Comparison: Best Making Your Own Fish Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’ve ever wondered how to give your garden a natural boost without breaking the bank, making your own fish fertilizer might be the secret you’ve been missing. It’s eco-friendly, packed with nutrients, and surprisingly simple to create at home. But with so many methods out there—from fermented blends to quick compost teas—how do you know which one works best?
1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
Sustainable Soil Builder
- Best for omri certified blend: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for 11-vitamin boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for wintergreen fresh: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for sustainable soil builder: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for deep green formula: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for aquarium plant nutrient: API LEAF ZONE Freshwater Aquarium Plant Fertilizer 8-Ounce Bottle
- Best for odorless power: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for high-nitrogen bulk: Fish Meal – Organic Fish Fertilizer 8-6-0 (5 lbs)
- Best for macro-micro fusion: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost
- Best for bulk odorless pack: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
Product Comparison: Best Making Your Own Fish Fertilizer
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
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
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!
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.
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
Fish Meal – Organic Fish Fertilizer 8-6-0 (5 lbs)
- Organic Fish Meal – All Natural Fertilizer!
- Excellent Source of Nitrogen and Phosphorus!
- Stimulates beneficial microbes
- 5 pound bulk bag of Organic Fish Meal Fertilizer
- Fish Meal is a perfect early season Organic Fertilizer!
GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish Fertilizer – Natures Growth Boost, OMRI-Certified, Hydrolyzed, Fish-Based, Organic Gardening Solution, 1 Quart
- OMRI ORGANIC LISTED HYDROLYZED FISH FERTILIZER: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish is an all-natural high quality fresh fish liquid fertilizer that gives excellent plant growth, rebuilds soil, and offers higher production yields. Our fish fertilizer will help stimulate growth and improve plant health and color. Tremendously beneficial for soil quality and improved rooting, this organic fish fertilizer can be applied to any type of soil or plant without concern for waste or harmful chemicals.
- PACKED WITH MACRO & MICRO NUTRIENTS: Our proprietary and all-natural fish fertilizer provides much more than N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) found in synthetic fertilizers. This fish plant fertilizer provides a comprehensive mix of macro & micro nutrients, minerals, peptides, proteins, and calcium, all in a usable form perfectly suited for maximum efficiency of uptake for your plants. The fish plant food fertilizer stimulates water penetration and increases nutrient assimilation.
- OPTIMAL PLANT GROWTH & HEALTH AT HOME OR COMMERCIALLY: Used in low concentrations, liquid fish fertilizer organic acts as an efficacious growth promoter. GS Plant Foods organic hydrolyzed fertilizer promotes growth of healthy bacteria. It is used extensively on a commercial basis, as well as at home as an organic soil conditioner. The end result is a powerfully effective, organic fertilizer and soil supplement that contains no chlorine or heavy metals. It is great for everything that grows!
- WORKS SYNERGISTICALLY WITH ALL FERTILIZERS:This liquid fish fertilizer is among the highest quality plant food products that you can get. It works synergistically with all fertilizers especially with a high quality liquid kelp fertilizer such as GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Kelp. Use fish fertilizer on lawns, vegetables, fruits, trees & shrubs, seedlings and transplants as a regular healthful maintenance program to experience healthier plants with stronger, and more developed root systems.
- EASY TO APPLY FOR NATURAL GREAT RESULTS: Apply hydrolyzed fish fertilizer to improve specific growth stages. Apply generously to soil or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet, top and bottom. For lawns, one gallon of fertilizer mixed with 30-40 gallons of water will cover ¼ acre. Feed lawn every 4 weeks. Trees and shrubs use 4 oz per gallon of water. Feed by boring small holes 1 to 2 feet away from the root ball. Fill holes with solution. For best results, foliar feed early or late in the day.
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
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 my garden?
Look at the N-P-K ratio to match your plants’ nutrient needs, and check if the product is OMRI listed for organic certification. Consider the concentration and container size; larger gallons are more cost‑effective for big gardens, while smaller quarts work for container plants. Also evaluate odor level—some formulas are deodorized for indoor use.
How does Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) compare to Neptune’s Harvest (2‑4‑1) in terms of nutrient balance?
Alaska provides a higher nitrogen ratio (5‑1‑1) which promotes rapid leaf growth, whereas Neptune’s Harvest offers more phosphorus (2‑4‑1) for stronger root and flower development. If you need a quick green boost, Alaska is ideal; for blooming or fruiting plants, Neptune’s Harvest may be more suitable. Both are organic, but the latter uses a cold‑process that reduces odor.
Is there a noticeable price advantage to buying fish fertilizer in bulk versus smaller bottles?
Bulk options like the 1‑gallon containers of Alaska Fish Emulsion or the 5‑lb fish meal deliver a lower cost per ounce compared to 8‑oz or quart sizes. Larger volumes are best for established gardens where frequent applications are needed. However, smaller packages let you test a brand without committing to a large purchase.
Do any of these fish fertilizers include additional micronutrients or beneficial microbes?
GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Fish and Central Garden Brands Emul Fertilizer both list extra vitamins, amino acids, and microorganisms that enhance soil health. Neptune’s Harvest also retains natural enzymes and hormones from fish, supporting microbial activity. If micronutrient enrichment is a priority, choose one of these formulas.
Which fish fertilizer is most suitable for indoor plants or containers?
Alaska Fish Emulsion (deodorized with natural wintergreen) and Central Garden Brands Emul Fertilizer are formulated to be gentle and non‑burning, making them safe for indoor use. Their low odor and 5‑1‑1 ratio provide balanced nutrition without overwhelming confined spaces. Always dilute according to label directions for container plants.
How important is OMRI listing when selecting a fish fertilizer?
An OMRI listing confirms that the product meets organic standards, which is crucial for certified organic gardens and for gardeners avoiding synthetic chemicals. Alaska Fish Fertilizer and GS Plant Foods both carry OMRI certification, giving confidence in their compliance. Products without the listing may still be organic but lack third‑party verification.
What are the benefits of using fish meal (8‑6‑0) versus liquid fish emulsion?
Fish meal provides a solid, slow‑release source of nitrogen and phosphorus, ideal for early‑season soil amendment and long‑term feeding. Liquid emulsion offers quick nutrient uptake and can be applied as a foliar spray for immediate results. Choose fish meal for bulk soil building and liquid forms for rapid, targeted boosts.
Can I mix fish fertilizer with other organic fertilizers, and does it affect effectiveness?
Yes, fish fertilizers blend well with kelp extracts, compost teas, or bone meal, often enhancing overall nutrient diversity. GS Plant Foods notes that their fish fertilizer works synergistically with other organics, improving root development and nutrient absorption. Just follow recommended dilution rates to avoid over‑fertilizing.