Comparison: Best Natural Fish Fertilizer (Updated | Dec 1st)
If you’re looking to give your garden a boost without relying on harsh chemicals, natural fish fertilizer might just be your new best friend. Packed with nutrients and easy on the environment, these ocean-powered elixirs are gaining popularity among home gardeners and pros alike. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one truly delivers?
- Best for omri certified boost: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for wintergreen deodorized: Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 Concentrate 1 Gallon (Packaging may vary)
- Best for root development formula: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
- Best for cold-pressed boost: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for fish-kelp synergy: GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp Fertilizer (1 Gallon) – Organic Material Review Institute Listed Natural Plant Food for Home Gardens
- Best for fast-acting phosphorus: 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 vigorous foliage formula: Fertilome (10612) Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1 (32 oz)
- Best for seaweed garden boost: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
- Best for phosphorus calcium boost: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds
Product Comparison: Best Natural 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
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.
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
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.
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
Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Fish Bone Meal – High Phosphorus Plant Food for Buds, Bulbs, Blooms, Flower Beds 4-12-0, 1 lb
- High Phosphorus Content (4-12-0): Boosts root growth, flower formation, and fruit set.
- Natural Source of Calcium: Strengthens plant cell walls and helps prevent blossom-end rot.
- Organic & OMRI Listed: Approved for certified organic gardening and farming.
- Gentle, Slow-Release Formula: Feeds steadily without burning plants.
- Ideal for Blooming & Rooting Crops: Perfect for flowers, bulbs, tomatoes, peppers, and root vegetables.
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 look at when picking a natural fish fertilizer?
Focus on the NPK ratio, concentration (liquid vs. powdered), OMRI certification, and any added ingredients like kelp that boost micronutrients. Also compare container size and price per ounce to gauge cost efficiency. Finally, consider odor level if you plan to use the product indoors or near living spaces.
How do liquid fish emulsions differ from fish bone meal products?
Liquid emulsions, such as Alaska Fish Fertilizer (5‑1‑1) and GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp, dissolve quickly and can be applied as a foliar spray or soil drench for fast nutrient uptake. Fish bone meal, like Down To Earth Organic Fish Bone Meal (4‑12‑0), is a slow‑release solid that supplies phosphorus and calcium over time, ideal for root and bloom development. Choose liquids for rapid feeding cycles and bone meal for long‑term soil enrichment.
Which product gives the best value for a large garden?
Alaska Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5‑1‑1 in a 1‑gallon container (B002RH0B26) provides a high nutrient concentration at a low cost per gallon, making it economical for expansive beds. The GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp (1 gallon) also offers a competitive price and adds kelp for extra trace minerals. Both outperform the smaller 18‑ounce Neptune’s Harvest option when scaling up.
Is the fishy smell a concern, and which fertilizers are less odorous?
All true fish emulsions have a natural odor, but some products are deodorized. Alaska Fish Emulsion (B002RH0B26) is marketed as wintergreen‑deodorized, reducing the strong scent. If odor is a priority, consider bone‑meal options like Down To Earth Fish Bone Meal (B011L3T9K6) which are solid and virtually odor‑free.
Why does OMRI listing matter and which fertilizers have it?
OMRI certification confirms the product meets organic standards, allowing use in certified organic gardens and farms. Alaska Fish Fertilizer (B0DQ2LNX35), GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp (B00BBLMXVQ), and Down To Earth Fish Bone Meal (B011L3T9K6) all carry the OMRI listing, giving you confidence in their organic compliance.
What is the best fish fertilizer for container gardening?
For containers, a low‑volume liquid like the 1‑gallon 2‑3‑1 fish emulsion (B09FZTPQJL) works well because you can dilute small amounts for precise feeding. The Down To Earth Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate (B07W81C9T8) also offers flexible dosing (¼–½ cup per gallon) suitable for pots and indoor plants.
How do the different NPK ratios affect plant types?
Higher nitrogen ratios (e.g., 5‑1‑1 from Alaska Fish Emulsion) promote leafy growth, making them ideal for vegetables and foliage plants. Ratios richer in phosphorus, like 4‑12‑0 fish bone meal, boost root development, flowering, and fruit set, benefiting blooming flowers and fruiting crops. Choose a ratio that matches the growth stage you want to emphasize.
Can I combine fish fertilizer with kelp for extra benefits, and which products already include kelp?
Yes, mixing a pure fish emulsion with a kelp extract can enhance micronutrient availability and improve stress tolerance. Products such as GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp (B00BBLMXVQ) and Down To Earth Liquid Fish & Kelp Concentrate (B07W81C9T8) already blend both ingredients, offering a convenient all‑in‑one solution.