How to Make Fertilizers From Fish

Using fish as fertilizer is often attributed to Native Americans who introduced this practice to settlers in the new world. Colonists soon learned the benefits of fish for the soil and applied 6,000 to 8,000 whole fish to an acre of soil. Although you can apply fresh fish right to your garden area it will take a while to break down and feed your plants. Cooking the fish first will speed up the process and allow plants to reap the benefits almost immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Large stock pot
• Fish
• Water
• Strainer
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Fill a large stock pot halfway with fish. You can use fish parts or whole fish for this. Cover with water.

2. Boil for 2 hours to fully cook all the fish parts. Add more water if necessary.

3. Remove and strain the fish mixture into a large bucket or pail. Let the liquid set to cool.

4. Bury fish parts in the garden or in areas where you intend to plant trees and shrubs. This is a great addition to the soil before transplanting tomatoes and other garden veggies. Be sure to bury this deep in the soil to prevent animals from digging them up, along with your plants.

5. Pour the cooled liquid from the fish around flowers and vegetables for a quick boost in fertilizer. This will not burn roots so it is safe to pour close to the base of the plant.