Nettle and Dandelion Fertilizer
Today there is a huge assortment of fertilizers. However, many gardeners prefer to use folk methods, using natural organic matter instead of chemistry. This applies not only to waste products of birds and animals, but also plant infusions such as fertilizer from nettle and dandelion. Firstly, this method significantly saves the budget, and secondly, weeds contain a lot of nutrients that are well absorbed by cultivated plants.
Benefits of Nettle and Dandelion Fertilizer
The basis of the nutritional infusion is nettle. It contains such useful elements as potassium, magnesium, calcium, nitrogen and others. Once in the soil, they enrich it and are absorbed by the plants through the root system. As a result, "immunity is strengthened" against various diseases and the active growth of both the garden crops themselves and their fruits is stimulated.
The treatment of berry bushes with a nettle-based fertilizer enhances their taste, making the fruits sweeter. This infusion also repels harmful insects.
Nettle and dandelion fertilizer is suitable for almost all plants, tomatoes react especially well to it. When applied together with mineral additives, tomato bushes quickly grow green mass and bear fruit abundantly. In addition, the infusion is recommended for feeding:
- white cabbage;
- pepper;
- cucumbers;
- strawberries;
- bell pepper;
- flowers.
Nettle infusion is not used for legumes, garlic and onions, since it inhibits their growth.
Fertilizer preparation
To prepare the fertilizer, in the spring the green mass of nettles and dandelions is plucked before seeds begin to form on them. Dry the tops (1 kg) a little, chop and place in a plastic bucket. Pour water on top (preferably rainwater), without adding a little to the very top. The mass will foam and may overflow. You can use clean water, or you can add 1 teaspoon of humate solution to it.
Leave the herbal infusion in direct sunlight for 5-7 days, stirring it daily. To accelerate fermentation, add the drug Baikal or ordinary yeast.
To eliminate the unpleasant odor emanating from fermentation, stone flour or valerian herb is added.
Fertilizer application
After the fertilizer has stopped foaming, it is diluted with water 1:10. Water the plants under the root no more than once every two weeks. To improve the composition, it is recommended to add wood ash to the finished infusion.