Mitch & Ed continue their fertiliser foraging, check out how to make an easy, nutrient-rich compost tea for the patch! Nettles are the most accessible green natural fertilisers and are packed with nitrogen, potassium & iron. 

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They are a dynamic accumulator, drawing up nutrients from deep in the soil and storing them in their leaves. When the leaves stew in the water they will give off nutrients that can then be reintroduced back into the soil.

Be sure not to get confused with dead nettles which will have white or purple flowers with longer slender stems - they do not have the same nutritional density as nettles. 

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To get started on harvesting your nettles, you’ll need some gloves and a bucket or container, filling it at least halfway. They haven’t gone to seed so we can take the whole lot, if they have gone to seed be sure to just pick the leaves otherwise you'll have nettles all over your patch! 

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Your best to use rainwater when making your fertiliser, but tap water is fine if you don’t have access. Leave this for 10-12 weeks and when watering it onto your patch, dilute 50-100ml in a full watering can.