[Greengiant152]

Hi there last year on aquiring my new allotment I gathered all the nettles that werre growing, placed them in a hesian sack, and let them ferment in a 40 galloon plastic barrel. Now a year on not sure how to use the mixture as a feed and how to dilute it accordingly and wether or not I can even use it on my vegetables etc. Please help!!!!!

[mattwragg94]

here we go: http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=92952.0

compost queen suggests to dilute it to the colour of tea.

[Greengiant152]

At the minute it is a darkish green colour!

[sunshineband]

Dilute it at least ten to one with water, which should make it  a lightish green

[solway cropper]

I hope you haven't used all the nettles as plant food. They do make a rather nice soup for human consumption and you'll find plenty of recipes on t'internet.

[mikew4895]

the smell is quite interesting 

can anybody tell me whether you spray directly onto the plant or around the base on the soil
cheers

[Growster...]

the smell is quite interesting 

can anybody tell me whether you spray directly onto the plant or around the base on the soil
cheers

I dilute about 15% tea/85% rainwater, Mike.

We use a little every time we water as well, including a touch of comfrey tea and perhaps a little liquid manure as well. (the latter on top veg only).

Spray round the base and stand well back...;0)

[Growster...]

And forgot Mike, when the leaves of the tea have dissolved, chuck the remaining stems all over the beans etc, as they make marvellous weed suppressant, and a great fibrous mulch which will last for ages!

[Greengiant152]

Luckily neough the site is in 11 acres of prime farmland, nettles and hedgerows in abundance along with with a ready supply from to local stables. The adjacent feild has just had sheep in it for the last month so, I might go on the hunt for some of their stuff as well. 

[Growster...]

Luckily neough the site is in 11 acres of prime farmland, nettles and hedgerows in abundance along with with a ready supply from to local stables. The adjacent feild has just had sheep in it for the last month so, I might go on the hunt for some of their stuff as well. 

Good idea that!

Mrs Growster and I are taking a wheelbarrow out today and clearing the nettles from the paths near us, as there will be thousands of bare legs this weekend  (local celebs on village green etc)...

We reckon we'll get enough for about twenty gallons before dilution!

That's an awful lot of bare leg saved that is...;0)