Comparison: Best Vegetable Garden Fish Fertilizer (Updated | Nov 30th)
If you’re looking to give your vegetable garden a natural boost, you’ve probably heard about fish fertilizer—but with so many options out there, which one’s truly the best? We’ve dug into the smelly details to compare top contenders, weighing factors like nutrient content, ease of use, and how noticeably your tomatoes and peppers love it. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, choosing the right fish fertilizer can make all the difference in growing vibrant, healthy veggies—naturally. Let’s find the one that’s worth every drop.
- Best for vitamin-rich boost: CENTRAL GARDEN BRANDS 100099247 Fish Emul Fertilizer
- Best for omri certified 5-1-1: Alaska Fish Fertilizer OMRI Listed 5-1-1
- Best for cold-pressed yield: 1 Gallon Organic Fish Emulsion Fertilizer for Plants – Ideal Liquid Fish Fertilizer for Plants
- Best for balanced growth formula: Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers Organic Bio-Fish – Plant Food for Corn
- 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 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 versatile 2-3-1: Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer (2-3-1) | All Purpose Liquid Plant Food for Indoor Plants & Outdoor Garden
- Best for odorless cold-process: Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- Best for garden bloom booster: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1 (36 Ounce)
- Best for compact bloom booster: Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1
Product Comparison: Best Vegetable Garden Fish Fertilizer
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
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 Bio-Fish – Plant Food for Corn, Broccoli, Kale, Trees and Shrubs 7-7-2, 5 lb
- Balanced NPK Formula (7-7-2): Provides equal parts nitrogen and phosphorus for robust vegetative growth and root development, plus potassium for improved resilience and bloom support.
- Marine-Based Fertility Boost: Made with fish meal and fish bone meal—ideal for improving soil biology and long-term fertility.
- OMRI Listed for Organic Use: Safe and approved for certified organic farming and gardening systems.
- Feeds Soil & Plants Naturally: Encourages beneficial microbial activity, resulting in better nutrient absorption and stronger plants.
- Great for Vegetables, Fruits & Flowers: Versatile enough for raised beds, garden rows, containers, and landscape use.
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
Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer (2-3-1) | All Purpose Liquid Plant Food for Indoor Plants & Outdoor Garden, Vegetables & Flowers | All-Natural Fish & Seaweed Formula Potted Plants & Garden Flowers (8 oz)
- ALL-PURPOSE PLANT FOOD FOR GARDEN & HOME: One versatile solution! Ideal liquid fertilizer for vegetables promoting yield, powerful flower fertilizer for vibrant blooms, effective indoor plants fertilizer, and general garden fertilizer for trees, shrubs, and containers.
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
Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer 2-3-1 (36 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 & 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
Which fish fertilizer offers the best nutrient balance for a vegetable garden?
For vegetables, a higher nitrogen and phosphorus ratio supports leaf growth and fruit development. The 2-3-1 NPK formulas found in the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion and the GS Plant Foods Liquid Fish & Kelp provide a balanced blend, while the 7-7-2 formula from Down To Earth emphasizes root strength. Choose the product whose NPK matches your soil test and crop stage.
How important is OMRI listing when selecting a fish fertilizer?
An OMRI listing guarantees the product meets organic certification standards, which is crucial if you farm organically or want to avoid synthetic additives. Alaska Fish Fertilizer, Down To Earth Bio‑Fish, and GS Plant Foods all carry OMRI certification, giving you confidence in their organic integrity. Non‑listed options may still be natural but lack that formal verification.
What should I consider about product size and price per ounce?
Larger containers, like the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion or GS Plant Foods, usually lower the cost per ounce and are ideal for extensive garden beds. Smaller jars, such as the 36‑ounce Neptune’s Harvest, are convenient for trial runs or limited‑space gardens but have a higher unit price. Calculate the total volume you need for the season to decide which size offers the best value.
Do any of these fertilizers have a reduced fish odor?
Neptune’s Harvest uses a cold‑process method that retains fish proteins while minimizing the typical fishy smell, making it more pleasant for indoor use. Most other emulsions, including the Central Garden Brands and Down To Earth concentrates, emit a noticeable odor that dissipates quickly after application. If odor is a concern, Neptune’s Harvest or the odor‑controlled formulas are preferable.
Which product is best for improving soil microbiology?
Fish‑based fertilizers naturally feed beneficial microbes, but those that combine kelp or seaweed, like GS Plant Foods and Down To Earth Liquid Fish & Kelp, provide extra trace minerals that further boost microbial activity. The marine‑based nutrients help create a thriving soil ecosystem, leading to better nutrient uptake over time. For a strong microbial boost, choose a fish‑kelp blend.
Can I use these fertilizers on both indoor and outdoor plants?
Yes, most listed products are formulated for universal use, including indoor houseplants, container gardens, and outdoor beds. Central Garden Brands, Alaska Fish Fertilizer, and the 1‑gallon Organic Fish Emulsion specifically mention suitability for indoor and outdoor applications. Just follow the dilution rates to avoid over‑feeding in confined indoor spaces.
How do the application methods differ among the products?
Liquid concentrates like GS Plant Foods and Down To Earth Fish & Kelp are mixed with water and can be applied as a foliar spray or soil drench, offering flexibility for quick feeding. Powder or granular options such as Neptune’s Harvest are mixed by hand or added to irrigation lines for slower, sustained release. Choose a format that matches your preferred watering routine and equipment.