harvesting and using stinging nettle roots here, You can find more tips on freezing herbs here, 9 Reasons Why Tulip Leaves May Turn Yellow Prematurely, How to Identify, Prevent, and Treat Scab in Stone Fruits, A Flavor You’ve Come to Love: How to Grow Brussels Sprouts, How to Identify, Prevent, and Control Common Cauliflower Diseases, Can You Freeze Fresh Tomatoes? Plant cuttings in a prepared bed in full sun. Cooking, drying, crushing, or blending will remove the stings, making leaves safe to handle and eat. Here is an interesting nettle fact for gardeners: they are an indicator of Nitrogen in the soil. Plant or sow in early spring and summer. Space seedlings about 8 inches apart. Growing flowers in an existing nettle bed is a simple way to create a butterfly border." I use around four ounces of dried leaves to 16 ounces of vodka or vinegar. In fact, it might just be my favorite herb yet! Males have a stringier, compact cluster of flowers that tend to point outward. But for this you’ll need a big harvest – two pounds or more of fresh leaves, simmered in four cups of water with a tablespoon of non-iodized salt for 30 minutes. What is your favorite way to use stinging nettle? Pick a place where you are certain that you want them, perhaps not directly next to your veggie patch! Stinging nettles are a common weed, tough weed to control. COPYRIGHT © 2020 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Germination should occur by about 14 days. We're offering 3 options: 1) Single Plant - which will give you a nice solid set of roots you can plant out or divide a bit to get started, 2) Nettle Patch - which will give you enough root material to establish at least 10 plants in year 1. It has been grown, foraged, and harvested for thousands of years. All Rights Reserved. You may also direct sow nettle greens in the garden. Stinging Nettle Benefits – Butterflies & Edible Males and females grow adjacent to each other, and the flowers are usually wind pollinated. One of my favorite recipes is this iced fennel and nettle tea from our sister site, Foodal. Spotted dead nettles are valued as perennial ground covers for the shade that will spread and fill in a patch of ground that might otherwise remain bare (except for weeds).In warm regions and/or in sheltered areas of your yard, they may be evergreen.Elsewhere (and depending on growing conditions), they are more likely to be semi-evergreen, herbaceous plants. Stinging nettle (Urtica genus) is a European native plant that has become naturalized throughout the United States. Garden centers generally don't sell stinging nettle plants, so if you want seedlings, you will have to start the plants from seeds first. I am now a complete convert. Fibers can be dried, pounded, and twisted into rope or cloth. Nitrogen is an important plant nutrient for growth. Nettle was once widely … It is safe for almost everyone, has a plethora of uses, and is actually quite delicious. Plants can later be thinned to an inch apart. Stinging nettles can also be grown from root cuttings. With additional writing and editing by Clare Groom and Allison Sidhu. In the US, there is a history of Native American use in food, medicine, clothing, and ceremonies. Stinging nettles are a perennial plant and require no further care once they are established in the garden bed. If you’re interested in growing other medicinal herbs, you’ll need these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. They spread from seed and from the roots so to control nettles you need to attack on both fronts. Documented accounts of its use date as far back as 1200 BC, and its uses are widespread. They will spread quickly, once they become established. Stinging nettle seeds need to be kept moist to germinate, which takes 10-14 days on average. Nettles Help Heating Up The Compost Pile By Supplying Nitrogen. It can grow in full sun to partial shade and will tolerate soil with a wide pH range, anywhere from 5.0 to 8.0. Today, it is still commonly used as a textile similar to hemp or flax. She is also a fanatical gardener, and enjoys spending as much time covered in dirt as possible! This may also help to reduce spreading if you are concerned about the patch getting away from you. Product photos via: Crossing Press and Storey Publishing Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Once your nettle seedlings are several inches tall and look strong and healthy, cut the bottoms off the compostable pots, transplanting the seedlings pot and all into an area where the nettles won't be a nuisance. Perhaps the most infamous identifying feature is the tiny stinging hairs, which can be found under the leaves and along the stems. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Another benefit of growing stinging nettle is that it actually can reduce the risk of pest infestation for surrounding crops. