comfry

Hi, I use it, as do some other members, but there is a bit more to it than that. You'd have to let it soak for a long time. I use another method I read about and saw on TV. A large plastic bottle, with the base removed, is fixed, upside down with cap left off , to a fence post using a large clip such as a plastic waste pipe clip. The bottle is packed with dry comfrey leaves, and something heavy (such as another, slimmer bottle filled with water,a stone, or even 1 or 2 quarter bricks if you use a large bottle) placed as a press on top of the leaves. The weight gradually squeezes the sap from the leaves, and the brown fluid drips into another bottle (small) stood underneath. This fluid is diluted further in water and used as a root or foliar feed. My comfrey came with the garden and is low and spreading, like yours. I have contained it in several large containers and have had free plant feed for 7 years now.

Thanks Dave, I will definately give this a go and let you all know how I get on.

This plant is a MENACE in my garden - Why our predecessors planted it everywhere I really do not understand. I have tried to get rid of it in most areas, but you only have to miss a small piece of root and up it pops, it also seeds itself. It also has nasty kind of bristly leaves that leave prickles in your hands if you touch them. I dug up 12 barrow loads last summer to plant more interesting and well-behaved plants! I'm glad yours is under control, David! Watch yours, Treesand things, don't let it take over your garden, useful though it may be. P.S. I did compost the leaves, I cut them off the stems!

Yes Spritz, forgot the hairs - always wear gloves. Mine is like yours, Treesandthings, but my flowers are pale yellow with brownish tips. I think it is a type of Russian comfrey. The best type of comfrey to grow with intent is Bocking14, which is sterile so doesn't self-seed. Simply soaking the leaves in a bin or barrel takes 3 - 6 weeks, and produces a definite sewer-like odour. I did it the first time I tried making the liquid feed and spent hours seiving the leaves out. I have since read a handy hint. Tie the
leaves inside a hessian sack before putting into the water - as easy as
making a cup of tea with a teabag! Get that clump of yours into a tub, tho, asap!

As of today some leaves are now brewing nicely.