How to Make Homemade Fish Emulsion 2 ways | Fertilizer Shortage | Container Gardening

Fish emulsion is a fertilizer product made from the decomposed remains of fish. It is a natural and organic fertilizer that is rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth. It is important for gardening because it helps improve soil quality and provides plants with essential nutrients for healthy development.

To make homemade fish emulsion, you will need fish, water, sawdust, and molasses. Sawdust acts as a bulking agent, while molasses provides sugars necessary for the decomposition process.

Yes, any kind of fish will work. You can use freshly caught fish, whole store-bought fish, or canned fish like sardines or anchovies that are packed in water, not in sauces or oils.

During fermentation, it is crucial not to seal the container tightly as this process releases carbon dioxide gas that can build up and potentially cause the container to explode. Instead, cover the container with something like a cloth secured with a rubber band to allow gases to escape while keeping contaminants out.

The fish emulsion is ready when the strong odor has dissipated and it stops bubbling, which indicates the completion of the fermentation process. This typically takes about three to four weeks, or up to a month.

You should dilute your homemade fish emulsion just like commercial products, typically using a tablespoon per gallon of water. After mixing it well, apply it to your plants.

A quicker method is to drain the water from a can of sardines in water and use it to make fish fertilizer. The drained water should be added to enough water to make up half a gallon of solution, which can then be applied directly to plants without fermentation.