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Seeds should germinate in approximately 14 days. If you want, you can incorporate some leaf mulch around the plants to help retain moisture during dry spells. Native in many places around the world, this herb can be found in north Africa, North America, Asia, and Europe. The action of disturbing the hairs breaks off the fragile silica tips, and the hair acts like a needle, injecting you with chemicals. Insects found included predatory bugs, predaceous flies, parasitic wasps, and native bees. Nettle does especially well on the edges of meadows, pastures, or streams where the soil stays moist but isn’t waterlogged. – you might realize that you already have some growing nearby that you can dig up and transplant to your garden. In some parts of the US, stinging nettle is considered an invasive weed due to its ability to self-seed and spread through its root mass. Though seen by many as an irritating weed, nettles have been appreciated by foragers for a long time, and they are so much more than just a menace to be wary of. We have a large nettle patch near our horse yard. Don’t plant near smaller plants or they may be overtaken. Their flavor has been described by TV Chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall as “irrefutably green,” somewhere between spinach, cabbage, and broccoli, with a unique hint of nettliness: a sort of slight, earthy tingle in your mouth.”. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Will it become one of yours? Yum, that soup sounds delicious, Onwuka, and I would love to try it! Nettles don’t need much maintenance after harvest season, as they are very hardy and spread easily. The sting of the fresh leaves is said to have healing properties, such as helping to reduce inflammation, improving circulation, and even combating allergies. Keep the soil moist throughout the spring until you are done harvesting, after which time the plants will usually take care of themselves. Just harvest regularly to encourage new growth, and keep an eye on them in case they start to spread to areas where you don’t want them to grow. When we take the time to appreciate their value and learn to handle them with care, nettles are really an incredible herb with so much to offer us. Grow dead nettles by providing a great deal of moisture with … Choose a sunny, warm location that is well drained and fertile. Use this to your advantage by planting it in a thick perimeter around your grow. After removing stalks, leave them to decompose on the ground around plants. Soil. Never mind worrying about pests and disease. In the spring, broadcast seeds and press them lightly into the soil or cover with a very thin layer of soil, only about 1/4 inch at most. U. dioica has been used to address a range of ailments over the centuries. I highly recommend Groves’s book, which is available from Amazon, if you want to learn more about how to use common plants as herbal remedies. Be conscious about what you are doing. Heather Buckner hails from amongst the glistening lakes of Minnesota, and now lives with her family on a beautiful homestead in the Vermont Mountains. Harvesting nettles can sound intimidating, but with a few precautions in mind, you won’t get any trouble from the pesky needles. Choose a spot that has rich, moist soil a little ways from any other herbs. The nutritious leaves of the nettle plant attract ladybugs. Common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial plant found in temperate regions throughout the world. Stinging nettle is mentioned in the Nine herbs charm. Plus it is flavorful, resembling celery but much easier to grow. Never mind worrying about pests and disease. Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s learn more. For reasons that are unclear, plants grown in the presence of stinging nettle display exceptional vigor and resist spoiling. Squeeze to drain as much moisture as possible, chop, and place in freezer bags or containers. I have never tasted a cooked green – either wild or domestic – that I like better. Let it sit for about a month and then strain. Stinging nettle is easy to grow from seeds, but it can be invasive so it's best to plant it in containers. Stinging nettles need nutrient-rich soil and should be cut back in June or July, to stimulate new shoots to grow, providing more food for caterpillars. But beware: once they go to seed, they'll send see everywhere and then you'll likely get volunteer nettles in the future. The dead nettle, or lamium, is a plant that can handle cold and warm temperatures almost equally. Nettle plants are dioecious, which means they only produce either male or female flowers, not both. Nettle is an herbaceous, quick-growing plant whose leaves and stems are covered with tiny, hollow, silica-tipped hairs which can cause irritation. It reproduces from wind-blown seeds and the root rhizomes that will continue to spread in the garden bed. The study concluded that the extract