UBCNews - Business - Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizers: Why They're Better (And Less Smelly) Than Emulsions

Episode Date: January 7, 2026

So, have you ever wondered what makes some gardens just explode with life while others seem to struggle no matter what you do? Today we're exploring something that might sound a bit unusual but is actually a game changer for home gardeners - organic fish and kelp fertilizers. I'm here with a guest who's gonna walk us through how these liquid nutrients work their magic on both plants and soil. Welcome! GS Plant Foods City: Lake Mary Address: 4300 West Lake Mary Boulevard Website: https://gsplantfoods.com/

So have you ever wondered what makes some gardens just explode with life, while others seem to struggle no matter what you do? Today, we're exploring something that might sound a bit unusual, but is actually a game changer for home gardeners, organic fish and kelp fertilizers. I'm here with a guest who's going to walk us through how these liquid nutrients work their magic on both plants and soil. Welcome.

Thanks for having me. Yeah, fish and kelp fertilizers are really fascinating because they offer this complete package. You're feeding the plant and the entire soil ecosystem at the same time. Right. So let's start with the fish side of things. I know a lot of folks remember their grandparents using fish emulsion. And honestly, the smell was memorable. But hydrolyzed fish is different, right?

Exactly. Hydroized fish is made from fresh fish residues, basically what's left after filleting for human consumption. It's cold processed the same day, so it doesn't have that strong, unpleasant odor you'd get from traditional fish emulsion, which is cooked and often made from older fish that's already starting to break down. Mm-hmm. Makes sense. And because it's cold-processed, does that mean it retains more of the good stuff? Absolutely. Cold-processing keeps all those minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and even natural growth hormones intact.

Fish emulsion loses a lot of that during the cooking process. Plus, the oils are often removed from emulsion for other uses, so you're left with a less complete product. So hydrolyzed fish is basically the full-spectrum version, and it's easy to apply too, right? I've heard it won't clog your sprayers like emulsion can. Yeah, it has the consistency of chocolate milk, smooth and easy to mix. You can use it as a foliar spray or water it into the soil

without worrying about clogs. Many products are also OMRI certified for organic farming, so you know you're using something that's both effective and environmentally safe. That's helpful. Now what about the benefits? What does hydrolyzed fish actually do for your garden? Well, it quickly corrects nutrient deficiencies, which is huge if you've got plants showing yellowing leaves or stunted growth.

It also encourages beneficial bacteria in the soil, stimulates both rooting and flowering and even increases the bricks. That's the sugar content in your fruits and vegetables. I remember the first time I used it on my tomato plants. And within three weeks, they were this deep, rich green I'd never seen before. The fruit was noticeably sweeter too. I see. Go on. Right.

So that immediate impact really convinced me. Now let's talk kelp. Kelp meal fertilizer comes from dried and ground seaweed. most commonly, Ascophilum, nodosum, which is harvested from cold ocean waters. It's incredibly rich in micronutrients, trace minerals, and natural growth hormones like cytokinns and oxens. And those hormones, what do they do for the plant? They strengthen root development and encourage vigorous growth overall. Kelp also improves soil structure, helps with moisture retention, and boosts microbial activity.

Over time, it transforms your soil into this living, fertile foundation. In other words, it creates a thriving underground ecosystem that supports healthier plants season after season. I see. So you're feeding the plant today while building long-term soil health. Exactly. And kelp strengthens plants' resistance to environmental stress, drought, frost, even pests. It's like giving your garden a natural immune boost. That point about the natural immune boost really sets up our needs. next piece. How these two ingredients create synergy when combined. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Looking to give your garden the best organic nutrition, GS plant foods offers liquid

fish and kelp fertilizers that are Omri-certified and designed for home gardeners. Their cold-processed hydrolyzed fish pairs perfectly with Norwegian kelp to deliver balanced NPK, trace minerals, and natural growth hormones. Safe for pollinators, pets, and waterways. Find everything you need at gsplantfoods.com. Picking up on that natural immune boost idea, how do fish and kelp actually create synergy when they're combined in a blend? Great question.

Fish is richer in nitrogen and phosphorus while kelp supplies potassium. So together you get this balanced NPK ratio, like 2 to 3-1, plus all those micronutrients and beneficial microbes from the fish and the stress resistance and growth hormones from the kelp.

It's a perfect partnership. So the individual contributions work together makes sense. How often should someone be using this kind of blend? Typically, every two to four weeks during the growing season. You can alternate between fish and kelp if you're using them separately or just use a blended product for simplicity. For foliar applications, you might go a bit more frequently. And what kinds of plants benefit most?

Is this just for vegetables? Or can you use it on flowers, lawns, every single? It's really versatile. Vegetables, flowers, herbs, lawns, trees, even house plants. The gentle nature of these liquid nutrients means you won't burn your plants, and they provide immediate nutrient availability while also contributing to long-term soil health. Plus, the trace minerals help prevent those subtle deficiencies that can show up in any type of plant. That's one of the things I love about organic fertilizers. They're forgiving.

You're not dealing with harsh salts or the risk of overapplication. Though I suppose if you accidentally mix it with your morning coffee instead of water, that's a different kind of wake-up call. Ha, yeah, definitely keep them separated. And because these products are 100% organic and non-toxic, they're safe for the whole ecosystem. You're not harming pollinators, pets, or waterways. It's sustainable and responsible gardening.

So to everyone listening, if you've been on the fence about trying liquid fish and kelp, what would you say is the number one reason to give it a shot? I'd say the holistic benefit stands out most. You're supporting plant growth, yes, but you're also building soil vitality, improving microbial life, and creating a more resilient garden. It's an investment in the health of your entire growing space.

And let's be honest, who doesn't want to see bigger flowers, tastier produce, and plants that can handle a little stress without falling apart. Definitely. Plus, the application is simple. Whether you're watering it in or spraying it on the leaves, you can integrate it into your routine

without a lot of extra effort. Before we wrap up, any final tips for folks just starting out with fish and kelp fertilizers? I'd say start with a quality product that's cold processed and OMI certified. Always follow the label instructions for mixing ratios since they can vary by product and plant type.

You'll start to see results within a few weeks. especially in terms of root development and overall plant vigor. That's practical advice. And remember, once you mix it, use it right away. Don't let it sit around. Good point. Freshly mixed solution works best. All right.

So whether you're growing tomatoes, roses, or a lush green lawn, organic fish and kelp fertilizers offer a natural, effective way to nourish your plants and enrich your soil. Thanks so much for breaking this down with us today. My pleasure. Happy gardening.