How To Use Fish Fertilizer In The Garden
The long-established method of using fish to fertilize crops goes back as far as the ancient Roman empire in the east and the venerable, indigenous tribes of the west.
The concept of taking from the earth to give back to it all began when farmers observed how well corn and other crops fared when fish remains were left to decompose near them. Thus began a practice that continues to this day.
Thanks to science, we now understand why fish material affects crops so positively. Fish contain highly beneficial amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Plus other vital trace elements. Exactly what plants require to thrive.
Here's my 'deep dive' into what fish emulsion fertilizer is made up of and how to go about choosing a product that will meet your gardening and growing requirements. Plus, my pick of the 6 best fish emulsion fertilizer options on the market. Let's start with looking at exactly what it is?
- What Is Fish Emulsion Fertilizer?
- How Is Fish Emulsion Plant Food Made
- Fish Fertilizer Powder
- Organic Liquid Emulsion Fertilizer
- Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Benefits For Plants
- Fish Fertilizer For Indoor Plants
- Fish Emulsion During Flowering
- Fish Fertilizer For Tomatoes
- Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Vs Seaweed
- Fish Emulsion Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio
- Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Reviews
- 1. Ferti-Lome Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1
- 2. GS Plant Foods Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer 2-3-1
- 3. Neptune's Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
- 4. Neptune's Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer
- Which Plants Like Fish Fertiliser
- How To Use Fish Fertilizer
- How Often Should You Fertilize With Fish Emulsion?
- Verdict: Best Fish Fertilizer
- FAQ's Best Fish Fertilizer
What Is Fish Emulsion Fertilizer?
Fish emulsion fertilizer is made from bits left over after the filets are cut and prepared as food for us. This includes the bones, scales, skin as well as guts. This practice of 'nothing going to waste' perfectly coordinates with our efforts toward sustainability as these bits are refined into valuable nutrients for our gardens.
This organic type of fertilizer comes in a number of forms. From concentrated liquids to powders, in either pure emulsion form or as a hydrolysate. Which, in this case, means to break down salt content with water while keeping beneficial oil and proteins intact.
How Is Fish Emulsion Plant Food Made
Fish emulsion is made by taking the aforementioned leftover bits and processing them into a thick slurry in an industrial-grade blender. Some manufacturers add water to this mixture to make application easier and to help lessen its famously pungent aroma. Others allow this slurry to dry out and pulverize it into a powder that can be used as either a slow-release fertilizer or as a water-soluble option.
Fish Fertilizer Powder
Fish Emulsion powder is a professional-grade plant feed versatile enough to be used as a slow-release option when worked into the soil or a quick-acting choice when mixed with water and applied directly to the roots.
Made by drying out residual fish material and grinding it down to a fine, brown-green powder, it comes in either a loose powder or concentrated cakes for easy use and storage, usually minus a strong smell.
Organic Liquid Emulsion Fertilizer
Fish emulsion in liquid form has a far faster absorption rate than powdered alternatives as nutrients are carried directly to the roots for immediate feeding. This option is made by either simply adding water for use when watering or as a foliar spray. Or, by processing the original slurry through a hydrolyzing process (fish hydrolysate) whereby essential oils and proteins are protected from being "watered-down" by the addition of water.
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Benefits For Plants
In addition to all the nutritious goodness in fish emulsion, the most highly prized benefit is the way that your plants access it. Access wouldn't be possible if it weren't for all those lovely micro-organisms that are present in the soil. Fungi and helpful bacteria consume fish emulsion and re-release it in a form that can be absorbed by your plants.
Once they do, they benefit from a purely organic, burn-free source of nitrogen (provided that your soil isn't already rich in it), phosphorus, and potassium along with secondary nutrients like calcium and magnesium.
Fish Fertilizer For Indoor Plants
Once your houseplants have depleted the soil of nutrients, a dry form may possibly be the best fish emulsion option for you. The liquid kind may be a bit too 'aromatic' for indoor spaces (but outdoors, it works like magic!).
Fish fertilizer will provide your plants with all the vital nutrients and trace elements they need. And being organic, you can rest easy that you're not introducing strong chemicals into your home.
Fish Emulsion During Flowering
While the potassium and phosphorus in this encourages an abundance of blooms, the high nitrogen content keeps each bud in bloom for longer while extending overall bloom time for the plant.
The organic NPK of fish emulsion supports strong root formation which results in foliage and buds with vibrant color and resistance to pests, disease, and environmental stresses. This means it makes a fantastic fertilizer flowering for fruit and vegetable plants.
Fish Fertilizer For Tomatoes
When proper dosage recommendations are followed, a fish emulsion has the potential to produce higher yields in crops like tomatoes. Especially in cooler weather regions, breaking down in the soil at a consistent, advantageous pace. As opposed to chemical or manure-based fertilizers that break down more slowly as the temperature drops.
