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The best way to use nettles

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  • #1

    The best way to use nettles

    In the field behind my garden there are lots of nettles as I need to cut some down what would be the best way to use them
    1/ added to my compost bin
    2/ shredded and spread over the veg. patch
    3/ leave then steeping in water to make a feed
    it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

    Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers
    Tags: None
  • #2
    I'd make them into a feed, then there's no chance they'll seed/root in your compost or on your plot.
    He-Pep!

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    • #3
      Originally posted by rary View Post
      3/ leave then steeping in water to make a feed
      That's what I do, it takes about a month before they're broke down enough to use for a feed.
      Location....East Midlands.

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      • #4
        I would also go with option 3.

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        • #5
          Sorry to hijack, how would you use as feed? Stuff in some tights and dump in water butt?
          412% of statistics are made up.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by mic View Post
            Sorry to hijack, how would you use as feed? Stuff in some tights and dump in water butt?
            Simple answer, yes
            it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

            Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers

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            • #7
              I once wanted grow them as much to kill slugs /snails . definitely under mulch. way of clean mulching?

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              • #8
                Stuffing in old tights and steep in water of course works. However to speed up things I steep lots of nettles in an old plastic black bin. This means the nettles are not packed tight into tights and of course you can stir it every now and then with an old broom stick. When ready [with this method a couple of weeks] using an old saucepan scoop out the mixture and strain into a bucket or watering can using an old towel. You now have an excellent liquid feed. Use the strained leaves as a mulch under gooseberry bushes or wherever. I don't just use nettles - I throw in seaweed and grass cuttings as well. With seaweed takes longer than 2 weeks - use your judgement.

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                • #9
                  Use summer nettles for tea, in the spring before they flower you can use them as mulch of add them to the compost withour worry. If you turn your hot compost it will likely kill any seeds in the process, I don't have a problem with weeds in general or nettles in particular with general mulching (not mature nettles) and composting.

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                  • #10
                    Elfeda are you saying that putting nettles below a mulch will keep slugs and snail's down? and ESB I never seem to get my compost bin up to a high enough temperature to kill weed seeds, but I do like cheops suggestion of putting them loose into a bin and stirring them to make a feed quickly,doing that would take care of any seed heads, the only problem I have is getting an old broom stick, perhaps VC could drop one off if she is flying past and thanks for the replies Folks
                    it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

                    Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers

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                    • #11
                      I have a good use for nettles, rary. I'll bring a big bunch with me when I drop off my stick for you. I'll even watch you as you urtificate - and enjoy every moment.



                      QI : Quite Interesting

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                      • #12
                        Oh my VC that could sting me a bit
                        it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

                        Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers

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                        • #13
                          Should have asked, VC what does the QI mean

                          Don't bother have found out
                          Last edited by rary; 22-06-2017, 10:55 PM.
                          it may be a struggle to reach the top, but once your over the hill your problems start.

                          Member of the Nutters Club but I think I am just there to make up the numbers

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            Quite irritating?
                            Quickly Intoxicated?
                            Quietly Innocent?
                            Quaintly Interesting?

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              I was at work - its the only reason I didn't link to this...
                              http://www

                              nope, bottled it (so to speak)
                              sigpic
                              1574 gin and tonics please Monica, large ones.

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