Nettle manure is a valuable ally for environmentally conscious gardeners. This natural preparation offers many benefits for the garden, ranging from fertilization to protection against pests. Let’s discover the secrets of this green elixir and how to use it effectively in your outdoor space.
Nettle manure: an effective natural herbicide?
Nettle manure is often praised for its many benefits in the garden, but what about its effectiveness against weeds? Contrary to some beliefs, nettle manure is not a weed killer per se. Its main action is rather that of a fertilizer and a stimulant for plants.
However, regular use can indirectly help to limit the proliferation of unwanted herbs. By strengthening the health and vigor of crop plants, nettle manure helps them to better resist competition from weeds.
It also promotes the development of a rich and balanced soil, less conducive to the installation of certain weeds.
nettle manure preparation weeding
The benefits of nettle manure for your garden
Nettle manure is a treasure for both amateur and experienced gardeners. Its many advantages make it a must for organic farming. Let’s explore together the reasons that make nettle manure a great ally for your garden.
A boost of nitrogen for your plants
One of the main advantages of nettle manure is its high nitrogen content. This essential element plays a crucial role in plant growth, especially for the development of leaves and stems. By providing this nitrogen in an easily assimilated form, nettle manure stimulates the growth and vigor of your plants.
Regular use of nettle manure results in stronger plants that are more resistant to environmental stress. It is particularly beneficial for nitrogen-rich crops such as tomatoes, squash or cabbage.
A mine of trace elements and minerals
In addition to nitrogen, nettle manure is a real source of various nutrients for your plants. It contains many trace elements and minerals essential to their good health, such as iron, magnesium, calcium or potassium.
This richness in nutrients improves the quality of the soil and provides plants with all the components necessary for their harmonious development. Plants fed this produce more tasty and nutritious fruits and vegetables.
A natural shield against pests and diseases
Nettle manure does not just feed your plants, it also protects them. Its insecticidal and fungicidal properties make it an excellent ally in the fight against pests and garden diseases.
Used as a foliar spray, nettle manure effectively repels certain unwanted insects such as aphids or mites. It also strengthens the natural resistance of plants to attack by pathogenic fungi, thus reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
A boost for soil life
Using nettle manure has a positive impact on the entire ecosystem of your garden. It stimulates the activity of the soil microbial flora, thus promoting the decomposition of organic matter and the release of nutrients.
This beneficial action on the life of the soil improves the structure and fertility of the latter in the long term. A healthy and balanced soil is the basis of a healthy and productive garden, able to better resist climatic hazards and attacks by pests.
An ecological and economic solution
Choosing nettle manure is a choice of an environmentally friendly gardening method. This natural preparation reduces or eliminates the use of chemicals in your garden.
In addition, nettle manure is extremely economical to produce. With a few fresh nettles and some water, you can make this natural fertilizer yourself at a lower cost. It is an interesting alternative to commercial fertilizers and treatments, often expensive.
Also discover our articles to learn how to weed with white vinegar, baking soda, soda crystals, coarse salt or lime.
The recipe for house-made nettle manure: simple and quick
Making your own nettle manure is within the reach of every gardener. This simple preparation requires little material and ingredients. Follow these steps to make your own nettle manure.
Picking the nettles: the right time, the right method
The first step is to harvest the nettles. Preferably choose young plants before flowering, because it is at this stage that they are the richest in active ingredients. Wear gloves to avoid bites and cut the stems about 10 cm from the ground.
Maceration: the secret of good manure
Once your nettles are harvested, it’s time to macerate them. Chop the nettles coarsely and place them in a non-metallic container. Add rainwater or spring water (avoid tap water that contains chlorine) at the rate of 1 kg of nettles per 10 litres of water.
Let the mixture soak in the shade, away from direct sunlight. Stir regularly, ideally once a day. Fermentation usually lasts between 10 and 15 days, depending on the ambient temperature. You will know the process is complete when the liquid no longer bubbles when you stir it.
Filtration: the final step
Once the maceration is finished, it only remains to filter your preparation. Use a fine sieve or cloth to separate the liquid from the plant residue. It can be added to your compost.
The liquid obtained is your concentrated nettle manure. It is kept in glass or plastic bottles, protected from light, for several months. Remember to dilute this concentrate before use, usually 1 volume of liquid manure for 10 volumes of water.