How to make your own organic liquid feed using nettles comfrey and just a bucket and time

Step outside with me for a moment as we go in search of nettles and comfrey, those wild and wonderful plants often found thriving in the forgotten nooks of our countryside. With the air crisp and invigorating, and a basket in hand, we set our sights on these underrated marvels of gardening.

Nettles, most easily identified by their jagged leaves and infamous sting, prefer shadier corners and damp soils. Comfrey, on the other hand, with its broad leaves and charming purple blue flower spikes, feels quite at home near riverbanks or grassy meadows. Both are fortunate finds in any foraging quest thanks to their astonishing benefits for our gardens.

You might wonder why we’re embracing these choices, given their reputation as bothersome weeds. The answer lies in their nutrient profiles. Nettles are rich in nitrogen, making them ideal for leafy plant growth, while comfrey is an excellent source of potassium and phosphorus, vital for flowering and root development. Together, they form a complementary and potent duo for our garden needs.

Before we delve into the practicalities of our mission, a word to the wise: do don some gloves and long sleeves when gathering nettles to avoid their sting, which, while harmless, can be a prickly nuisance. Comfrey is more forgiving to handle, but caution is always a gardener's best tool.

Now, with our baskets full, let us return to the sanctuary of our gardens, where transformation awaits.

Armed with nettles and comfrey, our next task is to embark on a gentle alchemy transforming these raw materials into a golden liquid feed. There's something profoundly satisfying in the notion that such powerful nourishment for our gardens can come from the simplest of ingredients.

All you’ll need is a sizeable bucket, ideally with a lid to spare you any olfactory surprises during the process, and some rainwater or hose water. There's no need for anything fancier; simplicity is the order of the day.

Begin by finely chopping your gathered foliage, encouraging them to release their nutrients more readily. It's a bit of a chopping frenzy, reminiscent of making a hearty soup. Once complete, pop them into the bucket. I like to consider this stage as akin to making a good compost just with a more pungent perfume.

Fill the bucket with water until the plant materials are completely submerged to keep mosquitoes from choosing it as their new neighbourhood. Here we step into a patiently waiting game; set the bucket aside in a discreet corner of your garden and allow it to steep, much like a particularly robust cup of tea. Over the course of two to four weeks, the water will transform into a rich, dark liquid. Stir every few days if the mood strikes it helps things along. Trust me, your garden will later chorus its thanks.

Now we've reached the part where our concoction truly shines. Once the mixture has brewed to perfection, strain it through an old colander or cloth to remove plant matter, leaving you with a nutrient rich liquid feed. This potion may not win any beauty contests, but it's what happens next that counts.

When applying this liquid treasure, remember less is more. A ratio of one part feed to ten parts water works wonders; pour the diluted solution around the base of your plants once every few weeks to invigorate growth. This gentle elixir is especially beneficial during the growing season as it provides a consistent boost without overwhelming your plants.

The aroma might catch you off guard at first there's no denying its strength but rest assured, this scent signifies power. Your garden will revel in the natural nourishment, returning the favour with lush, vibrant growth.

In creating our own liquid feed, we embrace a mindful approach to gardening. These small acts embody both sustainability and tradition, connecting us more deeply to the rhythm of our gardens. It reminds us that so much of what we need is already within reach, encouraging us to tread lightly on this earth and make the most of what's naturally available.

As we tend to our gardens, there’s an undeniable joy in knowing that our efforts contribute to a cycle of growth not just for our plants, but for the world around us. There's a serene mindfulness in each step, from the gathering of materials to the feeding of our gardens a calming cadence in harmony with the seasons.

If I may share a story from my own experiences, there was a year when I faced rather glum tomatoes. They seemed stalled, with little vigour to commend them. In a leap of faith, I turned to my nettle and comfrey brew, hesitant but hopeful. Within weeks, those once languid plants were bursting with juicy, flavourful tomatoes. It proved to me that sometimes, a bit of patience and nature’s own touch is precisely what's needed to restore vitality to an otherwise weary patch.

By crafting our liquid feed, we connect to a legacy of traditions passed through generations of hands working the soil. We honour those who tended their plots before us, inspired by their resourcefulness and respect for the natural world. In doing so, we keep alive the spirit of those who leaned on simplicity and common sense long before we considered these ideas innovative or eco friendly.

As we embrace this time honoured practice, we find ourselves surrounded by the symphony of thriving life a garden alive with the buzz of bees, the warmth of the sun, and the whisper of leaves moved by the breeze. It's a testament to the power of simplicity, a reminder of the magic that unfolds when we collaborate with nature rather than try to dominate it.

So, as you carry on with your gardening adventures, I invite you to give this humble brew a try. It's a testament to perseverance, resourcefulness, and the gentle art of growing ensuring a small but meaningful step towards mindful and sustainable gardening.

And should you find yourself strolling through those familiar wild spaces again, a word of gratitude to nettles and comfrey is always a fitting tribute for these stalwart champions of the garden. With each use of our homemade liquid feed, we contribute not only to the health of our plants but also to the greater tapestry of the natural world.

Happy gardening, dear readers, as we walk this green path together, crafting tales of growth rooted in tradition and the spirit of stewardship.