In the heart of summer, when our gardens are in full bloom and our crops are thriving, it's easy to forget the importance of supplemental feeding. While a trip to the garden center might seem like the easiest solution, making your own plant feed is not only a cost-effective option but also an environmentally friendly one. One of the best plants for this purpose is comfrey, a perennial that produces thick, hairy leaves and clusters of drooping pink, purple, or white flowers. It thrives in damp earth and can be found by the side of streams and rivers, though it's robust enough to grow in less welcoming ground.
Comfrey is a true gift to the garden. Its leaves offer a nutritious elixir that crops seem to really respond to. It's a plant that can be grown from root cuttings or division and does best in a space where it gets a decent amount of sun and access to moisture. However, it's important to note that most comfrey varieties spread through self-seeding, which can become a problem, even for those with plenty of space. That's why I recommend getting your hands on the 'Bocking 14' variety, which will still grow vigorously but is sterile, so it will not set seed.
Making comfrey feed is a simple process. All you have to do is harvest the leaves and put them into a lidded bucket with enough water to cover them, then weigh the leaves down with a brick to ensure the rotting-down process happens efficiently. In as little as two weeks, a dark brown (and yes, quite smelly) liquid will have formed, and this is your plant feed. Separate the liquid from the leaves, and your feed is ready for use. A solution that is one part feed to 10 parts water will be just what your flowering and fruiting plants need to give them a boost in the midst of summer.
But comfrey is not the only plant that can be used to make feed. Making feed from nettles in spring is beneficial for leafy plants, since they produce a liquid rich in nitrogen. It's even possible to make feed from weeds such as dandelion or groundsel – far better than just sticking them in the green-waste bin. Personally, I think that making your own plant feed is a fascinating and practical way to ensure your plants are getting the nutrients they need. It's a simple process that can be deployed with a wide range of plants, and it's a great way to reduce waste and save money. So, if you're looking for a way to give your plants a boost this summer, why not give making your own plant feed a try?
