Nettle liquid feed

[Sprout]

Am currently 'brewing' up some liquid feed made by soaking a bunch of nettles in water for a few weeks. Does anyone have any thoughts on the correct ratio of liquid feed to water? Ta!  ???

[Sprout]

[Moggle]

I think the colour of 'weak tea' is what is usually quoted. Make sure you are wearing a de-contamiation suit while using, the stuff reeks  :-X Good stuff apparently though  ;D

[redimp]

If you use it neat it is meant to kill weeds by fertilizer burn.  I have given it a go on a very small patch and I await results.  I also have a big batch brewing.  I will keep you posted.

It does smell like a blocked sewer on a hot summers' day though. :-X

[Charlotte Sometimes]

It does indeed smell totally gross.  I made some last year, but I'm not sure I can put up with the stink whilst it, err, brews.   Even though I put a plate over the top, you could still smell it.  The bucket I used still smells, even though I have washed it several times.  :P

Oh well worm wee smells too i.e. the liquid fertiliser I drain from my wormery.  I can only vouch for the effectiveness of worm urea - can't even remember what I did with the nettle brew now.

[chrispea27]

Can  you use the same guide lines for comfrey ie weak tea colour. I have loads of comfrey on the edge of my patch. Are there any other uses for comfrey? ???

[Roy Bham UK]

:D This has interested me from a different angle :D Having not ever smelt the stuff, would a bucket of this nectar left in the shed be enough to deter other beasties like uninvited children? ??? ;D sounds like a harmless (although smelly way) to point them in another direction. 8)

Waddaya fink? ;D

[wardy]

Chrispea   Comfrey has zillions of uses as a fertiliser, insecticide, and used in medicines and ointments.  I think the Organic Gardening Catalogue has a booklet on it.  It makes good compost activator too.  I have a massive leafed one which I strip leaves off let them wilt a bit and strew them at the back of the borders to feed other plants.  They rot down very quickly and can be used to add to leaf mould if making your own sowing compost. 

Wardy

[osprey480]

yes I grow comfrey as well and is brilliant fertilizer in leaf form and also liquid. I cut leaves and put them direct into my trench that I dig prior to putting up my runner bean sticks and this acts as a fertilizer and also retains moisture for great beans. I have also used nettle brew for spraying onto aphids and this has got rid of them-last seen walking up the allotment with small pegs on noses.

[Charlotte Sometimes]

If it works for aphids I might seriously consider doing another batch.  Where to put the smelly bucket though?   :P

[Sprout]

Can't you leave your smelly bucket on your allotment?

[Robert_Brenchley]

I use a plastic barrel with a dustbin lid, and a tap. It's currently being used for human-derived liquid manure, and keeps any smells in quite efficiently.

[Shoyu]

Yes, mine smells like something died! I thought I must have done it wrong, I'll dare to use it now.

[Charlotte Sometimes]

Can't you leave your smelly bucket on your allotment?

I don't have an allotment - I have arthritis and it would be too much to manage along with the garden.  Will have to wait until I have kids and can put them to work for me.  ;)  Tee-hee.

[redimp]

Can  you use the same guide lines for comfrey ie weak tea colour. I have loads of comfrey on the edge of my patch. Are there any other uses for comfrey? ???

These are the guidlines I have:

Here's how to make purin d'ortie:

1. Cut the nettles at about half their height. Remember, wear gloves!

2. Mix the cuttings with water in a large container such as a large plastic garbage can. You'll need a lid, because nettle tea smells absolutely disgusting. Use a non-chlorinated source of water, such as water from a rainbarrel or cistern, as chlorine inhibits the fermentation of the tea. Mix 1 gallon of water with every pound of fresh or 2 ounces of dried nettles. Cover with the lid!

3. Allow the brew to ferment from one to three weeks. The length of time necessary will depend on ambient temperature. Obviously, the hotter it is, the quicker the process. (However, place your barrel in the shade during summer to prevent the mixture from overheating and killing the necessary fermenting bacteria.) The tea is ready when fermentation has ceased. Test for this by stirring. Avert your nose to avoid the fumes, then sneak a peak. No more bubbles? It's ready to use.

4. Strain the tea as soon as fermentation has stopped. Store the infusion in clean plastic or glass containers in a cool spot.

5. Remember, unless you want the herbicide effect, dilute the tea before using. For soil applications, dilute to a 10% solution (1 cup of original infusion to 10 cups of water) or 5% for foliar feeding.

Trying to think of a Christmas gift for the gardener who has everything? Well, how about a jug of homebrew?

[Sprout]

Thanks Clangy that was just what i wanted.

[redimp]

every pound of fresh or 2 ounces of dried nettles

I am thinking I might look a bit odd traipsing through wasteland overdressed and carrying a big bucket, some shears and some weighing scales.  Might get arrested   ;)

[wardy]

No, you're quite safe clangy, they'll know what your'e up to  :)

[chrispea27]

Thanks for all the comfrey info lets get stinky ;D