I have just been allocated my first plot of land and have got some Russian Comfrey in a pot at home. I would like to grow enough to use as an organic feed.
If I just plant it in a bed on my plot will it take over the plot?
Any alternative ideas would be gratefully received.
Get a spare allotment?
Not much help am I, sorry Im in a naughty mood tonight ;D
All I will say is that they have huge roots. I've just taken over a plot which has a few small bits of comfrey in it and I couldn't believe how big the roots were.
My comfrey is in the Southwest corner next to the compost darlick surrounded by bluebells! Its very happy there without much sun and is in a place that I don't mind if it does go a bit crazy! Hence the presense of the bluebells! You think you've got them and they re-appear! ;D
The one advised for use on oganic gardens and allotments is a less vigerous rooting clone... ? Bocking 14 or something like that... you can use common and I have a variegated one in a flower border... as long as you keep on top of it and don't let it get too wild...
;D
Mine just went and died.
Should have kept it wetter, as it likes damp conditions.
Ho Hum
Plant your comfrey next to your compost heap. Any run off from the heap into the soil will be taken up by the roots of the comfrey. You can cut the leaves off completely around 3 times in a year and just add them to the compost heap if you don't get around to making a liquid feed from it. The contant leaf cutting seems to keep mine under control.
If i remember correctly, Russian comfrey is not a vigorous invader, it was imported to use instead of the native british variety, which can be a pain.
As someone said, the "blocking "cultivar is even less of a spreader.
Thanks Guys,
The "Blocking" variety is the one I've got.
I bought it last Summer at Ryton Organic Gardens (well worth a visit imho)
Gary