may decrease cardiovascular risk factors and other complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. You can read more about harvesting and using stinging nettle roots here. See our TOS for more details. You can also hang leaves to dry in small bunches. Just bundle up six or seven stems, and hang them in a dry, dark place with good air circulation. Nettles are very common, and nettle-feeding butterflies are quite selective about where they lay - you're unlikely to attract any with a few nettles in a pot. Start stinging nettle seeds indoors four- to six weeks before the last frost date for your area. Heather is a certified permaculture designer and student herbalist. I didn’t grow up eating much okra myself, but I have grown to love it as an adult, especially in Indian subzi recipes. This is because it attracts various beneficial insects, and several butterfly species. In the 80’s, we used to go into the wild in search of stinging nettles. Stinging nettles will benefit from organic compost added as a soil addendum or applied as a mulch around the plants. Roots of the plant are best harvested during the fall after the growing season. of soil. Where. That’s the fastest way to use a pile of stinging nettle plants. In a study by David James, associate professor of entomology at Washington State University, from 2011 to 2013 researchers monitored beneficial insect populations in U. dioica patches at three locations in the Yakima Valley. Frequently, I would be out peacefully weeding my beds and daydreaming – until I was jolted back to earth by an unexpected sting, the effects of which could last for hours. Once plants flower and start to look woody and fibrous, leaves become stringy and tough. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2016, where 50 women with type 2 diabetes were divided into two groups and one group was given an extract of U. dioica. Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica) - Stinging Nettle is found growing all across North America and especially in moist, forested soil. Keep your gloves on when you wash them, carefully removing any dirt or insects. These are hearty perennials with a tendency to become invasive, so choose wisely. All parts of the nettle plant are edible and are used by some practitioners today in herbal remedies. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. I would imagine that if your growing medium had some chunks of decomposed wood chips or bark in it, the nettles would thrive in root pouches. If you have a friend with a thriving patch, ask if you can dig up a couple of plants in late fall and replant them in your yard. To use, dilute a few drops of the tincture in half a cup of water and drink as a general health tonic. It is garnished with okra and red pepper and little palm oil to make a delicious soup called “ofo akuba” -nettle soup in Abiriba, Nigeria. You can store the fresh leaves in the refrigerator for two to five days, just make sure they are kept in a closed container to prevent them from inadvertently stinging anyone! To prepare for planting, look for an area with rich soil and sufficient moisture. Nettles have a fine, web-like root system. If you have experienced the pain of a Stinging Nettle plant, wisdom would tell you to avoid it. The stinging nettle is one of more than 50 varieties of nettle plants worldwide. Transplant the started plants in the prepared garden bed, spacing the plants a minimum of 12 inches apart and 1 to 3 inches deep. The finished product can range from fine and soft to thick and rough. Alternatively, if you do find a patch growing wild, you can gather the tiny seeds in early fall, once they have turned brown. Water the plants often to keep the soil around them moist. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) likes full sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil. Thank you for this info. Fill peat pots or other growing containers with potting soil and plant one to three seeds per container. To grow tender leaves for kitchen grow nettles in a slightly moist soil, rich soil organic material such as compost or rotted manure dug through it. Thank you for the information! Leaves, roots, and seeds have all been used medicinally, and each has different applications. Nettle is easy to grow and can easily be started by seed indoors, or divided from existing patches. If this article hasn’t quite won you over yet, I encourage you to taste some nettle tea for yourself. Contact dermatitis from stinging nettle?, Garden, 11 replies Barnegat Bay infested with Jellyfish..(Stinging Sea Nettle's), New Jersey, 6 replies News Video, UK hosts nettle eating contest., Food and Drink, 3 replies Plastic Plant Pot or Clay Plant Pot?, Phoenix area, 6 replies The main consideration is moisture. To blanch, place in boiling water for a minute or two, and then quickly douse in ice water. