GARDENING: DIY it

Sunday Mirror, Jun 27, 2004 by ADRIENNE WILD

GIVE leafy plants a boost with nitrogen-rich fertiliser made from stinging nettles. Wear gloves when picking to prevent the hairy leaves and stems, which contain formic acid, from irritating your skin. Nettle rash can be relieved with the juice of the nettle plant itself, or by rubbing the skin with a dock leaf.

Place freshly picked nettles in a large bucket of clean water 1lb to 1 gallon of water is about right. Stir occasionally and leave for a few weeks to brew. When the nettles have finally rotted down, strain off the liquid and dilute to about 3 parts to 1 with water before using.

You can also use fresh leaves to speed up the rotting process in the compost bin. Comfrey leaves also make a good nitrogen tonic for plants. Allow the leaves to rot in a container first before adding water and then dilute the concentrate with at least 10 times the volume with fresh water.