Comparison: Best Fox Farm Fish Emulsion (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your garden a natural boost, you’ve probably heard about fish emulsion—and Fox Farm’s version is a fan favorite. But is it really the best out there? We dug into the details, from nutrient content to that infamous fishy smell, to see how it stacks up against top competitors. Whether you’re growing lush tomatoes or vibrant flowers, choosing the right fertilizer matters. Let’s break down what makes Fox Farm stand out—and when another option might be worth a try.
Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn
Odorless Growth Boost
- Best for odorless growth boost: Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn
- Best for rapid root reviver: Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang Fertilizer – for Fast Recovery of Stressed Plants
- Best for stress-rescue boost: Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang Fertilizer – for Fast Recovery of Stressed Plants
- Best for organic growth elixir: Harris Organic Plant and Lawn Fertilizer
- Best for versatile root booster: Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang Fertilizer – for Fast Recovery of Stressed Plants
Product Comparison: Best Fox Farm Fish Emulsion
Fish Hydrolysate Fertilizer for Vegetables & Plants – NPK 2-3-2 Fish Emulsion for Lawn, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables in Garden or Farm (16 fl oz)
- Rich in amino acids and nutrients
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Boosts plant growth and vitality
- Works both as soil drench & foliar spray
- helps add organic matter to soil
- Will not burn plants, no bad odor
Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang Fertilizer – for Fast Recovery of Stressed Plants, Root Health, Solubilized Nutrition – Perfect for Hydroponic & Soil Application- NPK 2-0.2-0.3, (Pint)
- BRING PLANTS BACK TO LIFE: Bushdoctor roots fertilizer restores stressed plants from temperature swings, neglect, or salt buildup. Its microbial-based formula heals damaged root tissues & encourages new growth, helping plants recover quickly & thrive
- POWERHOUSE NUTRITION: Enriched with solubilized organic nutrients, microbes for plants feed plants to promote root health. The 2-0.2-0.3 root solution speeds recovery from stress, helping plants stay vibrant and resilient in any environment
- THRIVE IN ANY MEDIUM: Our root booster for plants is ideal for both hydroponic systems & traditional soil gardens. Its adaptable formula ensures plants receive nutrition regardless of the growing medium, making it a versatile addition to any gardening
- MIX & GROW EFFORTLESSLY: The easy approach with this root food for plants makes plant care simple & effective. Simply add 2-4 teaspoons per gallon for soil or 1 tablespoon for hydroponics weekly. Apply until recovery, then return to your regular feed
- TRUSTED QUALITY BY FOXFARM: Our root enhancer for plants meets the standards for plant health and growth, ensuring constant results since 1984. Committed to innovative gardening products, FoxFarm brings decades of experience and sustainable practices
Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang Fertilizer – for Fast Recovery of Stressed Plants, Root Health, Solubilized Nutrition – Perfect for Hydroponic & Soil Application- NPK 2-0.2-0.3, (Quart)
- BRING PLANTS BACK TO LIFE: Bushdoctor roots fertilizer restores stressed plants from temperature swings, neglect, or salt buildup. Its microbial-based formula heals damaged root tissues & encourages new growth, helping plants recover quickly & thrive
- POWERHOUSE NUTRITION: Enriched with solubilized organic nutrients, microbes for plants feed plants to promote root health. The 2-0.2-0.3 root solution speeds recovery from stress, helping plants stay vibrant and resilient in any environment
- THRIVE IN ANY MEDIUM: Our root booster for plants is ideal for both hydroponic systems & traditional soil gardens. Its adaptable formula ensures plants receive nutrition regardless of the growing medium, making it a versatile addition to any gardening
- MIX & GROW EFFORTLESSLY: The easy approach with this root food for plants makes plant care simple & effective. Simply add 2-4 teaspoons per gallon for soil or 1 tablespoon for hydroponics weekly. Apply until recovery, then return to your regular feed
- TRUSTED QUALITY BY FOXFARM: Our root enhancer for plants meets the standards for plant health and growth, ensuring constant results since 1984. Committed to innovative gardening products, FoxFarm brings decades of experience and sustainable practices
Harris Organic Plant and Lawn Fertilizer, Hydrolyzed Liquid Fish Fertilizer Emulsion Great for Tomatoes and Vegetables, 3-3-0.3, 32oz (32oz (Quart))
- Uses trace minerals and micronutrients naturally derived from fish
- Promotes vigorous growth of plants and vegetables
- Great for all indoor and outdoor plants
