A gardener has urged people not to throw away their weeds, revealing they offer an unexpected, money-saving advantage. Weeding is often seen as a chore to keep gardens tidy, but weeds may hold a hidden benefit that can boost plants and provide financial relief.
Richard, who presents Sheffield Made Gardens and Sheffield Made Plants on YouTube, has shared a technique for creating a DIY fertiliser that is "better" and more economical than shop-bought alternatives.
Why Weeds Are Valuable
Richard explained: "On top of that, in the garden, it's often better to use something organic rather than relying on synthetic fertilisers wherever you can. But what if I told you that you can make bucket loads of plant food for free? You don't even need to leave your garden."
He highlighted that the essential nutrients found in fertilisers are "already" present in your garden, often in the weeds you remove. Weeds absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil, storing them in leaves, stems, and roots.
Making Weed Tea
Rather than discarding weeds, Richard recommends making "weed tea", a simple liquid fertiliser that "costs next to nothing" and gives plants a "boost" throughout the growing season.
- Gather your weeds: Forage for a variety of weeds, especially nutrient-rich comfrey if available. Place them in a bucket, tearing them loosely, and fill to about two-thirds full. Pack them well for best results.
- Add water: Use rainwater ideally, or tap water. Fill the bucket until water covers the weeds, nearly to the top. Cover loosely to allow gas from fermentation to escape.
- Leave in a shady area: Place the bucket in a shaded spot and let it ferment for a couple of weeks. The weeds will break down, and nutrients will leach into the water. The mixture will "absolutely stink", which is a good sign.
- Dilute before use: Once ready, the fertiliser is potent. Dilute it with water—pour about a measuring jug full into a watering can, then fill and mix.
Application Tips
The mixture can be used "pretty much anywhere" in the garden. Richard applies it every two to four weeks during the growing season. You can also keep topping up the bucket with water and weeds to maintain the supply.
This homemade fertiliser is an organic, cost-effective way to nourish plants, turning a common nuisance into a valuable resource.
