Stinging Nettle

Nettles are great for humans and the garden, and boost the health of both :)

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http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s2707848.htm



Fact Sheet: Stinging Nettle

Jane Edmanson profiles the European Stinging Nettle

Presenter: Jane Edmanson, 10/10/2009


Like most weeds Stinging Nettle (Urtica urens) can be a pain for gardeners. But with the Stinging Nettle the pain is literal because its fine hairs, even only brushed lightly on bare skin bare skin, create the feeling akin to dozens of little syringes injecting fiery pain.

Nettles are tough, tenacious, colonising plants that usually occur in cultivated or disturbed soil. They're a good indication that the soil is quite high in nutrients, especially phosphorus, and this is why you often see nettles amongst the cow pats in paddocks.

When removing them gloves and long sleeves are essential. Take a firm grip at the base of the plant and pull them out. If you have a big patch, chip them out with a hoe.

Nettles can be eaten when they're young, as is done in many parts of Europe. Cooking or drying neutralises the toxic components, and nettles can be used as a tea or in soup, blanched for a salad or even added to pizza.

Nettles are high in nutrients such iron, magnesium and nitrogen. If you get them out before they set seed they can be added to compost or dug in as a green manure crop. If they have go to seed you can still use them - just drown them for a few days to make a nutrient rich liquid fertiliser. It's always important with these kinds of liquids to dilute them with water before use - at a ratio of ten parts water to one part concentrate.

Jane says, "From one of the most uncomfortable plants in your garden, you'll get a great tonic and your plants will love you for it."
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