What is this plant please?

[p-gedden]

Hello,

I took over an allotment a few months ago, and I have nearly eradicated all of the weeds.

However, there is one plant that has started growing, and I don't know if this is a weed or a useful plant.

Can anyone identify the plant please?

Thanks

[veggiechicken]

Hi and welcome!!
Could you post a photo please?

[p-gedden]

Sorry, here are the pics (both pics are the same plant):

I look forward to visiting these forums more often. I have a half allotment plot, before these past few months, I have not even had a garden for the last 10 years.

Untitled by Paul_Clayton, on Flickr

Untitled by Paul_Clayton, on Flickr

[rustylady]

Looks like comfrey to me

[veggiechicken]

Looks like comfrey and rhubarb to me. Both real assets for your allotment

[p-gedden]

Thank you, after Googling, it does indeed look like Comfrey. The previous plot holder told me it was borage!

I read that comfrey requires a lot of nutrients. Will it rob or starve the rhubarb of the soil nutrients? I was thinking of cutting it down in the rhubarb to give the rhubarb some more light and space.

I have read that the Comfrey leave can be applied as a mulch, I think this is what I will do when I have enough growth..

[roitelet]

Comfrey actually contrains à lot of nutriments and makes very good liquid fertilizer. Rhubarb leaves can be used to make an insecticide.

[Fleurisa]

I think you need to move the one which is growing amongst your rhubarb, but digging them out isn't that simple, even the tiniest bit of root will regrow. You've got a good crop of ladybirds on it though!

[roitelet]

If you are going to move anything I would suggest the Rhubarb but wait until it is dormant.

[Two_Sheds]

I read that comfrey requires a lot of nutrients.

No, it doesn't.
Comfrey is the gardener's friend: it's a dynamic accumulator, a compost accelerator, liquid feed, (comfrey tea), bee feeder, mulch, and weed suppressant.

Comfrey: How to Use

It is almost impossible to get rid of it though, because every little bit of root left in the ground will regrow. I think the rhubarb would be easier to move.

[p-gedden]

Thanks for all the replies. I will probably just start cutting the one plant that's mixed in with the Rhubarb, and using the leaves as mulch. (trying not to upset the Lady birds too much)

Can you dig in comfrey leaves as green manure?

[Two_Sheds]

Don't dig them in, it doesn't help. Just leave them on the surface, and the worms will drag them down for you