How to make your own liquid nettle fertiliser
If you are blessed – or cursed – with stinging nettles in your garden, then turn it to your advantage.
Following these simple steps, you can use them to make your very own fertiliser.
First, find a large container with a lid. After gathering the nettles using thick gloves to avoid stings, chop them finely with shears or garden scissors, avoiding roots and seeded plants.
Add water – ideally rain water from your water butt – and fill the container about threequarters full.
Then set the container in a sunny spot with the lid firmly fixed on. As decomposition begins, a foam will appear on the surface of the liquid.
Stir it every few days to help the process along.
It can get smelly so I would keep it away from the back door. Your organic fertiliser solution should be ready to use in the garden in three to four weeks.
Filter the sludge out – it’s perfect for composting – and dilute the solution to the consistency of tea, so about one part nettle soup to nine parts water.
Then water liberally on to the roots of your plants in your garden.