Gardeners have discovered that a simple homemade fertiliser made from stinging nettles can make tomatoes grow faster and taste better. The natural ingredient, which is free and easy to prepare, has been praised by gardening enthusiasts for its effectiveness.
Grandmother's Secret Recipe
Iwona Orlikowska shared her grandmother's nettle fertiliser recipe on the Gardening UK Facebook page. She wrote: "My granny used to do that, and her tomatoes would grow like crazy and always taste incredible. I'm doing it myself for the first time."
The method involves fermenting nettles in water for two to three weeks, then diluting the resulting liquid with fresh water at a ratio of one part nettle tea to ten parts water. Orlikowska noted that her grandmother shredded the nettles, saying it was very important.
How to Use Nettle Fertiliser
Once diluted, the nettle tea can be used to water tomato plants just like any liquid fertiliser. The amount depends on the size of the plant or container. Gardeners recommend applying it once every month or two, but no more frequently than every three weeks.
Fellow group members shared their experiences. Robin Biddlecombe said: "I make a similar brew with nettle, yarrow and comfrey. I use mine all round the garden with a similar dilution. Smells a bit though." Bernice Hodges added: "I have used it, but it smells! Monty Don uses it, and that is where I first saw it." Olive Turpin commented: "I found a tub behind the shed I did three years ago. It doesn't smell now; I'm glad I forgot about it. Looks good and started using it."
Why Nettles Work
Gardening expert Benedict Vanheems, who has years of experience with Grow Veg, described nettles as a "powerhouse plant food". He explained: "Put the nutrients found within nettles to good use by making your own natural, organic liquid plant feed. They're full of growth-boosting goodness, including nitrogen, calcium and magnesium."
To make the fertiliser, cut nettles and place them in a watertight container with a lid. Weigh them down, fill with water, and leave to steep for about a month. When ready to use, add one part nettle tea to ten parts water.
Safety and Effectiveness
Nettle tea is potent and must be diluted before use to avoid damaging plants. Once diluted, it provides a rich source of nutrients that promote vigorous growth and enhance flavour in tomatoes. The fertiliser is completely organic and costs nothing, making it a favourite among gardeners seeking natural alternatives to commercial feeds.
