Fish Emulsion

What is Fish Emulsion?

Fish emulsion is a thick, organic liquid fertilizer created from the byproducts of the fishing industry (often menhaden fish). With a typical NPK ratio of 5-1-1, it is prized by organic gardeners for delivering a rapid yet incredibly gentle dose of nitrogen, along with a rich slurry of proteins, amino acids, and micronutrients.

Feeding the Soil Web

Unlike synthetic liquid fertilizers that bypass the soil ecosystem and force-feed the plant directly, fish emulsion acts as food for the microscopic life in your soil. When you apply fish emulsion, beneficial bacteria and fungi break down the organic proteins into bio-available nitrogen. This process naturally buffers the pH and drastically improves the long-term health of your potting mix or garden bed.

How to Apply Fish Emulsion

Fish emulsion is highly concentrated and must be diluted before use.

• Garden Beds & Vegetables: Mix 2 tablespoons of fish emulsion per gallon of water. Use a watering can to drench the soil around the base of heavy-feeding plants like tomatoes, corn, and leafy greens.
• Foliar Feeding: Because the nutrients are partially broken down, plants can absorb them directly through their leaves. Mix 1 tablespoon per gallon and spray the foliage on a cool, overcast day.

Safety and Odor Warnings

The biggest drawback to traditional fish emulsion is its pungent odor, which smells exactly like rotting fish. While the smell usually dissipates outdoors within two days, it is highly recommended to use deodorized fish emulsion if you plan to use it on indoor houseplants. Furthermore, if you live in an area with raccoons, skunks, or feral cats, avoid spraying it on the soil surface, as the scent may encourage animals to dig up your garden beds.