Stinging nettles are wild plants that no hobby gardener likes to have in their beds. Not only do they cause pain when they come into contact with the skin, but they also multiply quite rapidly.
Stinging nettles strengthen the growth of plants
Despite these many disadvantages, the stinging nettle also has something good: It ensures that the soil is loosened and enriched with valuable minerals is supplied. That is why you should plant nettles in the bed for several weeks before planting herbs. Since it takes some effort to remove the plants with the strongly branching roots, you can also chop up stinging nettles and put them on the bed as a mulch layer. However, this should be done when the herbs or lettuce are already growing. The nettles will rot over time and turn into hummus.
Stinging nettles, borage and comfrey
The whole thing also works with strawberries, by the way. In addition to nettles, borage and comfrey are also suitable for enhancing beds. Cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins like comfrey, spinach and kohlrabi are happy about borage - and you as a gardener are happy about this tip, which promises a rich harvest. But not only nettles in their natural form are very good for plants. Nettle stock is also popular with many plants.
Making nettle stock
To make nettle stock, you have to cut about 1 kg of nettle leaves into small pieces. Then put the whole thing in about 10 liters of water. Close the container and let the mixture steep for about two weeks. Give it a stir every couple of days. You can then water your plants about every three weeks. However, you must note that you must dilute the brew with water in a ratio of 1:20. This broth is suitable for both indoor plants and beds.