Comfrey is a perennial herb with a turnip-like root and large, hairy broad leaves that bear small bell-shaped flowers, usually blue.
Comfrey is fast-growing and produces huge amounts of leaf during the growing season, therefore, it benefits from being mulched with grass clippings to supply the plants with extra nitrogen. Its prolific growing habit means it can be harvested four or five times a year – best to harvest before it flowers and then every 5-6 weeks. Harvest the leaves by cutting with shears about 5 cm above ground. The only possible downside is acquiring a cutting, once you have one you will never look back.
As an organic fertiliser Comfrey is a source of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) together with many other trace elements. Potassium, is particularly essential for flower, seed, and fruit production
Comfrey Tea: Cover and soak the leaves in rainwater for 4-5 weeks and use as is, on the garden.
Comfrey Mulch: Add a 5 cm layer of leaves around crops and it will break down and release nutrients. In this manner it is good for fruiting plants, tomatoes, and potatoes and particularly handy for those growing their gardens in pots..
Comfrey also makes a good companion plant around the base of fruit trees or other perennials. Wilted leaves can be used as a layer of a Lasagne or Hugelkulture style garden bed.
Another tea I want to tell you about is Banana Peel Tea. Banana peels are rich in Potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. To make Banana Peel tea place a banana peel in a large container (preferably glass) and add 1 litre of water. Leave to soak for 48 hours and remove banana peel (see below). Now water your garden as usual with the liquid fertiliser.
Are your plants infested with aphids? Dilute the banana tea – 5 parts water to 1 part Banana tea, pour into spray bottle and spray stems and leaves of affected plant.
Take the leftover banana peel and chop into smaller pieces and bury in soil you are about to plant something in.
Banana peel tea is also good for you! Take ¼ of a banana peel (if not organic, wash well first) place in saucepan with 1 cup of water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, strain and drink before bed for a good night’s sleep. If that didn’t work, try more banana peel next time, but start slowly because an overdose of magnesium will have the reverse effect.
Lastly Seaweed Tea, great for all the minerals and another easy to produce liquid fertiliser. Just remember taking seaweed may be illegal in some areas (check with local council) and please take just a little.
Hose it down thoroughly to remove all salt deposits. Place in a large drum with an equal amount of fresh water. Leave for 8 weeks, and remember to stir every 3 days. Pour off the liquid and dilute 1 cup to 1 bucket of water.
The seaweed residue can now go into the compost pile.
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