[MoreWhisky]

My plot is next to a big healthy looking nettle bush  .

Now im going to clear it a bit  in next few days, Ive read lots about making a tea with it but dont fancy a smelly brew hanging round especially as got kids on plot.

What i would llike to know is is it ok to chop down and put in me compost bins? or is it only good for tea?

Cheers MW.

[Yorkie]

It's great in compost bins, it's another activator I think - but I personally don't put the roots in as I can't guarantee my bin gets hot enough to kill them off

[MoreWhisky]

Thats good as ive got alot of it to go in 

[Yorkie]

Make sure you're covered up properly and use thick leather gloves, none of that fabric on the back of the hands nonsense 

[oldbean]

You could still drown the roots and then compost them. Will probably make some of the stinky mix though.

[Terrier]

If you want nettle tea without the smell, make it in plastic milk bottles. Loosley fill the bottle with nettle leaves and fill with water then put the top on. No smell

[looby]

...or you could make nettle beer...nicer than tea! (hic,. :blink:) can provide recipe if interested!

[Ruby Red]

 
  Hate to be a do gooder here, but, is it really necessary to hack it down at all. Is it really interferring with yor plot or could you leave it for a few more weeks. Nettles are brilliant for all types of insects and butterflies and chances are at this time of the year, there may be a few different butterflies being catered for and it would be a shame to kill them if you dont need to.Birds eat the seeds as well.

[FCG]

More Whisky are the nettles on the exterior of the allotment site? They could be doing valuable service as a theft deterrent.

[bradleyt]

yes - it definitely is an activator - and putting it a composte bin is probably the best thing you could do with a nettle so have at it.

[MagicLady]

...or you could make nettle beer...nicer than tea! (hic,. :blink:) can provide recipe if interested!

Just mentioned this to DH and his eyes lit up   Could you send me the recipe please, as we've got LOADS of nettles to clear at the end of our garden

[BrianK]

I have nettle wine brewing

9 months to go 

[Bernard]

You could do as whats-his-name on Springwatch - fold the leaves up and chew them. I tried it and they are cojmpletely tastless.

[aelf]

  Hate to be a do gooder here, but, is it really necessary to hack it down at all. Is it really interferring with yor plot or could you leave it for a few more weeks. Nettles are brilliant for all types of insects and butterflies and chances are at this time of the year, there may be a few different butterflies being catered for and it would be a shame to kill them if you dont need to.Birds eat the seeds as well.

Thanks Ruby, I've been putting off tackling the nettles at the back of my plot and now I have a good reason to leave them alone! My hedge also needs trimming - any good news there? 

[savbo]

"My hedge also needs trimming - any good news there? "

still nesting season...
M