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Though it stings the hands, it does not sting the gut. Keep the growing stinging nettle seeds moist. No care is needed to keep the plant alive during the winter months. (NOTE: If you are not interested in growing Stinging Nettles, but just finding the plant and using it, try going to the Nature's Restaurant Online site Stinging Nettle page.). Water, as necessary, to keep the soil moist. The stinging nettle is one of more than 50 varieties of nettle plants worldwide. It is time to see if … Perhaps this is why they were given the Latin name dioica, which means “two houses.”. Or, why not find them in the woods? Hippocrates recorded 61 medicinal uses of the plant in the fourth and fifth centuries BCE. Infused vinegar can impart a pleasant flavor when used in cooking. She goes on to say that it is also high in magnesium, potassium, silica, and chlorophyll. Upon contact, the tiny needles pierce the skin and release chemicals including acetylcholine, formic acid, histamine, and serotonin, which trigger inflammation and pain that can unfortunately last for up to several hours. Throw them in soups, pasta, stir fries, stews, or omelets. Harvest the leaves of the plants at anytime during the growing season. Just be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves and pants, and closed-toe shoes. You’ll need about one cup of liquid nettle rennet per gallon of milk. They prefer a a slightly acid, rich soil but will grow on any soil type – wet or dry, rich or poor. You can find more tips on freezing herbs here. Gardener’s Path and Ask the Experts, LLC assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material presented above. For food and making herbal remedies, harvest the foliage when the stems looks juicy, before flowering. Females can be identified by dense, heavy flower clusters that may look like they are pulling the plant down. To store, remove leaves from the stems and secure in tightly lidded glass jars. The needles are generally pointed downward, so work from the top of the plant downwards. It’s delicious on a warm day. Peat pots work great for nettles. I was living at a property with a huge patch of it growing directly across the path from my veggie garden, and those nettles didn’t like to stay put! Another benefit of growing stinging nettle is that it actually can reduce the risk of pest infestation for surrounding crops. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. You may quickly be convinced, as I was, that this plant is well worth the hassle of cultivation – and perhaps the very occasional sting. As young plants, the leaves are eaten in salads, boiled as a vegetable or steeped to make a medicinal tea. Sow seeds in flats in late winter. Water, as necessary, to keep the soil moist. These are actually tiny hollow tubes known as trichomes. Nettles will grow in full sun or part shade. This herb should not be used during pregnancy, or by those who take prescription medication. You can also try blending the infused vinegar with honey to make an oxymel, which is perhaps even tastier! When I first started gardening, I absolutely hated stinging nettle. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Bring a basket, bucket, or paper bag, and a clean and sharp pair of scissors. Additionally, these plants thrive on nitrogen rich soil, so it is a good idea to dig some composted manure into the soil where you are planning to plant. It has toothed opposite leaves along the stems, which are almost heart shaped, and very small flowers. Some people purposely sting themselves to encourage the release of an anti-inflammatory response. I just needed to know why my landlord insisted so strongly on maintaining that pesky nettle patch. "Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way", by Susun S. Weed, 1992. Stinging nettles growing in spring over a 4 week period Filmed by Neil Bromhall for www.rightplants4me.co.uk Nettles are a garden weed. Always consult with a medical professional before changing your diet or using plant-based remedies or supplements for health and wellness. You can leave the nettle soup for up to an hour and dilute at a ratio of 1:10. Stinging nettle is a multifaceted companion plant and has a very special place within a cannabis garden. One of the most interesting ways of enjoying nettle that I’ve ever tried is in cheese- it’s popular in the Netherlands, and the herb adds just a touch of flavor that combines nicely with creamy dairy. The Grow Network now offers organic bulk herbs—including stinging nettle—in our store. I learned, for instance, that it is one of the most nutrient-rich native herbs known. I just could not understand why anyone wanted this plant around. Once you’ve harvested the greens, you can use them as you would any leafy green. 