Nettle manure is a natural fertilizer rich in nutrients and minerals, beneficial for the growth of plants, including tomatoes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing, using, dosing, and applying nettle manure to your tomato plants:
Preparation of Nettle Manure:
- Nettle Collection:
- Choose healthy and young nettles, preferably before they flower.
- Use gloves to avoid stings and cut the nettles with scissors or gardening gloves.
- Decomposition of Nettles:
- Fill a large container (like a bucket) with the cut nettles to about one-third of its capacity.
- Add rainwater or chlorine-free water to completely cover the nettles.
- Fermentation:
- Cover the container with a lid or cloth and let it ferment in a shaded and well-ventilated place for about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Stir the solution every few days to promote fermentation.
- Filtration:
- Once fermentation is complete, filter the mixture using a sieve or fine cloth to remove solid residues.
Uses, Dosage, and Application:
- Tomato Fertilization:
- Dilute the filtered nettle manure in water at a ratio of approximately 10 to 20% (1 liter of manure per 9 to 19 liters of water).
- Use this diluted solution to water the tomato plants at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves.
- Promotion of Growth:
- Apply the diluted nettle manure to your tomato plants every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season to encourage their development and strengthen their resistance to diseases.
- Disease Prevention:
- Nettle manure can also be sprayed on the leaves of tomato plants to strengthen their immune system and protect them against fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
- Foliar Treatment:
- For foliar treatment, dilute the filtered nettle manure in water at a ratio of 5 to 10% and spray it directly onto the tomato leaves.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to prepare your own nettle manure to feed and strengthen your tomato plants naturally and ecologically. Remember to store any unused nettle manure in a cool, dark place and to use it as soon as possible to ensure its effectiveness.