- For use in an Organic Gardening program
- Won’t burn plants
Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang Fertilizer – for Fast Recovery of Stressed Plants, Root Health, Solubilized Nutrition – Perfect for Hydroponic & Soil Application- NPK 2-0.2-0.3, (Gallon)
- BRING PLANTS BACK TO LIFE: Bushdoctor roots fertilizer restores stressed plants from temperature swings, neglect, or salt buildup. Its microbial-based formula heals damaged root tissues & encourages new growth, helping plants recover quickly & thrive
- POWERHOUSE NUTRITION: Enriched with solubilized organic nutrients, microbes for plants feed plants to promote root health. The 2-0.2-0.3 root solution speeds recovery from stress, helping plants stay vibrant and resilient in any environment
- THRIVE IN ANY MEDIUM: Our root booster for plants is ideal for both hydroponic systems & traditional soil gardens. Its adaptable formula ensures plants receive nutrition regardless of the growing medium, making it a versatile addition to any gardening
- MIX & GROW EFFORTLESSLY: The easy approach with this root food for plants makes plant care simple & effective. Simply add 2-4 teaspoons per gallon for soil or 1 tablespoon for hydroponics weekly. Apply until recovery, then return to your regular feed
- TRUSTED QUALITY BY FOXFARM: Our root enhancer for plants meets the standards for plant health and growth, ensuring constant results since 1984. Committed to innovative gardening products, FoxFarm brings decades of experience and sustainable practices
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 are the key differences between the generic fish hydrolysate fertilizer and Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang?
The generic fish hydrolysate is a simple NPK 2-3-2 liquid rich in amino acids, designed for general feeding as a soil drench or foliar spray. Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang adds a microbial blend and a higher nitrogen focus (2-0.2-0.3) specifically formulated to revive stressed plants. Boomerang also includes detailed usage instructions for both soil and hydroponic systems, while the hydrolysate is a more straightforward organic feed.
How does the nutrient ratio (NPK) affect plant growth for these products?
A balanced NPK like 2-3-2 supplies moderate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promoting overall vegetative health and root development. The 2-0.2-0.3 ratio in Bushdoctor Boomerang emphasizes nitrogen for rapid leaf growth and stress recovery, with lower phosphorus and potassium because the microbial component supplies additional nutrients. Choose the ratio that matches your plant’s growth stage and stress level.
Which product is best for organic gardening and why?
All three options are derived from natural fish sources, but the Harris Organic Plant and Lawn Fertilizer explicitly markets itself for certified organic programs and guarantees no plant burn. Fox Farm’s Boomerang is also organic‑approved and adds beneficial microbes, making it a strong choice for soil health. If you need a product that is both organic‑certified and low‑risk for delicate indoor plants, Harris is the safest pick.
How should I apply the Fox Farm Bushdoctor Boomerang for hydroponic versus soil systems?
For soil, mix 2‑4 teaspoons per gallon of water and apply weekly until the plant shows recovery, then transition to your regular feeding schedule. In hydroponics, use 1 tablespoon per gallon of nutrient solution, also on a weekly basis, and monitor EC levels to avoid over‑dilution. Consistent, measured applications help the microbes establish without overwhelming the root zone.
Is the Harris Organic Fish Fertilizer safe for indoor plants and does it burn?
Yes, Harris’s formula is designed to be gentle and will not burn foliage when used as directed. It contains trace minerals and micronutrients that support vigorous growth without the harsh salts found in many synthetic feeds. Always start with a diluted solution and increase gradually to ensure your indoor plants adjust comfortably.
What value does the microbial component in Fox Farm’s Boomerang provide compared to plain fish emulsion?
The microbes help break down organic matter in the root zone, making nutrients more readily available and improving soil biology. This can speed up recovery from stress, enhance disease resistance, and promote stronger root systems. Plain fish emulsion supplies nutrients but lacks the biological boost that microbes deliver.
How do price and concentration compare across these fish‑based fertilizers?
While exact prices vary, the generic fish hydrolysate typically offers the lowest cost per ounce because it is a basic liquid concentrate. Fox Farm Boomerang is priced higher due to its added microbial blend and specialized formulation. Harris Organic fertilizer sits in the middle, offering a certified organic label and a balanced concentration without the extra microbial premium.