Nässelvatten

Nässelvatten är ett av de allra bästa gödselmedel man själv kan tillverka. Det är utmärkt att använda som bladgödsel för snabb effekt, eller som allmänt stärkande medel och tillskottsgödsel för växterna.

How to Make and Use Nässelvatten (Nettle Water)

Nässelvatten, or nettle water, is one of the most effective and sustainable homemade fertilizers you can use in your garden. Not only is it completely free, since stinging nettles thrive abundantly in most environments, but it also provides a powerful nutritional boost to your plants and helps improve soil health.

How to Make Nässelvatten

To prepare nässelvatten is simple. First, collect nettles – young nettles before they flower are richest in nutrients. Wear gloves to avoid stings as nettles can be unpleasant to handle, then gather an ample amount since they quickly break down. Place the fresh nettles in a bucket or large container and cover them with water so they are fully submerged.

For faster results, chop or crush the nettles, for example with a hedge trimmer or by hand (with gloves!), which speeds up the decomposition. Allow the mixture to sit out for several days, stirring occasionally. This process, known as fermentation, produces a strong, sometimes unpleasant smell. However, stirring the blend now and then will help minimize the odor.

After a couple of weeks, only the stems may remain; these can be placed on the compost. For ease of removal, you can put the nettles in a mesh bag, which functions like a tea bag in the bucket.

Alternative Methods and Storage

You can also collect nettles and let them dry for later use. Once dried, crumble the nettles – they store compactly and are easy to use. When you need fertilizer water, simply mix some of the crumbled nettles with water and let it steep for a few days. To speed up extraction, you may use boiled (but not hot tap) water, since hot tap water may release growth-inhibiting substances from pipes.

Making nässelvatten can be done throughout the growing season, and some gardeners prepare a larger batch in autumn before frost for storage and use during early spring when seedlings appear.

Dilution and Application

Nässelvatten is potent, so always dilute it before use – typically one part nässelvatten to ten parts water. The final solution should resemble the color of weak tea. For foliar feeding (watering on the leaves), choose a day with humid weather, as this enhances absorption. If you’re using nässelvatten as a soil drench, any time works, but morning is slightly better. Newly planted crops often benefit from a light addition of nässelvatten.

Be cautious with both the frequency and strength; applying too much or too often can lead to excessive nutrient uptake, especially nitrogen, resulting in poorer quality and reduced shelf life of crops.

Benefits for Soil and Compost

Nässelvatten is rich in nutrients and minerals vital for plant health, and its high count of decomposing bacteria supports healthy soil life. When used in combination with organic mulches like grass clippings, the positive effect on soil and mulch breakdown seems even greater, as the bacteria in nässelvatten help accelerate decomposition.

The leftover stems from fermented nettles are excellent additions to the compost pile, further recycling nutrients into your garden system.

Final Tips

Always use gloves when handling fresh nettles.
Stir the mixture throughout fermentation to reduce odor.
Do not use hot tap water for steeping, due to potential contaminants from pipes.
Store dried nettles in airtight containers for year-round use.

By making nässelvatten, you create a sustainable and cost-effective fertilizer that boosts plant growth and improves your soil ecosystem – all from resources found in your own backyard!