The nettle has ingredients that can be used for all sorts of things. One of them can help us in our fight against aphids. It is indeed the nettle poison that we occasionally curse about its effects. While it only burns unpleasantly on our skin, it means the end for the lice. Anyone can easily make their own nettle decoction to spray the aphids.
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Nettle stock and nettle liquid manure
Two terms should be explained in more detail right away. There is often talk of a nettle brew and nettle liquid manure. Uninformed people could easily assume the same thing behind both. In fact, both are water liquids in which the ingredients of the nettle are dissolved. And both means can support us in combating pests. However, the production of nettle manure takes a long time, during which fermentation takes place. The result is a concentrated manure that, if undiluted, can burn the plant!
Nettle broth against aphids
Nettle Sud is a free and completely organic home remedy that drives aphids off our plants. Nobody has to worry about the plants when using it, because they will not suffer any damage if handled properly. Aphids, on the other hand, are driven away by the ingredients and probably by the smell of the nettle broth. The brew is effective against aphids, but it is not a magic cure. Therefore, even after successful control, the plant should be checked for aphids at regular intervals. It is also recommended to repeat the application at regular intervals.
ingredients and utensils
A heap of nettle leaves and plenty of water are required to make a nettle decoction. Soft rainwater is ideal, but regular tap water can also be used. There are 100 grams of nettles per liter of water. No other ingredients are required. The following utensils are necessary, which are usually available in every household anyway:
- a big bucket
- grid for covering
- scissors
- garden gloves
- Sieve
- spray bottle
Suitable nettles
In this country, the large and the small nettle are common. Both species can be picked to make a nettle brew. The ingredients of the small nettle are considered to be more aggressive. Dead nettle species, on the other hand, are not at all suitable for controlling lice. It should be clear to everyone that picking nettles with bare hands is not recommended. Protect your skin by using thick gloves and wearing long clothes. When picking, note the following points:
- collect on a sunny day
- in a place where no pollutants are to be feared
- away from roads, dog parks, etc.
- only pick soft parts of the plants
- no stems with flowers or seeds
- only cut the stems in half
- the plant can regrow so quickly
Make nettle stock
One liter of brew is enough for a single infested houseplant . If, for example, several rose bushes in your garden are infested with aphids, it is worth preparing a large bucket full of nettle manure. Here’s how to do it:
- Pick the required amount of stinging nettles just before you want to start crafting.
2. Shred the leaves with scissors or a knife. The finer you cut, the easier and faster the ingredients will dissolve.
3. Place the chopped leaves in a sufficiently large container or bucket and add cold water. 1 liter of water for every 100 grams of nettles.
4. Cover the container with a grid to prevent larger animals from falling inside.
5. Allow the mixture to infuse for a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 48 hours. She shouldn’t ferment. On a hot day, the fermentation process can start quickly. A shorter brewing time or a shady place is recommended here.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, because only the pure liquid is needed for further use.
hot pull-out
For a nettle broth, first prepare a mixture as described above. However, it should draw for a maximum of 24 hours. Then the entire content is heated and then simmered for half an hour over low heat. After cooling, the coarse components are sieved out.
The application of nettle decoction
Nettle decoction is sprayed undiluted against aphids. It does not damage the leaves of the plant. However, this does not apply if the spraying takes place in the blazing midday sun. Then the wet plant leaves can easily burn. A rainy day is also unsuitable, as the brew is washed off the leaves.
- Pour the brew into a clean spray bottle.
2. Put indoor plants outside or do the treatment in the bath or shower.
3. Spray each affected plant from all sides. There shouldn’t be any dry patches left. The brew can be applied so generously that the leaves drip.
4. Check the treated plants regularly for a new infestation even after successful control. Especially in the garden, lice can appear from anywhere in no time.
5. If necessary, repeat the treatment with nettle decoction several times.
Nettle manure against aphids
To produce nettle manure, the nettle-water mixture is allowed to ferment in a warm place for about 1-2 weeks. It needs to be stirred regularly. It emits a strong stench, which is why it is taboo for indoor use. The nettle manure has a long shelf life after fermentation. It can be sprayed against aphids at any time, but diluted 1:10 with water. The silicic acid contained in the liquid manure also strengthens the cell walls of the leaves.
In the case of an acute aphid infestation, it takes far too long to recreate the liquid manure. Anyone who happens to have already produced it as plant fertilizer can use it. Otherwise, a brew must be prepared quickly.
