How Often Should You Apply Fish Emulsion to Vegetables?

Fish emulsion is an effective, organic method to fertilize vegetables.

Twice a Week Is Effective

North Carolina State University Extension Service studied the effects of applying a solution of 1/2 oz. of fish emulsion to 1 gallon of water, and found that application twice per week had the biggest impact on plant growth, when compared with bi-weekly or weekly applications.

More Might Be Better

The study did not apply fish emulsion to plants any more often than twice a week. Sandy or overcultivated soil requires more fertilization than other soils.

Bottom Line

While fish emulsion is a complete, balanced fertilizer, the Arizona Cooperative Extension Service has found that overapplication of it can burn plants. Since twice weekly application has been found to be effective without burning, gardeners should not apply it any more often than that.

References

• Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service: Fertilizers
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Fertilizer from the Sea: Fish Emulsion and Seaweed Extract
• Arizona Cooperative Extension: Soil and Fertilizers: Fertilizers