Comfrey liquid feed

Liquid feed made from comfrey leaves (Symphytum), a traditional medicinal plant, usually high in potassium according to the RHS; used diluted to water vegetables, fruit, container and house plants.

Application

Application description: Dilute and water at the base of plants: annual bedding, container plants, fruit and vegetables (for example tomatoes). Established trees, shrubs and perennials do not need regular liquid feeding.

Dose: Made from fresh leaves without water: 1 part to 20 parts water. Made from dried leaves or pellets with water: 1 part to 10 parts water.

Tips

Strong smell: make it in a well-ventilated place and wear gloves or wash your hands afterwards. Do not apply it with a sprayer as a foliar feed, to avoid inhaling microbes. It keeps about three months in a lidded container (up to a year in a cool, dark place); if the container bulges, open it slowly to release gas. The cultivar 'Bocking 14' is sterile and does not self-seed. Ask permission before collecting plants outside your own property.

Preparation process

1. Harvest the leaves from mid-summer to early autumn, when their nutrient content is highest.
2. Fill a lidded container (water butt or bucket) with fresh leaves packed firmly: they are about 90% water, so no water needs to be added. With dried leaves or pellets, just cover them with water.
3. Close and leave to break down, checking weekly.
4. It is ready when the liquid is a dark, murky “soup” colour.
5. Strain and store in lidded containers.

Preparation time

A few days to several weeks, depending on temperature.

Product obtained

Dark, murky brown liquid with a strong smell.

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