The versatile stinging nettle

Stinging nettles are versatile plants, rich in nutrients and with an antibacterial effect.

They can be used, for example, as food or as a natural fertiliser for the fields. As a spring vegetable, young nettle shoots are prized for their high content of flavonoids, minerals such as magnesium, calcium and silicon, vitamins A and C (roughly twice as much vitamin C as oranges) and iron, but also for their high protein content. In dry matter, the stinging nettle contains about 30 per cent protein. Its taste is described as “similar to spinach, but more aromatic” and slightly tart.

An interesting reminder

In France there was for a time a ban on using nettle liquid manure. A decree of 1 July 2006 made the sale, possession and production of non-approved plant protection products a punishable offence. On 21 November 2006 the economic affairs committee of the National Assembly approved a draft amendment to the water law to allow the use of “natural preparations of artisanal manufacture” such as nettle fertiliser. Only with the order of 18 April 2011, entitled “Authorisation to place on the market home-made nettle liquid manure for use in plant protection”, was its use legalised again.

Making nettle liquid manure

Nettle liquid manure (often called nettle tea or nettle feed) strengthens the resilience of all garden plants. It is very effective and easy to make. You need about one kilogram of fresh nettles, which you leave to “ferment” in 10 litres of water for about 14 days, depending on the temperature. The fermentation smells – it is best to put the bucket out of “smelling range”. As soon as the foam has disappeared, fermentation is complete and the stench also subsides considerably. The liquid can now be applied around the roots of plants, diluted at up to 1:10.

You will find many interesting examples of the plant’s many uses here, among other places:

GARTENBUCH.DE (German) UTOPIA.DE (German) BLÜHENDES-ÖSTERREICH.AT (German)