Comfrey tea

[Urban]

Hi

My comfrey is growing well, but is showing signs of powdery mildew already

If I was to cut it down now, would it be ok to use to make comfrey tea with, or will I risk infecting any plants I use the mixture on?

Thanks

[Two_Sheds]

use it, I do

powdery mildew spores are air-dispersed, I don't *think* they are carried in water, or would survive being in a "tea"

PM is a symptom of water stress in plants, so make sure your comfrey plants are well-watered (it's been very dry here for 2 years now so I expect to see it any day now)

[Sanjo]

How big a tub would I need to grow some Comfrey in please. I was thinking of the Bocking from Ebay but can it be grown in containers with enough to make a beneficial addition to the garden?

[taff]

it really needs to be in the soil because it's very deep rooted and acts as a dynamic accumulator, brigning stuff from it's roots to its leaves. Living in a pot wouldnt give you the range of nutrients it can provide, and it would be a bit weird to feed it in a pot then use it's leaves for feed....

[Sanjo]

Thanks Taff, see your point. I wonder if I can persuade the OH that if would be so beneficial that I could dig a big hole between the apple trees.Hmmmmm

[Urban]

Thanks, will get brewing soon then , will try to make sure I water it better aswell

I've got mine in an unused patch at bottom of the garden, in between 2 hawthorn trees, I think that's probably why it's getting water stressed

I only put it in during summer last year though, I'm hoping once it gets really established and it's roots are down deep it will be ok

[taff]

Thanks Taff, see your point. I wonder if I can persuade the OH that if would be so beneficial that I could dig a big hole between the apple trees.Hmmmmm

you could probably plant it against the apple tree, it would benefit the roots of the tree with it's own nutrients
it doesn't need a big hole, only as little one, then if you do plant ti by the tree, chop down the leaves to use as a mulch around the tree...

[Sanjo]

I've had a discussion with the OH and pointed out that the lavendar doesn't appear to be doing too well in the side border and wouldn't it be a REALLY GOOD IDEA to plant some Comfrey instead. I was surprised when he said yes!
It may have had something to do with the fact that I said I wouldn't pester for seaweed whenever we went near the seaside.