Uses
Fish emulsion is appropriate for many uses in the garden but is especially useful as a lawn fertilizer in early spring and to feed leafy green vegetables due to its higher nitrogen content. Be careful when applying too much of it, though. If your soil already contains high levels of nitrogen, applying too much fish emulsion can cause nitrogen “burn” and affect growth. If you are not sure what condition your soil is in, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service to arrange a soil test, use a home soil test, or hire a professional to examine the soil.
Application Instructions
To use fish emulsion, you first need to dilute it. Add just 1/2 ounce (about two tablespoons) of fish emulsion to 1 gallon of water. The odor may be strong but will dissipate in a day or so. Then water the plants using that fish water. Because fish emulsion works quickly, you may want to apply it more frequently. In fact, North Carolina State University researchers report that applying it twice a week gives plants the most significant growth compared to other frequencies. You can continue to apply it if the frequency seems to be working. You may consider fertilizing your lawn every spring with fish emulsion using a hose-end sprayer.
Make Your Own
Commercial fish emulsion can be pricey, plus it lacks bacterial microorganisms important for soil and plant health. You don’t have to buy fish emulsion as you can make your own fish emulsion if you have fish scraps available. All you need is a bucket with a lid, mesh screen, sealable bottle, dried leaves, sawdust, or other brown material, fish scraps, and water. (An optional addition of molasses can help build up microbes that speed decomposition.) It is important to note that with any homemade fertilizer the ratio of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus will be unknown. Here is how to make it:
