El nettle slurry It is known for its use in agriculture and horticulture as a fungicide and insecticide of natural origin. Using nettles, which we commonly classify as weeds, we can give our plants exceptional natural care.
Let's see in more detail what this product is that we can even make at home and how we can get the most out of it.
What is nettle slurry?
Nobody wants to touch one nettle, because we know that just by touching it the itching and discomfort will appear. Therefore, this is a plant that we want to have as far away as possible. However, it turns out to be a very useful natural product to take care of those varieties of plants and flowers that we do like to have around us.
Nettle adapts to virtually any terrain and climate, so it can be found almost everywhere in the world. For this reason, in all cultures it has been used as a remedy against different illnesses for centuries. For example, in Europe during the Middle Ages, it was used to treat digestive problems.
Later, its use was explored in the manufacture of textile fibers, and in agriculture. Nettle manure has a long history as a fertilizer and also as an insecticide.
It is a liquid preparation that is made with fresh nettle leaves that are left to ferment with water for a few days. However, although we are talking about a natural product, it should always be applied with caution because a large amount of it could end up damaging the plants due to its high nitrogen content.
What is nettle slurry used for?
This product can become the best ally to take care of your garden and also your ornamental plants. As soon as you discover all its uses, we are sure that it will be essential for you.
Keep in mind that nettle is a plant rich in micronutrients such as calcium and manganese, but also in bacteria , which helps nitrogen fix to the soil and stimulates plant metabolism. Furthermore, it contains hormones that help in the growth of roots, leaves, flowers and fruits, stimulating the plant's resistance to insect and fungal attacks.
liquid fertilizer
In agriculture, nettle manure is widely used as a fertilizer, because fermented nettles result in a product loaded with nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and iron, which are essential for healthy growth of all types of plants.
If we apply it diluted in the irrigation water, in a short time we will notice that our plants grow faster and healthier.
foliar fertilization
Most industrial fertilizers are only applied to the soil, but the peculiarity of nettle manure is that we can use it as a foliar fertilizer. That is, we can spray directly on plant leaves.
What we achieve with this is a faster absorption of nutrients. But since not all plants take well to receiving moisture in their leaves, it is best to only use nettle slurry on them. when we see that they need an extra dose of nutrients.
Insect repellent
For centuries this product has been used as a natural insect repellent, because its smell is unpleasant to many of the insects that are usually around our plants.
You already know that it doesn't hurt for plants to have a little animal life near them, the problem arises when the number of insects is such that it becomes a pest, because this can cause the death of the plant species. In these cases, you can put the nettle slurry in an aerosol and spray it on the plants. In a few days you will have forgotten about the plague completely.
Resistance stimulant
La bomb The amount of nutrients that this product provides to plants is so great that it makes them much more resistant to pests and diseases. With nettle slurry you can even treat fungal infections.
Another point in its favor is that applying this natural product reduces the need to resort to chemical pesticides and fungicides, which are more expensive and more harmful to plants, as well as to the environment as a whole.
Increases soil microbial activity
This natural fertilizer acts on the plants and also on the planting medium. Because stimulates the activity of beneficial microorganisms.
The result is healthier, nutrient-rich soil, in which our plants will grow much better.
How to apply nettle slurry?
As we said before, this is a product that, although very beneficial, must be applied in moderation and taking into account certain proportions:
- Liquid fertilizer. Dilute one portion of nettle slurry with 10 parts of water. It is only applied during the plant growth stage, which usually runs from spring to summer. As much as possible, avoid applying it during flowering or when plants are bearing fruit.
- Foliar fertilizer. Dilute one part slurry with 20-30 parts water, and apply with the help of a sprayer during the plants' growing season, preferably in the early morning or at dusk.
- Insect repellent. In this case, one part of slurry is diluted with five or 10 parts of water and sprayed on the leaves and stems. Paying special attention to those areas where you have perceived a greater presence of insects. In spring and summer, when insects are most active, you can apply this insecticide preventively, but spacing its use throughout the days.
Nettle slurry is a good ally to take care of your garden and your orchard. Have you ever used it? You can share your experience with us through the comments.