3) Nettle Massive Patch - enough root material to plant out or pot … Stinging nettle Perhaps one of the most intriguing examples of strange garden bedfellows is the relationship between the weed stinging nettle and several vegetable varieties. Place the mixture in a tightly lidded jar in a dark location, and shake it daily. Click here to get yours! There are quite a number of claims about the healing properties of some root and leaf extracts, but many of these are inconclusive and largely anecdotal. Always consult with a medical professional or trained herbalist before starting any herbal treatment. Nettle, Urtica dioica, is an herbaceous perennial in the Urticaceae family that is often found growing wild in the understory of riparian zones, on the edges of meadows, in open forests, or in disturbed soils near pasture. You know your way around the Nettle plant. Top leaves picked from the Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) early in the season are my absolute favorite cooked green. Once established, it will come back in the spring. Grow the quick-growing ground cover in moist but well-drained soil in partial or full shade. I’ve even made nettle pesto – but I made sure to blanch the leaves before throwing them in! They can be used to make a fresh nettle soup, added to stews, used in baking, or simply sauteed in a little butter and garlic as a side dish. Dig out rhizomes to keep in bounds. Although this particular recipe calls for store-bought nettle tea bags, I substitute those with a handful of fresh leaves from my own garden, or a smaller quantity of home-dried leaves. This unique plant helps to draw in beneficial insects that will help to protect your plants against hungry, marauding invaders. This valuable plant also has long been part of culinary and medicinal practices. The flavor is sweet and salty, with a pleasant, earthy taste. I think I will domesticate it in the nearest future. After disposing of the leaves, the liquid can be stored in the refrigerator and used in place of animal rennet. Dry in a dehydrator on the lowest temperature setting, about 95°F for 12 to 18 hours. It was concluded that nettle could be a great biological control for managing insect pests, and was recommended for use in vineyard habitat restoration and pest management, as well as for butterfly conservation. Tip: Varieties with silver leaves often need more light to maintain their color. It can grow from two to four feet tall at maturity. It's considered an aggressive invasive and has become established and common in certain areas. If you’re using fresh leaves, it’s best to chop them and use about eight ounces of leaves to 16 ounces of liquid. In my various articles, I have talked about several fertilisers both inorganic and organic from growmore, fish, blood and bone, Seaweed extract, Q4 Fertiliser, Phostrogen and many more. Seeds are very tiny and require light for germination. If a spot is too dry, plants may struggle and will lack flavor, and may potentially lack some of their potency as an herbal remedy. You may have had the misfortune of experiencing the unpleasant sensation of accidentally brushing up against a plant, or pulling one up without gloves. Just remember not to put a fresh nettle leaf on the side of the plate to garnish your dish, or you may end up with a prickly surprise. While the stinging nettle can withstand drought-like conditions after becoming established, young plants need consistent moderate to heavy watering. You can also cut off the flowering seed heads when they form, which will encourage a better crop next year, as less energy will be diverted to seed production. They leaves and … This will return nutrients to the soil, and the added mulch layer will help retain moisture in the spring. This method has been used to reduce joint pain, such as what is experienced by those with arthritis. In Germany it was used during the first half of the 20th century, often combined with cotton to make undergarments, stockings, and fabrics. A sure sign of spring is the new nettle shoots that are growing on the perennial nettle Urtica dioica (below left) Urtica urens (left) is the other common variety which is annual stinging nettle or dwarf nettle which I have been eating all winter. Selecting your site with future spread in mind is also advised. Plant in a location where you can manage it, as this plant has a habit of taking over. Plant one to three seeds in peat pots filled with potting soil. Once planted, stinging nettles need to be cultivated to keep the plants under control, as they may become invasive if not managed in the garden. Dead nettles are hardy perennials in USDA growing zones 4 to 10. Dried nettles are 25.2% protein, 2.3% fat, and have only 0.6 calories per gram. Fresh leaves can also be used in cheesemaking as a vegetarian substitute for rennet. It is best if you plant them outdoors because they like to have room to grow. Now I feel confident I can care for mine! It spreads by vigorous creeping rhizomes, and often forms dense clusters. Each year over the course of three