (often 2 oz per gallon of water) and can be applied every 2–4 weeks, while ready‑to‑use emulsions such as Central Garden Brands’ 1‑quart bottle may be applied more frequently due to lower nutrient density. Higher‑concentration formulas give you more control over strength but demand careful mixing to avoid over‑feeding.
Are there any cost‑effective options for large garden beds without sacrificing quality?
The 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion (2‑3‑1) offers a good balance of price per ounce and nutrient content, making it economical for larger areas. Down To Earth’s Bio‑Fish (7‑7‑2) also provides a higher NPK ratio at a comparable price, suitable for intensive vegetable production. Buying in bulk gallons typically reduces the per‑use cost versus smaller 8‑oz bottles.
What benefits does a fish‑and‑kelp blend provide over a pure fish emulsion?
Kelp adds natural cytokinins and alginates that enhance root development and improve plant stress resistance, complementing the nitrogen and phosphorus from fish. This synergy can lead to faster growth, better fruit set, and improved soil structure. For gardeners seeking a holistic nutrient profile, a blend often outperforms a single‑source fish fertilizer.
Can I use these fish fertilizers on both vegetables and ornamental plants?
Yes, most of the listed products are labeled for use on vegetables, fruits, flowers, and even indoor houseplants. The versatile nutrient ratios support leafy growth for vegetables and vibrant blooms for ornamentals. Just follow the specific dilution rates for each plant type to avoid over‑application.