Aphids - who doesn't know them, these annoying beasts that suck the plants and rob them of their nutrients. The stinging hairs of the stinging nettle are just the thing. They can be used to destroy these pests and other vermin as well.

Nettle manure sprayed on plants helps against aphids

Formic acid against lice

The stinging hairs of the nettle make it possible. At its top is a kind of head that bursts open when touched and releases an acid it contains. This is formic acid. This acid puts an end to aphids, but also to spider mites and whiteflies.

Make nettle manure or nettle stock

In order to obtain a pesticide that can be used from the stinging nettle, the plant should be made into a liquid manure or a decoction. Both liquids are effective. However, the liquid manure requires a little more patience and can e.g. B. can also be used as an effective fertilizer if the amount is too large.

If the stinging nettles are placed in water, the 'heads' with the poison also open. The formic acid is released into the water. The manure also releases the silicic acid from the leaves, which strengthens the cell walls of the plants and has a preventive effect against vermin.

Nettle manure: It takes 1 to 2 weeks

How to process nettle into manure:

  • Harvest and chop stinging nettles
  • Put 1 kg nettles in 10 liters of water
  • Wait 1 to 2 weeks
  • stir regularly
  • Slurry is ready when no more bubbles form

Nettle Broth: Wait 12 to 24 hours

With the nettle broth or brew, only the soaking time or waiting time changes. If you prepare the brew in the evening, you can use it the next morning. In contrast to liquid manure, it is not fermented and is less rich in nutrients.

How manure/broth can be used against the aphids

Anyone who sees the success will probably refrain from fighting nettles in the future…

  • use undiluted liquid manure/broth
  • put in a spray bottle and spray plants
  • Broth can also be poured over it
  • Repeat application regularly
  • check for renewed pest infestation

tips

Never spray or water your plants with nettle liquid in direct sunlight! The leaves could be damaged and burn, for example.

Category:

Herbs