Nettles

[MaoMao13]

I have taken over the plot next door to my original one, and I am making good progress in clearing the beds. It has three enormous compost beds ringed with corrugated iron. Unfortunately, they are also riddled with nettles.

How can I clear them? I'd like to get it done before June because I plan to grow squashes in them.

At least I know the compost is good, thanks to the nettles!

[MaoMao13]

Addendum

Forgot to add that thanks to a dodgy hip, I am a no-digger

[SarrissUK]

I'd just pull at them as they pop up. It will keep them in control but you have to be persistent and consistent and keep pulling. Dont forget you can eat the fresh tips!

[Greenleaves]

Make liquid feed with them

[Muddy_Boots]

Have no idea how you can get rid of nettles if you don't dig only other way if you don't dig is to spray, if you don't do both then I would think you are scuppered as they are prolific at spreading. The only way I'm managing to get rid of them on my Plot 2 is to dig the roots out and throw them in the council composting bins. which is the same for the bindweed roots I'm also removing.

Haven't got the patience to stick em in a tub and drown them, besides the smell of the liquid is absolutely disgusting and makes me wretch so its one thing I'm not prepared to do.

[veggiechicken]

I like pulling up nettles, as long as I have thick gloves and long sleeves. Because the roots are bright yellow, they're easy to spot.
Choose a day when the soil is dry but not caked, and try to loosen the soil around the plant a bit - with a fork. If you can, lift the root and pull it. Do it gently so as not to snap the roots and ease them out slowly. It is satisfying when you have a long length intact.
Believe me, all you doubters, its fun.

[burnie]

You can eat them and also make beer with them, quite tasty when the leaves are young.

[Baldy]

Self flaggelation is something else to consider...

[Mark_Riga]

You could mow them or cut them down with shears and plant the squash in mounds/cleared squares when they are a decent size and can hold there own. Then regularly cut the nettles back or cover with cardboard while the squash take over.

[MaoMao13]

Thanks everyone. You've given me some good ideas to work with. I think trying to get rid of the roots and stems, covering with cardboard and then maybe a layer of weed control membrane on top may be the way to go.

Also a step ladder. I am a shorty, and whoever built the compost heaps made sure the corrugated iron was high. I'm not kidding when I said they were enormous 😉

[MaoMao13]

You can eat them and also make beer with them, quite tasty when the leaves are young.

Beeeeeeeeeeer!

I'm convinced ❤🍺

[Jay-ell]

Self flaggelation is something else to consider...

How is your arthritis?

[muck lover]

I’ve got some nettles in a couple of new beds. They can be deceptive with a wee innocent looking nettle connected to triffid roots ( yes yes I know triffids didn’t have deep roots and could walk).
I’m digging out what I can but possibly I might resort to dabbing on the dreaded glycosphate. Followed by cardboard.

[Mark_Riga]

The long smooth yellow roots won't sprout afresh so can be safely left in.

[nickdub]

when digging out nettles I always set the roots to one side to dry out in the sun and air, then after a few weeks rake them back in to the soil - lots of good plant nutrients in their yellow, telephone wire type roots.