Nettle Fertilser

bigyin · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 26 Jun 2010 Posts: 20

I have loads of stinging nettles growing outside our boundary fence, I have heard these can be picked and used as a very effective fertilser.
However I don't know what the process is once you gather the nettles, anyone got experience of this and if so what plants can it be used on , veg or flowers or both.

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 8:05 pm Post subject:

the nettles are cut or pulled preferably before they go to flower. Put them in a bucket after first cutting them to short lengths of 6-8 inches. Fill the bucket and when you can press it down to half its size fill the bucket with cold water. Cover but not tightly and leave there for 3-4 weeks and a bad smell comes from it. It can be applied to flowers vegetables and fruit. Stir the mixture occasionally every 3-4 days. Dilute to one in ten and apply to the root area of the plants every 4-5 days.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

James Kilkelly · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 9:15 pm Post subject:

Just to add to Michaels info, an article I put together on the subject.............. Nettle fertiliser, How to Brew your own.

Blowin · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 9:17 pm Post subject:

.... and a further use.

If you're one of those who prepares his runner bean trench properly, armfuls of nettles laid whole in the bottom - certainly no roots and ideally no flowers - will decay into a gooey black mess under the topsoil when replaced. This will feed your beans well throughout their growing and cropping season.