Yep – this is my fast Rx for roses
Today, most quick release dry synthetic fertilizers we see in nursery retailers offer immediate nutrients in the garden because they are factory-processed so that nitrogen and phosphorus are quickly and directly absorbed by the plants. It’s a flash boost that doesn’t last very long.
Instead, this fish fertilizer first feeds the other organisms in the soil that digest and process it, before it’s available for plant roots to take up into the plant structure.
Fish has been used for this since antiquity
Remember that story about how the Pilgrims buried fish in the soil to ensure vigorous plant growth and plentiful harvests in the lowlands of Virginia? It’s still debated whether the idea was taught by the native indians or to the native indians of that locale.
On the other hand, a liquid all-natural fish fertilizer like
But all of this microbial activity enhances the strength and vigor of the plants by increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil.
Fungi and bacteria break down nutrients to make them available to plant roots, and then loosen the dirt as they travel, reproduce, process nutrients and decay, leaving soil aerated with improved levels of organic matter. Plant roots grow faster and stronger in this light, airy soil that is teeming with life.
5-1-1 fish ferilizer qt.
Fish fertilizer quarts & gallons can be found locally in your Home Depot
As fish fertilizer improves soil health, it also increases soil fertility by providing the primary nutrients necessary for plants to thrive.
Fish fertilizers offer a source of burn-free nitrogen, along with the other primary nutrients of phosphorus and potassium. Unlike synthetic options, they may also provide secondary nutrients, such as calcium, which is found in the Alaska brand dry fertilizers.
5-1-1 fish fertilizer gal.
Roses that receive a balance of primary and secondary nutrients experience strong and steady plant growth, leading to vigorous bushes that can better withstand diseases and pests.
How do I use it?
Using Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 on early season roses, mix 3 tablespoons of fertilizer with 1 gallon of water for every 25 square feet of soil around your roses.
And wear your old clothes and make sure the washer is working . . .
Also, about 3 weeks before a rose show I would add
MorBloom fertilizer gal.
Just mix 2 tablespoons of MorBloom with one gallon of water for every 25 square feet of soil of your roses & expect some magic in 2 weeks or so.
Regardless of your choice of liquid fertilizer, re-apply every 3 weeks during the growing season for a boost-up that will yield more & stronger blooms. If you enter rose shows, you may be pleasantly rewarded with a blue ribbon for your studious effort.
Is it truly organic?
Yes. With a variety of options available, there is an organic fish fertilizer for your specific needs. Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 is OMRI listed, so it can be used in any organic gardening, including roses.
It’s made from whole fish and carcass products, including bones, scales and skin. Rather than letting unusable fish products go to waste, these items are converted into nutrients for the garden.
Different types of fish, such as menhaden and anchovies, are ground into a slurry. This product is then processed to remove oils and fish meal, which are used for other industries. The liquid that remains after processing is fish emulsion.
After straining out solids, sulfuric acid is added to lower the pH, preventing microbes from growing. The fish fertilizer is then stable to package and ship for use in the garden.
Dry fish meal fertilizers
These are available as a low-odor, dust-free option as well, but a little harder to find.
As fish meal is dried and granulated fish remnants, it still needs to compost down in the soil. Over time, fish meal can provide a steady boost of nitrogen and especially phosphorous. It also provides more of the other minerals which your plants need such as calcium and iron.
Fish bone meal 4-12-0
Again, dry fish fertilizer in 1 lb boxes can be found locally at Home Depot or Lowes
But remember . . It’s a bit ripe to the nose
The new generation of these liquid fish fertilizers have been treated with wintergreen oils to reduce the smells, but it can still be ripe out of the bottle. But once turned into the soil it dissipates quickly.
Then again, you can be brave and go native – burying chunks of fish at the roots of your plants.
Be aware, however, that cats, dogs, and some wild animals are fond of strong smells, and may dig up your garden if you use fish as fertilizer. Best to have a fenced-in garden.
If you don’t want to bury fish scraps like most of us, there are retailers for all this chemistry . . . unlike the Etruscans of early Italy.
Sources: Home Depot, Wikipedia, Alaska Fish.