The extra calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals also prevent bottom rot on tomatoes. A symptom that commonly occurs if plants are over-watered.
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Vs Seaweed
When considering an organic source of nutrients, some question the difference between fish emulsion and seaweed fertilizer. Both are rich in what plants need but what makes the difference is often contained in your soil. Seaweed contains adequate levels of nitrogen but they're not particularly high. Making it perfect to add to compost (which is already rich in nitrogen).
If you don't use compost and you're looking for higher levels of nitrogen, then fish emulsion would be a more effective option. Fish emulsion fertilizer is essentially ground-up fish parts. So, it's naturally going to be higher in nitrogen.
Fish Emulsion Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio
Indoor and outdoor plants flourish with the combination of macronutrients found in a fish emulsion. 4 parts nitrogen (N) – for healthy foliage and bloom longevity, 1 part phosphorus (P) – for robust roots, and 1 part potassium (K) – for durable resistance to disease is a great starting point for your plant feeding program.
Sadly, few organic compounds offer this much nitrogen, aside from smelly manures. However, materials like eggshells and coffee grounds can be added for extra nutrients.
PRO-TIP
Fertilizer labels display a three numbered ratio, known as an N-P-K. Indicating its proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Example: 5-10-5 means 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus and 5% potassium.
Best Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Reviews
Fish fertilizers offer a natural and gentle approach to feeding your pants when compared to harmful chemicals. And without question, they can be one of the best ways to ensure beautiful produce, healthy foliage growth, and lush blooms. But with so many products on the market, each having seemingly unique benefits, it can be confusing to know which is going to perform well.
Product testing and review research takes time, effort, and money, so to make life a little more convenient for you, I've done the leg-work and carried out some extensive testing of my own.
I've included consumer experiences from all across the gardening spectrum as well as my first-hand user experience and years of gardening knowledge and expertise. Here below are my picks for the top 6 best fish emulsion fertilizers for your consideration.
1. Ferti-Lome Fish Emulsion Fertilizer 5-1-1
This liquid option from Fertilome is formulated to supply a natural release of an array of essential nutrients to not only fruits, veggies, and flowers but trees and shrubs too.
I tested this on some conifers that were a little weather-worn, again using a hose attachment. Because of the higher concentration of nitrogen, in just a couple of weeks, I was excited to see all the browning foliage being replaced by new, bright green shoots.Check the latest price for Ferti-Lome Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
How To Use: Shake well before use. Then mix 2 tablespoons per gallon monthly during the growing and blooming season.
Customer Reviews: Gardeners who tried this on trees, shrubs, and even their lawn are reporting being so pleased with the response they got. Such vibrant color and vigorous growth, even at the height of summer. Awarding this product 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Versatile for use on lawns, trees and shrubs
- Essential nutrients for flower, fruit and veggie plants
Cons
- May attract deer in rural areas
- Results may vary in poor soil
2. GS Plant Foods Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer 2-3-1
I felt this one was a little on the pricey side until I realized how little you need for surprising results. I tested this hydrolyzed formula as a foliar spray on some new fruit tree saplings. Not one yellow leaf and they doubled in size in just one season.
I also tried this product on some peas and beans resulting in the plants reaching over 6 ft tall. Plus a bumper crop of green veg. With the beans especially, the more I picked, the more they seemed to just keep coming. Find prices for GS Plant Foods Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer here.
The N-P-K ratio in this fertilizer is relatively low, meaning it is fine to use regularly without the worry of root or leaf burn, and can even be incorporated into your usual watering regime.
Its application isn't just limited to young trees and green veg, however. It has a multitude of uses from indoor plants, flowering perennials, vegetable gardens, lawns as well as trees and shrubs.
How To Use: Houseplants – 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Feed every 2-3 weeks. Outdoor plants – 2 oz per gallon of water. Apply until soil is saturated or as a foliar feed until leaves are wet.
Customer Reviews: Word-of-mouth has been the best advertiser for this product. Commercial users, families, and fellow gardeners are referring others to this for ailing plants and trees. Not to mention, abundant crops with very good value for money. 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Great value for money and multitude of fertilizing uses
- Remarkable growth and vibrant color
Cons
- Higher price point than others
- May exhibit a strong odor
3. Neptune's Harvest Fish Fertilizer 2-4-1
Neptune's Harvest contains macro and micronutrients plus trace elements with naturally occurring enzymes that stimulate healthy growth. It fed my plants while also improving the soil when used as a soil drench and foliar feed. I tested this on my tomatoes and squash using a hose attachment and I could actually see more vibrant foliage and fruit color from even the early days of feeding. View Neptune's Harvest Fish Emulsion at Amazon.com
I must admit, I tend to use fish fertilizer for outdoor use as I'm conscious that most fish-based feeds are aromatic, to say the least! I was pleasantly surprised to find no strong odor with this option so it could feasibly be used for indoor plants too.