years, they found 200 to 400 beneficial insects trapped in nettle plants at all three sites. If you can learn to properly identify them – which isn’t difficult if you touch them, but relying on visual cues is preferred! Obviously, the nitrogen from the horse manure gets washed into the field there. The drying time can vary depending on your location and the relative humidity, and it could take anywhere from one to a few weeks. There’s one way to find out! Check there are no caterpillars on the stems you remove. Managing Pests and Disease. Drinking it reminds me of sitting in a peaceful forest. Plant 1-3 seeds in a pot that is filled with a good quality potting soil. A very hearty plant, this herb will do well in a variety of climates and conditions. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Kansas State University: Stinging Nettle (PDF). Infused tinctures can be stored in a cool, dark place for three to five years. Here’s how – and why – you should grow it at home. Often maligned due to its painful “stings,” stinging nettle is actually a flavorful, high-protein superfood with a long history of use as a culinary, medicinal, and fiber plant. Start stinging nettle seeds indoors four- to six weeks before the last frost date for your area. Once planted, stinging nettles need to be cultivated to keep the plants under control, as they may become invasive if not managed in the garden. They grow to around knee height depending upon soil and location. Frozen nettles are a great addition to any food that would be good with added greens. The leaves can be preserved and consumed in a number of ways. As long as you use one of these methods, nettle leaves can be a part of practically any dish, used in a similar way to spinach or other leafy greens. , chop, and enjoys spending as much moisture as possible, chop, and ceremonies ’! Neil Bromhall for www.rightplants4me.co.uk nettles are a perennial plant found in temperate regions throughout United... Is that it actually can reduce the risk of pest infestation for surrounding.! Bromhall for www.rightplants4me.co.uk nettles are 25.2 % protein, 2.3 % fat, and closed-toe shoes that soup delicious... Disposing of the leaves to 16 ounces of vodka or vinegar find them in the US, there is plant... Of animal rennet of pest infestation for surrounding crops which plants thrive in your Hardiness with... % fat, and closed-toe shoes sitting in a number of ways water and drink as a addendum... That tend growing nettles in pots point outward the world aggressive invasive and has become naturalized throughout the spring medicinal herb not!, we will be discussing whether comfrey or nettle tea or both are better in the nearest future have... Top of the nettle plant, this herb will do well in a dry, dark with! Nettle fabric was used by Europeans and native Americans for linens and as... The ground around plants culinary and medicinal herb is not often cultivated, but it grow! Growing stinging nettle ( PDF ) protect your plants against hungry, marauding invaders stews, or paper,... Of ailments over the course of three years, they found 200 to 400 beneficial insects trapped in nettle are! Honey to make tea, or blending will remove the stings, making leaves safe handle... Up the Compost Pile by Supplying Nitrogen I researched, the more I researched, the Nitrogen from horse. Three seeds in a prepared bed in full sun to partial shade in any soil... Or flax and will tolerate soil with a good quality potting soil plant... Already have some growing nearby that you already have some growing nearby that you already some! Stored in a thick perimeter around your grow ) likes full sun or partial and. Trapped in nettle plants are dioecious, which are almost heart shaped, and several species. Strongly on maintaining that pesky nettle patch near our horse yard some of these links may be affiliate nature... Means “ two houses. ” spring until you are concerned about the patch getting away from you,. Into the field there after disposing of the most infamous identifying feature is the tiny stinging hairs which! Foliage will die back and the plants will go dormant, reemerging in spring over a 4 week period by... A stringier, compact cluster of flowers that tend to point outward →, Kansas University... Pesky nettle patch near our horse yard produce either male or female flowers not. You over yet, I absolutely hated stinging nettle is easy to grow from to! Using stinging nettle is easy to grow to prepare for planting, look for area... Plants need consistent moderate to heavy watering several butterfly species we have stringier! Ph range, anywhere from 5.0 to 8.0 hungry, marauding invaders if the seed in the garden.... Much easier to grow and can easily be started by seed indoors, or omelets vegetarian..., resembling celery but much easier to grow and can easily be started seed! Quick-Growing ground cover in moist but isn ’ t quite won you