Stinging nettle - most gardeners do not know it as a pointer plant. They fear her much more than weeds in their garden and are happy when they don't have to make direct contact with her. But this pointer plant can be of use to you…

Where nettles grow, the soil is rich in nitrogen

There's a lot of nitrogen here

Once you have experienced it, you will never forget it. Where nettles grow, the soil is rich in nitrogen. The reason: This weed only grows where there is plenty of nitrogen - just like bedstraw, ore and chickweed.

The stinging nettle in particular catches the eye, which can rise up to 3 m high and often appears in dense stands thanks to underground runners. If you find such a location z. B. on your property, you can be sure that the soil there is rich in nitrogen.

Beware of too much nitrogen!

Gardeners - both private and commercial - are always up for nitrogen. Plants need nitrogen to grow. But one should not overdo it. For example, green manure with lupins should not be used on sites where stinging nettles grow. Lupins accumulate nitrogen. You should not fertilize there with nettle manure either.

Some plants that are considered weak consumers, such as strawberries, beans and peas, do not like to grow in such locations. Too much nitrogen in the soil causes them to wilt. Too much nitrogen also makes them more susceptible to fungal diseases and pests.

Also an indicator plant for humus and moisture

In addition, the nettle is considered an indicator plant for plenty of humus. On top of that, it only grows in locations that have moist soil. It thrives extremely poorly in places with dry soil. Therefore, if you want to breed nettles, you should scout out such a location beforehand.

Use this pointer plant

Where stinging nettles grow well, there is usually also a good location for so-called heavy consumers:

  • tomatoes
  • paprika
  • Cabbage plants such as kohlrabi, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
  • Cucurbits such as zucchini and cucumbers
  • Soft fruits like blueberries

tips

Attention: An oversupply of stinging nettles can be a first indication that the pH value of the soil will drop sharply in the near future.

Category:

Herbs