Plants benefit from natural strengthening provided by nettle fertilizer. There are numerous benefits of using the popular liquid feed, and we demonstrate how to do so in this article.
Nettle plant’s liquid feed is undoubtedly familiar to even the most inexperienced gardener. It’s touted as a miracle cure for plant pests as well as a high-quality biological fertilizer. The well-known Nettle fertilizer is a hugely popular liquid feed.
Although it has not yet been scientifically demonstrated, several experts also believe in the effectiveness of this liquid feed. We’ll show you what stinging Nettle liquid fertilizer can do, whether or not it’s been scientifically verified.
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How Stinging Nettle Fertilizer Works
Stinging Nettle Fertilizer, like all plant liquid manure, is created by fermentation. Microorganisms guarantee that nutrients like nitrogen are released from the nettle’s leaves and stems (Urtica). As with mineral fertilizer, the nutrients are readily available to the plant.
Fermented manures have an instant fertilizing impact, which explains why they are so popular as organic fertilizers. Furthermore, fermentation releases a variety of other plant-based compounds, such as enzymes. Silicic acid is a particularly intriguing component of stinging nettle.
This nettle component ensures thick cell walls and thus higher resistance to insect infestation as well as fungal infections. There are numerous applications for liquid manure due to the large range of chemicals emitted.
Nettle fertilizer is often only used in diluted form because it might cause burns on the plant’s leaves and stem. This is most likely because to the higher ammonium levels (a form of nitrogen) in the concentrated feed.
However, undiluted Nettle fertilizer can be spread as a basic fertilizer to unplanted soil. There, the liquid feed should be stirred in softly, and the garden bed can then be planted without hesitation after about a week. However, for vigorous plants, this type of fertilization is insufficient; in this case, extra fertilizing with compost is needed.
Benefits of Using Nettle Liquid Fertilizer
In general, nettle manure is an excellent fertilizer for vegetables (like cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage and zucchini), but it is not suitable for beans, peas, onions, or fruit and flowers. If the plants are already on the garden bed, water them simply with a dilution of 1:10-20 (nettle to water ratio), and do so on a regular basis.
In addition, liquid feeds are more suited for watering treatment. When employing liquid manure, sprayers soon become clogged. If you want to use nettle to fight pests like aphids as well as spider mites, or to treat fungal infections, we propose using it in a decoction form.
When we make it, we’ll go over the distinction in greater detail in the following section. On the one hand, the solution must keep plant pests away from the plants while also strengthening the plant cells. Again, consistent application is essential.
However, we are skeptical of any effect on ants, snails, or voles. The evening is the ideal time to apply the feeds and liquid fertilizers. However, Nettle-based fertilizers should never be put in direct sunlight.
How to Prepare Nettle Fertilizer Feed
The process of making Nettle liquid feed is actually rather simple. All you need is a container made of plastic or pottery (not metal). If possible, the container is placed in the sun to speed up the fermentation process.
If feasible, fresh and non-flowering stinging nettles are put in the barrel. Alternatively, dried nettle, which is obtainable in pellet form, can be used.
Mixing ratio: To 50 liters of water, combine 10 kg of fresh nettles or 500-1000 grams of dried nettles.
Following that, the barrel must be sealed with a grid or something similar to prevent animals or insects from drowning in it. You’ll need to be patient now because the fermentation process can take 10 to 14 days.
#Note: You should not stir the barrel contents. Fermentation, on the other hand, is an oxygen-free process. So disregard this step! If you don’t like the bad odors, then try mixing some rock flour – which also improves the quality of the fertilizer.
Commercially, you can find nettle powers and pallets.
- Nettle Powders are used for preparing decoction or liquid feeds.
- Nettle Pallets are used for producing organic nettle fertilizers.
Nettle liquid feed decoction: In this case, the nettle mixture can only steep for 12 to 24 hours and must be taken on the same day. To do so, drain the solution through a coffee filter before spraying it over the plants undiluted.
The nettle fertilizer, unlike the odorless nettle liquid feeds, can be preserved. It can, for example, be filled into bottles for this purpose. Unfortunately, a specific storage time cannot be provided because it is dependent on the storage circumstances. However, because Nettle manure should be used on a frequent basis, the prepared quantity should be used up as soon as possible.