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lynn2112

Fish, Kelp, Seaweed etc.

6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

For years, I have used Alaskan Fish Emulsion weakly and kind of sporadically on my bands in pots. Now, I am considering buying and using Neptune's Harvest instead.

I do not know much about these "fish…oceanic? products, but have not had any issues using the AFE. My bands, for the most part seem to thrive.

I began using fish emulsion because it was suggested for use by very knowledgeable and trusted members of this forum. Know, years later, because I am thinking of changing my "fish, oceanic? brand, I am wondering if some of these products are better than others? For example, some are fish emulsion, or fish and seaweed, or kelp etc. What is the most beneficial for bands in pots or simply your favored product to use on roses?

Comments (9)

  • 6 years ago

    I have used Neptune’s Harvest fish and seaweed blend for more than 20 years on all kinds of plants. It has always been reliable and mild (non-burning) and seems to work just fine. It has a mild fish odor when first applied but it quickly dissipates and is not oppressive. That said, I have never used the Alaska brand so I can’t compare the two.

    Lynn-in-TX-Z8b- Austin Area/Hill Country thanked Chris Martins Zone6a Chicago
  • 6 years ago

    I’ve only used the Alaska brand. It works well, but boy does it stink! The smell goes away in a day, but people do notice it. I can hear people walking in the park next to me. I hear kids and adults alike saying, “What’s that awful smell?” Lol

    Lynn-in-TX-Z8b- Austin Area/Hill Country thanked Lisa Adams
  • 6 years ago

    I have used both and haven't noticed a huge difference. I am using Alaska now "weakly weekly" and my roses are doing well.

    Lynn-in-TX-Z8b- Austin Area/Hill Country thanked kathyc_z10_socal
  • 6 years ago

    Katyajini-

    Fertilome makes a fish "emulsion" fertilizer. For me, this will clearly require working to get a better understanding of these products. Please share any information you find.


  • 6 years ago

    Lisa-

    My sense of smell is not very acute, but I can always smell the AFE stench. I cannot imagine how it is experienced by those with a great sense of smell. Funny story:)

  • 6 years ago

    I have a super sensitive sense of smell, so I get the seaweed or kelp emulsions, as the smell is more tolerable to me. So, for anyone else out there who is like me & can’t take the smell of the fish products, it’s another option to consider.


    I buy the “Grow More” brand locally, but it’s a bit pricey, so I mostly only use it on new plants that are too young for a traditional fertilizer, or on plants that look chlorotic. (I had a potted dwarf citrus with leaves that were literally crayon yellow, and the seaweed extract gradually turned them back to green - it was really interesting to watch!)

    Lynn-in-TX-Z8b- Austin Area/Hill Country thanked cyndita (west coast zone 9)
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Lynn, here is a YT video about seaweed for plants that is fairly comprehensive and concise too.

    Its put out by a small company that makes ecologically responsible products for agriculture (can also be used in home garden). What I love most about this outfit is that they put out educational videos some of which are quite long and in depth not just sound bites, and most often by experts, researchers, in the specific field now.

    They do sell a seaweed pdt but in this video the material is really about how seaweed extracts can benefit plants, what studies show.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y989xR9hhfE

    Lynn-in-TX-Z8b- Austin Area/Hill Country thanked katyajini
  • 6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    The only one I found here was Alaska brand. Yes, it smells strongly, but not badly to me, and I have a hypersensitive sense of smell. But then I grew up on dried and fermented fish products, so my opinion is skewed. But I don't smell it at all a day after it is applied in the garden. That may be due to the dry climate. I can smell it in the garage for days even after I've rinsed out the watering can a number of times . Milorganite, however, smells awful to me, and I can smell it in the garden a week or more after I've applied it.

    Katyajini - interesting information. Thanks for sharing.

    Lynn-in-TX-Z8b- Austin Area/Hill Country thanked noseometer...(7A, SZ10, Albuquerque)