Weeds have an easy time on bare ground. In addition: those who mulch have to water less, fertilize less, weed less and do not necessarily have to apply frost protection to the root area of the mulched plant in winter. How about mulching with nettles?
Why are stinging nettles suitable as mulch?
Stinging nettle mulch suppresses weeds, deters slugs, is free and improves humus quality. Ideally, you harvest the nettles from spring to summer and mulch heavy feeders such as tomatoes and peppers with a 5 cm thick layer of coarsely chopped nettles.
Benefits of mulching with nettles
Mulching with nettle has many advantages:
- suppresses and destroys weeds
- keeps snails away
- is free (unlike bark mulch, wood chips, etc. from stores)
- an abundance of nutrients, slowly released into the soil
- combines fighting nettles with something useful
- improves humus quality
Harvesting nettles: Not too late
If you want to harvest nettles for mulching, you shouldn't wait too long. Harvest the nettles from spring to summer. They should no longer be harvested for mulching from September at the latest. Then they have already formed their seeds. These would quickly spread the plants as a layer of mulch and would soon sprout as 'weeds'.
How to harvest nettles for mulching the fastest
A sea of nettles is ideal for quick harvesting. To do this, you simply take a scythe (€99.00 on Amazon) and scythe the plants. Alternatively, the nettles can be harvested in no time using a trimmer. If you have more time, you can pick the plants more carefully by hand (wear gloves!) or cut them with a knife or scissors.
How long does the mulch last?
Depending on how thick the mulch layer is, the rotting time will take different amounts of time. It is recommended to apply the nettle mulch at least 5 cm thick. Then only around 10% of the weeds can get through the mulch. The nettles should ideally be roughly chopped beforehand.
Which plants can you mulch with nettles?
Numerous bedding, fruit and ornamental plants can be mulched with stinging nettles. Among other things, they release a lot of nitrogen into the soil. Heavy eaters such as tomatoes and peppers are happy about such a layer of mulch. Weak feeders such as strawberries and peas should not be mulched too thickly and not too often with nettles.
Tip
The stinging nettles can also be combined well with comfrey and lawn clippings, making an even better mulch.
