Nettle Brew is a powerful organic fertilizer and pest repellent that is easy to make. So that you can extend the shelf life of your nettle manure, we have put together the most important tips for you here.
Table of Contents
Daily stirring
During the fermentation process you can already do something to ensure that the nettle manure has a long shelf life. Stir the prepared brew at least once a day. They support an even fermentation process and extend the shelf life.
Sieve manure thoroughly
After the fermentation process of the liquid manure, you should sieve it thoroughly. To do this, use either a sieve or a permeable cloth. Baby gauze wipes, for example, are well suited. The fewer plant parts left in your manure , the longer it will keep.
The right container
You then need the right container to store the liquid nettle brew. It can for that
- plastic canister
- wooden vats
- ceramic pots or
- Glasgefäße
be used. It is particularly important that you never seal the container airtight. Because the components of the liquid manure need oxygen. Without this, it quickly begins to mold. Therefore, close the container with an air-permeable fabric such as a cloth or jute fabric. This protects the liquid manure from watering down, small creatures or foreign bodies without stopping the oxygen supply.
Location tips
The location is also decisive for the shelf life of the nettle manure. So that the liquid manure gets enough oxygen and experiences a natural temperature, it should be stored outdoors. The location does not have to be dark, but blazing sunlight intensifies the scent, especially in midsummer, and causes the brew to tip over more quickly. Nettle manure can also remain in its place in winter if it is protected from frost.
frequently asked Questions
As long as the stinging nettle stock doesn’t rot, you can use it. There are experts who use the same brew for years. More often, it is recommended to use up the prepared manure in the fall and to prepare new ones the following year. You can apply the remaining fertilizer to vegetable beds, for example, in the fall.
The nettle liquid manure has tipped over when it becomes moldy. Then you should only use them to a limited extent. However, there are also gardeners who carefully remove the mold and reuse the liquid manure.
The pure watering with moldy liquid manure usually does no harm. However, you should not spray moldy decoction on the leaves of the plants. And also herbs as well as fruit or vegetable plants, whose fruits you want to eat soon, should no longer be watered with moldy broth.
