Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer Making (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn kitchen scraps and fish waste into liquid gold for your garden, you’re not alone. From traditional fermentation to modern enzymatic breakdown, the way you make it can impact effectiveness, smell, and ease of use. In this article, we’ll break down the best ways to make fish fertilizer at home—so you can choose the right method for your garden, your time, and your nose.
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Sustainable Yield Boost
- Best for vitamin boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified: 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 growth: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for sustainable yield boost: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for root development power: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
- Best for aquarium plant boost: API LEAF ZONE Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 8-Ounce Bottle
- Best for cold-processed purity: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- 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 seaweed flower boost: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
Product Comparison: Best Fish Fertilizer Making
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!
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.
API LEAF ZONE Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 8-Ounce Bottle
- Product Type: ARTIFICIAL PLANT
- Package length: 19.558 cm
- Package width: 3.048 cm
- Package height: 4.572 cm
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
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.
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
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 consider when choosing a fish fertilizer for indoor versus outdoor plants?
Indoor plants benefit from a low‑strength, non‑burning formula that won’t leave residue on leaves, so look for products that specifically mention safe indoor use, such as Central Garden Brands Fish Emul Fertilizer. Outdoor gardens can handle higher concentrations and benefit from added soil microbes, making options like Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5‑1‑1 a good choice. Also check for odor control if the fertilizer will be used in enclosed spaces.
How do the NPK ratios differ among the listed fish fertilizers and why does that matter?
Most of the products follow a 5‑1‑1 or 2‑3‑1 ratio, providing a balanced source of nitrogen for foliage and phosphorus/potassium for root and fruit development; for example, Fertilome Fish Emulsion is 5‑1‑1, while the 1‑Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion offers a 2‑3‑1 ratio. Higher nitrogen ratios are ideal for leafy greens and rapid growth, whereas a lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus mix supports blooming and fruiting. Choose the ratio that matches the growth stage of your plants.
Which product offers the best value for larger garden applications?
For covering a sizable garden, the 1‑Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer provides a high volume at a competitive price and a 2‑3‑1 NPK ratio suitable for frequent, light feedings. Alaska Fish Emulsion 5‑1‑1 Concentrate (1 gallon) also offers a large container with a proven burn‑free formula, making it cost‑effective for both vegetables and ornamental beds. Compare unit price per ounce to determine the most economical option.
Are there any odor concerns with fish fertilizers and which brands mitigate this?
Fish fertilizers naturally have a fishy smell, but some manufacturers deodorize their products. Alaska Fish Emulsion 5‑1‑1 Concentrate is noted as “deodorized with natural wintergreen,” reducing the typical odor. If a scent‑free experience is essential, Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer claims to have “no unpleasant odor” thanks to its cold‑process extraction.
How important is an OMRI listing and which products have it?
An OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listing guarantees the product can be used in certified organic gardening, which matters for growers following organic standards. Both Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5‑1‑1 and GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer carry the OMRI certification, ensuring compliance with organic regulations.
Can I use fish fertilizer as a foliar spray and which products are suitable?
Yes, many fish emulsions can be applied as a foliar spray for quick nutrient uptake. The 1‑Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion explicitly mentions suitability for foliar use, and GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer recommends both soil drench and foliar spray applications. Dilute according to label directions (usually 1‑2 tbsp per gallon of water) to avoid leaf burn.
How do fertilizer concentrations affect application rates for vegetables versus trees?
Concentrated formulas like Fertilome Fish Emulsion (5‑1‑1) require lower dilution for trees—typically 4 tbsp per gallon of water—while vegetables and annuals need only 1‑2 tbsp per gallon. This difference ensures trees receive enough nutrients without over‑feeding, and smaller plants get a gentler feed that promotes steady growth. Always start with the lowest recommended rate and adjust based on plant response.