May 12, 2026, 10:22 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Nettles are known to many primarily for their unpleasant sting on the skin and are therefore rather unpopular in gardens. However, they are often underestimated, as the plants are much more versatile than their reputation suggests: Nettles can be prepared as tea, used to care for other plants, and even be beneficial in your own garden—for example, in the form of nettle slurry as a natural fertilizer. myHOMEBOOK gardening expert Franka Kruse-Gering explains how to easily make nettle slurry yourself.
How to Make Nettle Slurry
- First, the nettles need to be cut, preferably with scissors, shortening the stems to about 8 inches. Since the fine stinging hairs can cause skin irritation upon contact, it is advisable to wear gloves and preferably long clothing to avoid direct contact.
- The cut plant parts are then placed in a wooden or plastic container and completely covered with rainwater, so everything is well submerged and the fermentation process can begin. Alternatively, the nettle slurry can also be prepared in a larger bottle.
Then, a bit of patience is required: The slurry should be stirred or shaken regularly, ideally once a day. It is also important to occasionally open the container to allow oxygen in—without it, fermentation cannot occur properly. After just a few days, the mixture begins to bubble and foam, while also developing a very intense, unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is advisable to place the container in a remote location and plan for a sufficient distance from the terrace or seating areas.
The fermentation process usually takes two to four weeks. A sunny location can speed up the process and shorten the phase with the intense odor. To somewhat mitigate the smell, a small amount of rock dust or some lavender can be added. Once the liquid turns dark and no longer forms bubbles, fermentation is complete. After straining, the finished organic fertilizer is available, while the remaining plant residues can be disposed of in the compost.
Tip: Do not use metal containers for making nettle slurry, as they can chemically react. The container should be covered with a mesh or rabbit wire to prevent animals from drowning. Additionally, it should be covered with a cloth to prevent contamination from leaves and the like.
The Right Dosage of Nettle Slurry
Young plants cannot tolerate the natural fertilizer from nettles as concentrated as old and large plants. The following rule applies for the correct concentration:
- Old and large plants: 1 part slurry, 10 parts water
- Young plants and seedlings: 1 part slurry, 20 parts water
- Lawn: 1 part slurry, 20 parts water
Of course, heavy feeders such as tomatoes, potatoes, various types of cabbage, pumpkins, zucchini, broccoli, peppers, leeks, cucumbers, celery, and other vegetables can also be fertilized with it. Here, too, the recommended mixing ratio is one part slurry to 20 parts water.
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How to Use Nettles Against Aphids
Nettles are also suitable as a pest control agent. For this, a nettle broth or nettle decoction is prepared. The preparation is similar to that of nettle slurry, but the decoction is ready after just 24 hours. After straining, it can be transferred to a spray bottle. Plants infested with aphids must be sprayed daily. After about a week, the plants should be free of the pesky intruders.
Nettles for Healing and Consumption
The nettle is versatile. Nettle seeds are even surprisingly tasty. Chemical analysis shows that the plant is a complete food. It contains a lot of iron, vitamins A, C, and E, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. It has more vitamin C than oranges and more protein than soy. In soups, it surprises with a particularly mild taste. With its anti-inflammatory effect, it is used as a tincture or ointment to support various ailments. As a tea, it acts as a diuretic and is said to help with bladder infections.