Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer Homemade (Updated | Dec 1st)
It’s smelly, yes, but it works wonders. In this article, we’ll compare the best homemade fish fertilizer recipes used by seasoned gardeners, weighing ease of use, effectiveness, and that unavoidable odor. Whether you’re composting scraps or fermenting fish waste, we’ll help you find the right recipe to turn kitchen leftovers into liquid gold for your garden.
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Sustainable Liquid Boost
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified blend: 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 deep green foliage: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for sustainable liquid boost: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for odorless protein power: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for salmon nutrient pack: Fish Emulsion Fertilizer
- Best for seaweed enhanced growth: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for large-scale harvest: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for root-boost bone meal: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer Homemade
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
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.
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!
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1, 18 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
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
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
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
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds, Bulbs, Blooms, Flower Beds 4-12-0, 5 lb
- Water-Soluble Formula – Easily dissolves in water for quick absorption and efficient nutrient delivery directly to the root zone
- Targets Root Development – Formulated to enhance root growth, improving plant stability, nutrient uptake, and drought resistance
- Fast-Acting Nutrients – Provides immediate access to essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium where roots need them most.
- Ideal for Transplants & Seedlings – Great for jumpstarting young plants or helping transplants establish quickly in new soil.
- Improves Soil-Root Interaction – Encourages a healthy rhizosphere, boosting microbial activity and root-zone nutrient cycling.
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 fertilizer?
Focus on the NPK ratio, organic certification, and odor level, as these affect plant nutrition, compliance with organic standards, and indoor comfort. Check the concentration and recommended dilution rates to match your garden size and watering habits. Also compare packaging size to ensure you get the best value for the amount you need.
How do NPK ratios differ among the listed fish fertilizers and why does it matter?
Most products use a 5‑1‑1 or 2‑3‑1 ratio, providing higher nitrogen for leafy growth and lower phosphorus and potassium for balanced development. A 2‑4‑1 ratio, like Neptune’s Harvest, emphasizes root and fruit development, while a 2‑3‑1 ratio supports steady, frequent feeding. Choosing the right ratio aligns the fertilizer with the growth stage of your plants.
Which products have the least odor and are best for indoor use?
Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer (2‑4‑1) and the Alaska Fish Emulsion with natural wintergreen deodorizer are formulated to minimize fishy smell, making them suitable for indoor gardens. The Central Garden Brands Fish Emul Fertilizer also claims a non‑burning, low‑odor formula. Avoid products that highlight a strong fish scent if you plan to use them inside a home.
Are there any certifications or organic listings I should consider?
The Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI‑listed 5‑1‑1 and the Central Garden Brands Fish Emul Fertilizer are both OMRI‑listed, confirming they meet organic gardening standards. Neptune’s Harvest products are marketed as organic and use a cold‑process method that retains nutrients without synthetic additives. Selecting OMRI‑listed items helps ensure compliance with organic certification programs.
How do concentration and packaging size affect value and application frequency?
Larger containers, such as the 1‑gallon Alaska Fish Emulsion or the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion, provide a lower cost per ounce and require less frequent repurchasing, but they need careful dilution to avoid over‑feeding. Smaller 8‑oz or 18‑oz bottles are convenient for occasional use or trial periods and reduce waste if you have a small garden. Match the container size to your garden’s scale and how often you plan to fertilize.
What are the key differences between liquid fish emulsions and fish bone meal fertilizers?
Liquid fish emulsions, like the Central Garden Brands or Alaska concentrates, dissolve quickly and deliver nutrients directly to the root zone, ideal for fast, repeat applications. Fish bone meal, such as Down To Earth Organic Fish Bone Meal, is a solid, water‑soluble formula that releases phosphorus slowly, supporting strong root development over time. Choose emulsions for rapid foliage growth and bone meal when you need a steady phosphorus source for seedlings or transplants.
How do added ingredients like seaweed or micro‑nutrients influence plant performance?
Seaweed blends, found in Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer, supply trace minerals and natural hormones that boost stress tolerance and improve flower color. Products that retain fish proteins and oils, such as Neptune’s Harvest, also provide micro‑nutrients and beneficial microbes that enhance soil health. These additions can lead to more vigorous growth, better yields, and increased disease resistance compared to plain fish emulsion.