Allotments 4 All

Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: ruffmeister on September 15, 2006, 16:30:11

Title: comfrey
Post by: ruffmeister on September 15, 2006, 16:30:11
We have loads of comfrey all over the plot and have tried everything someone must be able to help

have tried constantly ripping leaves
digging all tuburs
pulling all roots
weed killer

and it still all comes up even if we believe we dig it all up.

Please help its everywhere
Title: Re: comfrey
Post by: saddad on September 15, 2006, 16:33:27
I only have a couple and wouldn't be without it... it is very persistant. I also have a variegated from in a flower border which isn't quite as tough!
;D
Title: Re: comfrey
Post by: Kepouros on September 15, 2006, 21:25:52
It makes excellent potash rich compost
Title: Re: comfrey
Post by: flowerlady on September 19, 2006, 15:40:25
Compfry makes magic 'tea' as a fertiliser. 

3-4 cuts a year will enhance you compost heap no end!

Also the deep roots pull up the lost goodies from way down low in the soil so often it's a good idea to grow it by the compost heap!!

Can also be used as a mulch for spuds and toms.

I have a document 3 pages that extols the virtues of this noble plant if anyone wants a copy pm me with an email address!
Title: Re: comfrey
Post by: cambourne7 on September 25, 2006, 17:50:48
we just finished a project at out allotments where we built lots of community compost bins and we have a path about 2-3 foot wide between the compost bins and the fence and were going to get some comfry and plant it up down there so that it can just be cut and used on plots or added to compost :-)

I was just trying to work out the best way to stop it spreading 2 much and was thinking that if we dug a big hold and popped a plack sack in then filled the sack and then planted the comfry would that work?

We then need to plant something up the fence to create a wind break.
Title: Re: comfrey
Post by: Curryandchips on September 25, 2006, 19:17:42
You CAN beat comfrey, but you do need to be very persistent. Once the leaves reappear, just keep hoeing them off. It may not appear to be working, but the roots will be getting progressively weaker, and you should eventually kill it off. However, it is worthwhile remembering to replant somewhere else, as it is so valuable as a feed ...
Title: Re: comfrey
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on September 25, 2006, 22:44:58
It takes a very long time to get rid of that way, and the roots are extremely deep. I've been trying to get it out of one of my flowerbeds for several years. It's definitely weaker than it was, but I'm still pulling the leaves every couple of weeks.