nettles

[grasser]

hi all,
i have heard you talking about making feed out of nettles.
could anyone tell me how to make it, and what kind of plants it good for.
can you use any kind of nettles i got loads of those stinging ones



many thanks to any one who can help

JOHN

[jacob marley]

The way to make Nettle tea is fill a bucket with nettles the bigger the bucket the better when the bucket is full of nettles fill it up with water i always use rain water just a fad really put a cover on the bucket and leave for two weeks then strain the fluid of into milk containers or similar .
When using the nettle tea mix it ten parts water i part nettle tea it is a high Nitrogen feed.
If you have Comfrey plants make the Tea just the same it is good for root crops jacob

[fiveravens]

I have a 50 gallon barrell full of water in my garden; every so often I pull up a few nettles, roots and all, along with any docks, clumps of switch grass, buttercups - any kinds of weeds, and throw them in. This stands there all summer, bubbling a bit and frothing, and any time I see something that needs a bit of a fillip I give it a good drink of this witch's brew. It's marvellous for seedlings in modules, or anything in a pot.

[Tracey]

Once you've made your nettle tea, how long is it ok to keep it and are there any vegetables that you wouldn't put it on?

Tracey

[hawthorns]

i went out yesterday dog walking and brought a bag ful of nettles back they are now stewing away.

[stanhol]

I made nettele feed last year, it doesnt half stink, be warned! ha ha ha

Then got confused with the information i was finding, how much to use and when etc etc so i asked the RHS, my reply below,

Many thanks for your enquiry. Nettle feed is very, very weak and you would have to be very heavy handed indeed to harm plants - just dilute it to straw colour and add it once or twice a week. If it does not do the business then you might find it necessary to switch to stronger medicine such as Miraclegro
I hope this helps.

So it seems fine for everything, but i think heavy feeders like brassics, tomatoes etc would need something a bit stronger!

I dont think Miracle grow is organic though is it????? Would be pleased to hear if anyone knows.

Sandra