Nettle macerate: how to prepare it and what it is used for
To have a sustainable garden , you do not need to use chemical fertilizers.
If they are not strictly necessary, they can be replaced by natural and effective fertilizers such as nettle macerate .
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Nettle macerate is a natural fertilizer and plant protection product . You can make it with your own hands and thus save some money, it is organic and obviously natural.
This nettle product contains salicylic and formic acid , which are effective against pests and insects and stimulate the soil for perfect cultivation.
If you think it might be right for you, just read on below.
Nettle macerate: what is it? What can it do?
Before we go into details, we need to analyze the nettle .
This spontaneously growing plant has emerald green leaves with serrated edges. It loves moist, nitrogen-rich soils and thrives in shady locations.
The plant is especially known for its burning power. It contains mineral salts and vitamins A , C and K and also has diuretic , purifying and anti-anemic effects .
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Nettle can be used as a perfect natural remedy for health and fitness. It can also be used by turning it into an infusion or into savory preparations and also, strange but true, in pasta .
For all these reasons and more, it can also be a perfect natural pesticide to make with your own hands. In this way, you can take care of your garden with nettle macerate and also stimulate plant growth thanks to the nitrogen, iron, vitamins and mineral salts it contains .
Nettle macerate: how to prepare it?
The first thing you need to do to collect nettle is to wear gardening gloves, precisely because it is a stinging plant.
Then you need to get a bucket , some water of course , and the garden shears .
You can then start extracting the nettle macerate.
Place the nettles in a large container, such as a bucket or barrel, until it is completely full. I recommend not squeezing the nettle plants. Then add the water so that the nettles are covered and then close the bucket with the lid. The dosage is: 10 liters of water 1 kg of nettles.
Let everything rest for about 3 weeks .
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After the specified time, open the bucket, filter the mixture carefully and then store it in a bottle with a dispenser .
At this point, the nettle macerate is ready. Now you just need to understand how to use it.
Nettle macerate: how to use it?
When the nettle macerate is ready, it must be diluted with water to fertilize the plants and flowers . In fact, it is necessary to make a mixture of 100 ml of macerate and 10 liters of water.
To keep ants out of your home, simply put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it around windows and doors .
It is also perfect as a compost bin as it supports the decomposition process.
To ensure the plants grow lushly , simply water them every 2 weeks with this DIY product.
As a pesticide against aphids and red spider mites
Is the problem with your plants aphids or spider mites? Don’t worry, you can use part of the macerate and spray it pure. Just 12 hours after soaking the nettles, you don’t have to wait 15 days
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Nettle macerate: How is it preserved?
The nettle macerate can also be kept for a whole year , but to do this you must add a little vinegar (about 2 to 3% compared to the liquid you have available) and place it in an airtight container in a cool but also not very busy place, otherwise it could give off a bad smell . But this bad smell should not put you off, on the contrary, it is proof of its quality.
Now all you have to do is get to work.