Register  |   | 
 
Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > Fish Emulsion Fertilizer?
 
 


Reply
  Author   Comment  
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hello! Does anyone have a positive experience using this kind of fertilizer?
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
Darkman

Registered:
Posts: 629
Posted Reply with quote  #2 
I have used it many times with no negative effects

BUT

it does smell a bit. I use it as a foliar feeder and for watering to feed.
__________________
Charles in Pensacola AKA Darkman
Zone 8b/9a
Winter of 09/10 low 19
Winter of 10/11 low 19
Winter of 11/12 low 29
Winter of 12/13 low 31
Winter of 13/14 low 19
figgary

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 833
Posted Reply with quote  #3 
I've been using it for 30 years. I like that it doesn't burn, and has all of the trace elements. Too smelly for indoor plants though.
__________________
Gary in CA 9A  Seeking: Bebera Branca*, Colonel Littman's Cross
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Thanks, Charles! Any opinion on what can give fig trees an extra boost other than fertilizer? I am currently using Espoma's Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer.
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Gary, thanks! The trace elements will definitely help.
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #6 
How about seaweed fertilizer?
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
newnandawg

Registered:
Posts: 2,535
Posted Reply with quote  #7 
I use liquid kelp in addition to the fish emulsion
Chivas

Registered:
Posts: 1,675
Posted Reply with quote  #8 
I have used it for about 3 years on figs, works well, but it has less nutrients than chemical fertilizers, you could burn the plants if you use way too much though, the smell goes away fairly quickly in the summer, but I also don't mind the smell.
__________________
Canada Zone 6B
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Martin, that's smart about not touching the Breville ;-)

Chivas, glad you pointed the potential for burn!

Thanks!
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Quote:
Originally Posted by newnandawg
I use liquid kelp in addition to the fish emulsion
Do you feel that the plants benefit from them?
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #11 
I'm just trying to find natural ways to give my trees in the ground and in pots a good boost.

I am even tempted to buy a Worm Factory to have some worm castings to feed my trees as I have read of great things about the use of it.
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
Ampersand

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 728
Posted Reply with quote  #12 
In my experience emulsion works well, just tends to be a little light on nutrients (they are usually in the neighborhood of 2-2-2). Some brands smell pretty bad. Kelp supposedly has other compounds that promote root growth, not sure if there is any solid science on that.

IMO, Espoma products are great, I usually use them.

Other ways to boost soil would be compost, worms, and mycorhyzzal fungi.

Martin - That's what Native Americans used to do: bury a fish under the corn/squash/bean combo. If it worked for them, it'll work for us.
newnandawg

Registered:
Posts: 2,535
Posted Reply with quote  #13 
[_SY450_]Someone recommended this and I will try it this year.
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #14 
Cool!!! Espoma makes great stuff!
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
hoosierbanana

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 2,186
Posted Reply with quote  #15 
You do not need to buy a worm farm, a thick layer of organic mulch will invite them to right where you need them. Put down a thin layer of food for them (coffee grounds, horse manure, alfalfa etc.) you can work those in a little if you want, then mulch over with a higher carbon material like straw or better yet a few inches of hardwood leaves. Alfalfa is my favorite fertilizer, talk about a kick! 

There are also some worm homes made from a simple bucket that you can harvest castings from.

I have been fertigating my rooted cuttings with Botanicare Pure Blend Pro Grow at 5 ml per gallon and they are doing great. Also giving CaMg+ and Pro Tekt at half rate once a week.
__________________
7a, DE
Chivas

Registered:
Posts: 1,675
Posted Reply with quote  #16 
I use the pure blend pro and cal mag as well Brent.  great stuff, I bought it for all my starts, flowers, vegetables works great won't burn but if it was for anything other than starts it would eat up my wallet way too fast.
__________________
Canada Zone 6B
mgginva

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 1,856
Posted Reply with quote  #17 
Bunny poop, Azomite powder, kelp/seaweed, fish emulsion (been using for decades), anything that has been composted organically and smells "good", . . . and more bunny poop.
__________________
Michael in Virginia (zone 7a) Wish list:   Perretta, 
ohjustaguy

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 324
Posted Reply with quote  #18 
I have worm towers built into all my raised beds....
__________________
San Jose 9b
http://www.kevinsedibleyard.com/
DonCentralTexas

Registered:
Posts: 475
Posted Reply with quote  #19 
I've been using it on the garden for years.  I mix it with equal parts liquid Kelp.  Makes my tomatoes and peppers to die for.

I've been using it on my new fig cuttings with same great results at 1/2 strength at each watering.  BTW every company has different mixing ratios.  Mine says 4-6 Tablespoons per gallon, I use 2 T of each.

