Stinging nettles are only enjoyed by a few lovers. Most people probably know it as an annoying weed that causes hives. Why should one come up with the idea of breeding it specifically, especially since it is a wild herb that grows in many locations?
How can I grow nettles in the garden?
Stinging nettles can be grown in your own garden by either growing seeds in the pot and planting them later or by separating root runners from existing plants and planting them. They provide he alth benefits, are used as animal feed and can be used as fertilizer or mulch.
Reasons for growing stinging nettle
Several reasons speak for growing nettles, for example in your home kitchen garden or generally on a larger property:
- medicinal
- edible
- valuable feed for animals such as ducks and chickens
- can be used as manure (rich in nitrogen)
- can be used as mulch
- effective against weeds and parasites
- Provides a home and a food source for animals such as butterfly caterpillars
There are also counterarguments
But there are also counterarguments. This includes, for example, that the nettle also grows wild in nature and cultivation is not necessary. Breeding requires a certain amount of work and time. Stinging nettle also causes burning and itching when it comes into contact with the skin. In addition, species such as the well-known large nettle tend to grow through their root runners.
Decide which type you want
Before you start growing nettles, you should decide which type you want to grow. The small nettle and the large nettle are widespread in Germany. They have proven themselves. Or should it be something more exotic like the pill nettle or the reed nettle?
Growing nettles from seeds
Growing nettles from seeds is less recommended because the seeds have poor germination ability - at least when sown directly outdoors. They are frost germinators that are best grown in pots. When the first leaves are there, they can be planted out.
Spread with root runners
It is better to reproduce or breed nettles using their root runners. In April, 10 cm long root runners are separated and planted. The great nettle has many of these runners. This makes sense on a small scale, but is too complicated on a large scale.
Tip
Although the nettle is robust, it is not immune to disease and pest infestation.
