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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: cambourne7 on June 01, 2008, 02:20:22

Title: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: cambourne7 on June 01, 2008, 02:20:22
having been reading up on comfry and what i can do with it i noticed something about mixing it with leaf mould to make a potting mix

Comfrey potting mixture- originally devised using peat, environmental awareness has led to a leaf mold-based alternative being adopted instead. Two year old, well decayed leaf mold should be used, this will absorb the nutrient-rich liquid released by the decaying comfrey.
In a black plastic sack alternate 3-4 inch layers of leaf mould and chopped comfrey leaves. Add a little dolomitic limestone to slightly raise pH. Leave for between 2-5 months depending on the season, checking that it does not dry out or become too wet. The mixture is ready when the comfrey leaves have rotted and are no longer visible. Use as a general potting compost, although it is too strong for seedlings.


Anyone tried this?? Sounds like a great idea and i have a large area approx 8ft by 4ft and approx 5ft deep which if full of leaf mould i was going to use as a over winter mulch so if i throw some comfry in might that help enrich the mix??
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: manicscousers on June 01, 2008, 09:09:28
thanks for that, cambourne, we used our leaf mould/grass clipping mix, mixed with sharp sand and chicken pellets to plant up the greedy feeders , toms etc..seemed to work well,although we ran out quite quickly.. will try a bag with comfrey, if we can find enough of it for 3-4 inch layers  ;D
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: asbean on June 01, 2008, 11:05:47
As soon as I saw the title of this thread - I though - now, there's an idea.  We have loads of comfrey, and bags of leaf mould every year so will give it a try.  Thanks,  Cam.  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: cambourne7 on June 01, 2008, 13:37:25
i cant take all the credit, my little gray cells were being over stimulated by damm fine coffee and a packet of fig rolls  ;D

Let me know how you get on ;)
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: tonybloke on June 01, 2008, 20:21:19
read the comfrey booklet from hdra, full of info!!
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: STEVEB on June 01, 2008, 21:08:02
Quote from: tonybloke on June 01, 2008, 20:21:19
read the comfrey booklet from hdra, full of info!!

whats  hdra?

Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: katynewbie on June 01, 2008, 21:19:46
hdra= Henry Doubleday Research Association. Now called "Garden Organic"

Have a look here: http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/

Lots of really useful and informative stuff, events etc.

;)
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: asbean on June 01, 2008, 21:31:54
I bought the book when I ordered the comphrey, very useful  :) :) :)
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: betula on June 01, 2008, 21:36:05
Ryton is very close to where I live.Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
Title: Re: Leaf Mould and Comfry
Post by: saddad on June 01, 2008, 21:52:31
So are our allotments!!! and we are cheaper...  ;D