How To Use: Indoors – Use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, every 1-2 weeks. Outdoors – Use 1/8 Cup (1 fl. Oz.- 1:128) per gallon of water, every 1-2 weeks.
Customer Reviews: Rose enthusiasts are elated with their thriving plants that now look like show roses. And houseplant growers love the fast growth they're seeing without the typical smell of fish fertilizers. 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Contains naturally occurring enzymes that stimulate growth
- For use as a soil drench or foliar spray
Cons
- Higher price point
4. Neptune's Harvest Organic Hydrolized Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer
My final pick is another goodie from Neptune's Harvest and this one contains seaweed as well as fish. It provides a vast range of nutrient coverage to meet the needs of plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns.
When feeding your lawn, there's no worry about wearing protective clothing or waiting to let your kids and pets play on it, because it's organic. The hydrolyzed formulation means essential oils and proteins are left intact to benefit everything in your garden. Click here for Neptune's Harvest Fish & Seaweed Fertilizer.
How To Use: Indoors – Use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, every 1-2 weeks. Outdoors – Use 1/8 Cup (1 fl. Oz.- 1:128) per gallon of water, every 1-2 weeks.
Customer Reviews: Consumers love a fertilizer that pulls organic double-duty for the same price. Those that made the switch to organic didn't regret that decision one bit after trying this. Many have been using it for years without fail and won't go back to anything else. 4.7 / 5 stars.
Pros
- A mix of nutrients from both fish and kelp
- Organic results without harmful chemicals
Cons
- Overfeeding may cause plant burn
- Smell may attract animals
Which Plants Like Fish Fertiliser
Buying the best fish emulsion fertilizer will provide you with versatility when it comes to your gardening and horticultural needs. First up, it will benefit houseplants, resulting in healthy and robust growth.
In addition, fish emulsion fertilizer will encourage an abundance of buds on outdoor ornamentals and also, strong, healthy fruits and veggies. If that wasn't enough, the fish emulsion can help deciduous trees and shrubs grow stronger and more tolerant to environmental stresses. While lawns will grow thick and vibrant in color.
The NPK and secondary elements in fish emulsion fertilizer can't be beaten for organic gardening. A practice that is gaining in momentum and popularity by the day. Just remember that recommended dosages must be followed to avoid over-fertilizing and plant burn.
How To Use Fish Fertilizer
How you use fish fertilizer depends on the application method of your product choice. Powders and concentrates are diluted in water and applied directly to the soil or as a foliar spray. Using a watering can for small areas or a hose attachment for larger garden spaces for quick action feeding.
Dry applications are worked into the soil or sprinkled around a plant's base for a time-saving, slow-release option. Whichever one you choose, fertilizing can begin at the beginning of spring and continue until mid-autumn, then store it with no worries of spoilage.
How Often Should You Fertilize With Fish Emulsion?
Quick-action, liquid options generally need to be applied every 1-2 weeks to maintain a steady flow of nutrients to your plants and trees and achieve optimum results. Dry formulas, as slow-releasers, will typically need to be applied once every 1-2 months to achieve the same results.
While these are general recommendations, specific dosage instructions on the label should always be followed to avoid plant damage from overfeeding.
Verdict: Best Fish Fertilizer
Based on extensive testing and consumer feedback research, the verdict is in! You can't beat fish emulsion for organic results.
Topping my leader board in my dest fish emulsion fertilizer list where I have awarded first place to Down to Earth's bone meal formula. This will help you to produce strong and healthy foliage and buds with plenty of vitality across all areas of your garden.
You should choose GS Plant Foods Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer if you need a foliar spray without the risk of burning the leaves of your plants. This fertilizer has a mild formula that means you can incorporate it into your usual watering regime.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a fish emulsion with less odor than the others and have intentions to use it indoors as well as outside, then choose Neptune's Harvest hydrolyzed fish formula. This fertilizer has a strong, well-rounded blend of nutrients that will support your plants from every angle. No matter which one, it's a choice toward fruitful success.
FAQ's Best Fish Fertilizer
Is fish emulsion good for all plants?
In the proper doses and application frequency, fish fertilizer is mild enough to use on any plant, at any stage of growth. It offers just the right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that all plants thrive on.
How To Use Fish Fertilizer In The Garden
Source: https://theyardandgarden.com/best-fish-emulsion-fertilizers/
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