Preparing Fragile Oatmeal is a Breeze

Netting Your Yield: How to DIY Nettle Manure, Nature's Powerful Garden Aid

Preparing Fragile Oatmeal is a Breeze

Never thought about turning stinging nettles into an organic fertilizer? Well, get ready to take your garden game to the next level with this simple, eco-friendly method!

Read more gardening hacks in our Garden Care guide.

For those always on the lookout for sustainable gardening practices, organic concoctions are usually the way to go. And guess what? Not only does your garden juices work like a charm, but their powerful, unique scent is totally worth the sting—that's how free, effortless, and multifunctional they are!

With their high nitrogen content and quick-release potassium, they're an excellent natural fertilizer, not to mention an eco-friendly pest deterrent. A testament to their versatility, many veggie plants and perennials adore a nettle fertilizer bath. The key, unsurprisingly, lies in the common nettle (Urtica dioica) shoots.

Interested in learning why grass is crucial for your feline companion? Find out how to craft and utilize nettle manure right now.

Brewing Your Nettle Manure

Making nettle manure requires just two key components—nettles and water—and a few more optional extras. Rainwater or leftover tap water works best, with stone meal being optional for binding purposes.

Here's a quick rundown of essential tools you'll need for the job:

Gloves
Scissors
A large plastic or clay container or manure vat (metal vessels are a no-no as they oxidize in contact)
Lid, board, or jute sack for covering
Stirring stick
Sieve, plus cloth for filtering (if needed)

Steps to Nettle Manure Bliss

Collect Nettles: Make sure you do this pre-flowering to stop the spread of seeds. Use gloves to protect yourself!
Snip and Chop: Cut the nettles (leaves and stems) into bite-sized bits, then place them in your container. For easy removal later, you can use a large cloth as a liner.
Add Some Water: Aim for a 10:1 ratio for fresh nettles and water (5:1 for dried nettles). Stir the mixture well to ensure all parts are submerged.
Optional Add-Ins: A handful of stone meal or clay may help with binding and odor control, while compost can serve the same purpose.
Cover Your Mixture: Use a breathable jute sack or cover with a fine net to keep pests at bay.
Allow to Ferment: Sit back, relax and leave your concoction in a warm, sunny spot for about two weeks. Fermentation takes longer in cooler temperatures. If fermenting multiple types of plants, the process may take longer as well.
Stir Daily: Keep that mixture well-aerated by stirring daily with your trusty stick.
Check Progress: After around two weeks, watch out for fewer foaming bubbles and a dark liquid. If you don't see these, let it sit for a little longer.
Strain and Separate: Use a sieve or cloth to separate your liquid nettle manure from the plant parts. If needed, filter again for specific uses, like a spray bottle.

Toss your remaining plant parts in the compost or use them as mulch.

Pro Tip: Your mixture will store well if kept airtight, cool, and shaded.

Nettle Manure for Multiple Purposes

Important Note: The difference between nettle manure and nettle broth lies in the fermentation process. The former is what we're focusing on here!

Nettle Manure as Fertilizer

Translate nettle manure into a nutrient-rich, growth-boosting, immunity-enhancing agent for your plants. Dilute the mixture (1:10 for most plants, 1:20 for sensitive ones) and pour it directly into the soil and root zone.

Nettle Manure Against Pests

Pest-tableau-turned-paradise? Not on my watch! Nettle manure can detract aphids, mites, and other common garden nuisances. It even acts preventatively against fungal diseases. Use a ten-part dilution for aphid defense and a 20-part dilution for tackling powdery mildew, rust, or crinkle disease.

What Not to Feed with Nettle Manure

Just because nettle manure can work wonders in many gardens, it doesn't mean it's suitable for all plants—especially medium or weak feeders like peas, carrots, garlic, and onions. So, be cautious!

Embrace Your Inner Gardener

DIY nettle manure is an absolute steal—all you need is water and nettles! With this powerful duo, you'll be promoting plant growth, strengthening your garden's defenses, and taking a giant leap towards sustainable gardening!

Title photo: Canva