10 Weeds that Make Great Fertilizers
09.09.2024 - 19:18
/ balconygardenweb.com
/ Editorial Team
Weeds are party crashers—they are not invited, take up space and resources, and are not dressed for the occasion. However, some are extremely useful in the garden. You don’t have to empty your wallet on pricey plant food when you can use these weeds that make good fertilizers!
Botanical Name: Taraxacum officinale
On top of the list is the iconic weed, dandelion! It can be used as a fertilizer because it sucks up nutrients from deep within the soil, thus making them more accessible for other plants to use it.
You can also use it as a regular fertilizer by creating a liquid concoction of dandelion leaves and water. Get started with these DIY dandelion fertilizer recipes.
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica
Rich in chlorophyll, nitrogen, iron, and potassium, the Stinging Nettle may sting you, but your plants will love the nutrition it holds. Nettle fertilizers in the market contain the same nutrients as those in the plant. So, if you’ve got this weed invading your garden, put it to good use!
Brew a fertilizer tea by boiling its foliage in water, as shown in this DIYguide. Once cooled, use the tea in the garden during a plant’s growing season, typically in spring, and focus on leafy and heavy feeders. This tea can last up to six months.
Botanical Name: Stellaria media
This nitrogen-scavenging weed has shallow and fibrous roots. Hence, it’s safe to plant alongside vegetation with deep root systems, as there won’t be any competition. Chickweed tea is great for enhancing the soil’s nutrients.
It breaks down quickly, and compost or mulch made of chickweed is rich in minerals like magnesium.
Botanical Name: Symphytum officinale
Comfrey might look like a simple leafy plant, but those leaves can do wonders as a fertilizer! A mulch of comfrey leaves