How to Fertilize Roses With Fish

There is nothing quite like the aroma of freshly blooming roses. These gorgeous flowers return year after year adding color and beauty to your yard. With proper care and a good dose of fertilizer, your roses will have the neighbors wondering how you keep them so vibrant. The secret, of course, is fish. Add fresh fish right to the soil or create a liquid fish emulsion to use in fertilizing your roses.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh fish parts
• Water
• 5-gallon bucket
• Stock pot
• Phosphoric acid
• Cheesecloth

Fresh Fish

1. Use whole fish or fish parts as a fertilizer for your roses by adding them directly to the soil.

2. Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep near the base of your rose bush. This does not need to be directly under the roots of the bush, but should be within a 10 to 12 inches from the base of the rose bush.

3. Add the fresh fish or fish parts to the hole.

4. Cover with 8 inches of soil to prevent animals from digging it up. Keep in mind that if you use fresh fish, it will take a while to decompose. The area should be left alone until the fish has done its job.

Cooked Fish

5. Add fish heads and other scraps from fresh fish to a large stockpot, and cover with water.

6. Set on an outside gas burner, and simmer for 20 minutes. This is one job you do not want to do in the house. The aroma from cooking fish parts is not exactly how you want to fragrance your home.

7. Let the mixture set to cool.

8. Strain with cheesecloth or through a strainer to remove solid particles. Discard or bury these fish parts near your rose bush.

9. Mix 1 part of your fish emulsion to 5 parts of water. Use this solution to water your roses.

10. Add 1 percent phosphoric acid to the mixture to stop the decaying process, if you wish to store the solution for future uses. Without the addition of phosphoric acid, the solution will continue to decay and may explode if stored in a closed container.

Quick Fish Emulsion Recipe

11. Add fresh fish parts or undesirable fish to a 5-gallon bucket.

12. Fill the bucket 3/4 full with cold water.

13. Stir thoroughly, and allow to set for several days. Stir often to keep the mixture active.

14. Strain through a cheesecloth or strainer, and use the solution to water your roses whenever they need watering.