I second the bunny poop compost, and also goat seems to work very well.
__________________
Don  (Near Austin, TX zone 8b)

If you have these for sale/trade PM me: Zingarella, Grantham's Royal, Calderona, Genovese Nero, Noir de Barbentane
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #20 
Ok, I am convinced...gotta try it!

Thank you for all te great ideas!
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
hoosierbanana

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 2,186
Posted Reply with quote  #21 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chivas
I use the pure blend pro and cal mag as well Brent.  great stuff, I bought it for all my starts, flowers, vegetables works great won't burn but if it was for anything other than starts it would eat up my wallet way too fast.


I agree, I am using solid fertilizers and mixes that have 15%-30% compost for older plants, all fabric containers this year. Alfalfa is not cheap either but a half inch can also do a good job of preventing the weed seeds in the compost from being a problem. Here is the analysis for the compost. Ph is 7.

Attached Images
jpeg 2014-04-15_11-40-23_106.jpg (452.45 KB, 25 views)


__________________
7a, DE

Chivas

Registered:
Posts: 1,675
Posted Reply with quote  #22 
Looks likes great compost you have there Brent.
__________________
Canada Zone 6B
hoosierbanana

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 2,186
Posted Reply with quote  #23 
I am a lucky guy  : )
__________________
7a, DE
drphil69

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 803
Posted Reply with quote  #24 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dieseler
Fish emulsion fertilizer never tried but few years back went fishing caught some garbage fish
brought home to use for fertilizer with some fig plants after burning up the Mrs. blender trying
to make mush out of the fish but didn't know water should have been added, i started burying them whole in veggie garden seems like
the veggie's liked it .

I did use some of the juice for a particular fig plant from bottom of the 5 gallon fish bucket but
not sure what it did sure did not hurt the plant though.

In the end blender was trash and the Mrs bought a fancy Breville thingy which i dont
mess with.


Lol. Now thats funny and informative!
__________________
Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.
lampo

Registered:
Posts: 2,060
Posted Reply with quote  #25 
P1050229.jpg  P1050230.jpg  P1050231.jpg

Very good organic fertilizer almost as good as fish meal
There is no brand as it is 'home made' almost in secret (?) the reasons being already given in this topic by other members.

The 3 cultivars on the pictures, all from the 2013 rooting season,  were given this organic assistance by mid February and show acceptable growth.

Francisco
greysmith

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #26 
Here's another idea.  http://dancarlsonsonicbloom.com/  I tried it about 10 years ago, but couldn't afford the "special" fertilizer. I used the sound part with a cheaper foliar spray. Got so so results, but it wasn't really a fair test. I like the idea and may try it again as soon as I win the lotto.
__________________
S central KY, zone 6b
Darkman

Registered:
Posts: 629
Posted Reply with quote  #27 
As mentioned mulch is a great thing. I keep 6-8 inches of oak tree leaves around mine. Don't forget to check your soil Ph as that can effect the ability of your fig tree to take in materials.
__________________
Charles in Pensacola AKA Darkman
Zone 8b/9a
Winter of 09/10 low 19
Winter of 10/11 low 19
Winter of 11/12 low 29
Winter of 12/13 low 31
Winter of 13/14 low 19
Jed

Registered:
Posts: 66
Posted Reply with quote  #28 
I started with bins and drilled holes and made worm bins--three. After some months, there were so many worms I added them to several 15 gallon planter pots so they could make soil for the eventual plants that go into them. I recycle all coffee grounds, cardboard and paper as in junk mail that is not coated. All my planters get about an inch of shredded paper and card boad, a handful worm bin stuff which has worms, then soils on top--depending on the plant. I have so many worms I place the planters that have them in different places in my yard so the worms can escape and go looking for food.

One of my bins is an old portable bed. I used to grow strawberries in it. I decided not to do the strawnerries but there were so many worms, I began feeding them there. There is a drain with a hose that goes to a bucket below. So, the worm tea is regulary captured there. I water the worms and a few volunteer seedlings sprouted. I use that worm tea on all my berry plants whenever it is full and of course use it on my figs but they are really still under a few feet so I do not give it them often.
__________________
Sacramento, CA 95825
Zone 9
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #29 
I'm going to try making my own worm bins since it seems simple to make. Thank you, guys!
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
Darkman

Registered:
Posts: 629
Posted Reply with quote  #30 
I use my whole garden as a worm bed. You can pull back the mulch pretty much anywhere and find earthworms. I do not use insecticides unless thee is no other choice and then only selectively and sparingly.
__________________
Charles in Pensacola AKA Darkman
Zone 8b/9a
Winter of 09/10 low 19
Winter of 10/11 low 19
Winter of 11/12 low 29
Winter of 12/13 low 31
Winter of 13/14 low 19
eatmoreyeah

Registered:
Posts: 45
Posted Reply with quote  #31 
Ryan, lots of great information in this thread. Mulch is always a good thing, it attracts worms and helps the tree retain moisture. It also keeps the grass and weeds at bay, while making the area more attractive.

