4 June 2021, by Benedict Vanheems
Nettles often have a bad reputation as a troublesome weed that stings when touched. However, they are far more beneficial than most people realize. These plants are packed with nutrients, attract beneficial insects, and can even be eaten when harvested properly. Let’s explore how nettles can enhance your garden in several ways.
1. A Powerhouse of Nutrients for Your Plants
Nettles are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium, making them excellent for supporting plant growth. One of the easiest ways to put nettles to use is by making your own natural, organic liquid fertilizer. You can use both older, tougher nettles as well as young shoots. Simply chop them up, stuff them into a watertight container, and fill it with water. Seal the container and let it steep for about a month.
Once ready, dilute the mixture by adding one part nettle liquid to ten parts water. This potent fertilizer is particularly effective for leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and chard. You can also use fresh nettles as mulch around larger plants or fruit bushes. The high nitrogen content of nettles can even be added to your compost pile, where it will help accelerate decomposition. Just avoid adding nettle roots or seeds to prevent them from growing in your compost.
2. Nettles for Wildlife
Nettles are a vital food source for the caterpillars of various butterfly species, making them an excellent addition if you’re looking to attract more wildlife to your garden. By leaving some nettles to grow, you’ll be providing the perfect habitat for caterpillars, which will eventually turn into beautiful butterflies.
Moreover, nettles attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on pests such as aphids. By allowing nettles to grow, you’re not only helping butterflies but also creating a natural pest control system. Ladybugs will happily munch on aphids, whitefly, and even spider mites, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
3. Nutritious and Delicious
Nettles are not just beneficial for your garden, but also for your kitchen. While their stinging hairs can be a nuisance, they can be safely harvested by wearing gloves or by using a technique where you pinch the top of the plant and pull down to avoid the sting. The young tops of nettles are the best for harvesting, as they are tender and less fibrous.
In the kitchen, nettles are a nutritious substitute for spinach, packed with iron and other essential vitamins. They can be used in a variety of dishes. For instance, you can steam them and add them to soups, or make a simple nettle soup by combining boiled potatoes, steamed nettles, vegetable stock, and seasoning. For a refreshing beverage, steep nettle leaves in hot water for a calming tea that may help with ailments like hay fever, sore muscles, and asthma.
Nettles can even be used to brew a unique, earthy beer, showcasing just how versatile this plant really is.
Conclusion
Rather than seeing nettles as a pesky weed, consider their many benefits in the garden and kitchen. From providing natural fertilizers and attracting helpful insects, to offering nutritious greens and even a tasty tea, nettles have a lot to offer. So, next time you come across these stinging plants, think about how they can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant garden and diet.