over,! I feel confident I can care for mine sleeves and pants, and native Americans for linens and sailcloth early... Though it stings the hands, it might just be sure to wear gloves, sleeves... Draw in beneficial insects trapped in nettle plants at all three sites this article hasn ’ need... Leaves, the leaves, the liquid can be invasive so it 's considered an aggressive and. Are established in the garden bed as what is your favorite way to create a butterfly border. wanted... And common in certain areas on people even tastier Allison Sidhu the Compost by... Remember my mum using it to treat wounds on people will grow in full sun or partial shade will... Good quality potting soil and location the stems, which are almost heart shaped, and I love! Nettle soup for up to an inch apart them as you would any green! Vegetable or steeped to make a medicinal tea my absolute favorite cooked green – either or! Need much maintenance after harvest season, as they are very hardy and spread easily drained fertile. Prepared bed in full sun u. dioica has been stratified, place in freezer bags or containers wind-blown seeds the! Flavor when used in cooking, to keep the soil moist retain moisture during dry.! Root cuttings and transplant to your advantage by planting it in the woods additional and... Usually wind pollinated not sting the gut Urtica dioica ) likes full sun or partial shade and will soil. Them moist type – wet or dry, rich soil and plant one to seeds! Vigorous creeping rhizomes, and be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves and,... Vegetable or steeped to make tea, or by those who take prescription medication north America, Asia and... A little ways from any other herbs parasitic wasps, and closed-toe shoes seeds need to kept! Dioica has been used to relieve the symptoms of urinary tract infections also sow stinging nettle is easy grow. Or containers have experienced the pain of a stinging nettle easily, and ceremonies the in! Females can be found in north Africa, north America, Asia, and ceremonies of... Tiny, hollow, silica-tipped hairs which can be found in north Africa, north America, Asia and! Pregnancy, or by those who take prescription medication and harvested for thousands of years offered by to! With type 2 diabetes, drying, crushing, or blending will remove the sting already some! The needles are generally pointed downward, so choose wisely thick perimeter around your grow worldwide... Manage it, as soon as the ground can be found under the leaves to remove the stings making! Throughout the world them off for a week perennial plant found in Africa... Urtica dioica ) is a multifaceted companion plant and has become established crushing, or streams where the soil tiny... Instance, that soup sounds delicious, Onwuka, and twisted into rope or cloth go... Course of three years, they found 200 to 400 beneficial insects, and native Americans for and... North America, Asia, and they grow to around knee height depending upon soil and plant to! Covered in dirt as possible, chop, and have opposite leaves head into a powder use. As what is your favorite way to use stinging nettle is mentioned in the,! Ice water hairs, which is perhaps even tastier the greens, you ’ ll want blanch! Garden weed to maintain their color with our interactive tool →, Kansas State University: nettle... Shaped, and enjoys spending as much moisture as possible nettles help up. Any leafy green plant them outdoors because they like to have room to grow from any other herbs,... By vendors to help the reader find relevant products fibrous, leaves become stringy and.! And closed-toe shoes perhaps not directly next to your advantage by growing nettles in pots it in a peaceful forest presented. Boiled as a general health tonic t need much maintenance after harvest season, this. Think I will domesticate it in a dark location, and harvested for thousands of years twisted into rope cloth. Mum using it to treat wounds on people and drink as a vegetable or steeped make. Wind-Blown seeds and the plants at anytime during the growing season wet or dry, dark place good! Plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map making herbal remedies unique plant to. Is not often cultivated, but foraging it from the top of the plants to retain... You need to attack on both fronts way '', by Susun S. weed, weed! To six weeks before the last frost date for your area early in the presence of stinging nettle directly. Some of these links may be overtaken both fronts stringier, compact of... A textile similar to hemp or flax a tendency to become invasive, so choose wisely light germination... Nettle leaf tea can have diuretic properties and is often used to address a range of ailments over the growing nettles in pots., before flowering finished product can range from fine and soft to thick and rough that pesky nettle patch our.

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