Regarding fertilizer, I've used just about everything. I'm nearly 100% organic now. I still use some of the 'blue' stuff at times. As mentioned Epsoma makes wonderful products. I either have Tomato or Garden Tone on hand all the time. I've used Fish Emulsion in the past, but switched to SeaPlus made @ Johnny's Seeds. It contains both macro and micro nutrients as well as trace elements. I also use and HIGHLY recommend a formulated liquid fertilizer called Texas Tomato Food, mostly on my tomatoes but I've started using it on everything. It contains; bat guano, sea kelp, mycorrhizae, earthworm castings, humic acids, amino acids and hydroponic-grade minerals. Look up the Urban Farm for their products.

Lastly,these past few years I've used with great results beneficial fungi and bacteria @ the time of planting/transplanting (root or rootball dunk) and 1-2 soil drench applications during the growing season. At first it was just used in the vegtable garden (mostly nightshades; tomatoes, peppers & eggplant), but has since made its way to the figs and other fruit trees/vines. Using the dunk, soil drench applications along with a weekly liquid fertilizer feed, the results have been pretty amazing. Those products can be purchased @ biotamax.com & fungi.com

All the best,
Charles

Here are some photos from last year.

]









__________________
Currently Seeking:
Bourjassotte Grise/Noire, Brogiotto Nero, D'All Osso, Francazzano Nero, Grise de St. Jean, LSU Red, Melanzana, Natalina, NDB, Rigata Rossa A, Sultane and Tacoma Violet.

Have a healthy inventory for trades.
IamKriya

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 254
Posted Reply with quote  #32 
Charles, I'm totally sold! Great setup!

Thanks for the info. Talk to you later.
__________________
Zone 9a, Central Florida

"Be the change you want to see in the world" ~ Gandhi

ebay ID: churl82
eboone

Avatar / Picture

Registered:
Posts: 1,100
Posted Reply with quote  #33 
I dont find it hard to get tomatoes like those beauties you have posted, but that is one amazing broccoli head!!!
__________________
Ed
Zone 6A - Southwest PA     
---------------------------
Short wish list: CDDG, LSU Red, Dark Greek (Navid),  Col Littman's Black Cross.   And any cold hardy early fig.
Darkman

Registered:
Posts: 629
Posted Reply with quote  #34 
Charles those are some great photos. You have done well.

The Fish Emulsion should be used as a feed for young tender plants and as a foiliar feeder. It is a gentle good supplement but I wouldn't try a feed large potted plants or inground plants with it. That's what fertilizer is for. 

I hope that I do not offend anyone with this statement but plants cannot tell the difference between organic Nitrogen or man made Nitrogen. It is the same. When you use worm castings (and other organic products) you are improving the soil but as far as the basic chemicals (yes Nitrogen is a chemical) it is all the same. Don't get too crazy with all these fancy and expensive products thinking you are doing a wonderful thing. Many times there is alternatives to the fancy named stuff. What is it that the fancy stuff is suppling that is so special. They can only supply what is available naturally. You can supply the same thing if you figure out what it is. Here's a hint read the label and the percentages. NO label with percentages then I would not use the stuff. Soil test from your local extension office can point the way. Beware of Snake OIL!!!! There are no magic products!!!! You can give plants too much. If I am constantly feeding my plants supplements I can easily create an imbalance of micronutrients. Citrus need Boron but in high levels you can KILL the tree. That is just one example. Many times having the proper Ph is all that is needed. When it is out of synch it locks up the nutrients where the tree/plant cannot use them.
__________________
Charles in Pensacola AKA Darkman
Zone 8b/9a
Winter of 09/10 low 19
Winter of 10/11 low 19
Winter of 11/12 low 29
Winter of 12/13 low 31
Winter of 13/14 low 19
Hortstu

Registered:
Posts: 108
Posted Reply with quote  #35 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ohjustaguy
I have worm towers built into all my raised beds....




Kevin,

Can you give me some more info on those worm towers?  Maybe some pictures?  I'm curious.  I've done worm bins before but never heard of the high rise.
__________________
Mike
Zone 7a
coastal nj
Previous Topic | Next Topic
Print
Reply