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 Liquid Feeds
Sometimes the heavy feeders and fruiters in the garden need a bit of a lift. Liquid feeds are perfect for this as they supply instant, absorbable nourishment where it is most needed. You can either use our Liquid Seaweed or make you own from Comfrey or Nettles.
Comfrey
This really is an amazing plant and every garden should have a patch. Very rich in Nitrogen, Potassium and Potash It can be cut for compost or used as a mulch. Wilted leaves can be put in the trench under main crop potatoes - acting like a compost heap providing food and warmth for the growing tubers. It is also great under Runner Beans and Peas too.
Comfrey in flower
To make liquid feed you will need a quantity of Comfrey leaves and a large barrel. Break up the leaves a bit and jam as many as possible into the barrel. Weight them down with a piece of wood and cover with water. Cover with a lid of some sort to keep out rain and flies. After about six weeks in isolation (it smells a bit) you will have a rich dark brown liquid that can be diluted as a feed for your tomatoes or potatoes. The residual Comfrey sludge can be put on the compost heap.
For a stronger less smellier feed don't put water into the barrel. Collect the brown liquid as it drips from the decomposing leaves. A barrel with a tap is good for this method.
Comfrey is a perennial plant that is easily grown from root cuttings. These are available from -
The Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, Tel 071/98 54338
The Irish Seed Savers Association, Capparoe, Scarif, Co. Clare, Tel 061/921866.
It likes a fertile, sunny spot and in a good year you will be able to get four or five cuts. It also attracts bees to the garden.
Nettles
These can be used like the Comfrey, Best results are achieved before
the Nettles flow er in June when they will be full of sap. Older Nettles tend to be very woody. Don't make too many cuts as you will kill the plant after about two years.
Nettles also make very good tea and are a valuable addition to the diet in Spring. Don't pick from the road-side as the plants are polluted with petrol exhausts.
The plants are very important for wildlife and are home to about 40 species of insect. They are also a host for the tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies and a magnet for ladybirds. Nettle patch
So. like Comfrey, a Nettle patch is a good idea!
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