Why You Need More Nettles in your Vegetable Garden | The Incredibly Useful Permaculture Plant

I decided to create a video to highlight some of the incredible benefits and uses that nettles bring to a vegetable garden. I would dare say that nettles are one of the most productive plants that can be grown in a garden. From beneficial insects to soil building, nettles are a plant that deserves far more attention as well as use. I hope that this video will inspire you to make the most of what nettles have to offer for your vegetable garden.
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#permaculture #selfsufficiency #nettles

[@Zvire09]

In Czech Republic, we use it also for cooking - we bake it together with some eggs, rolls and smoked meat and if you do it the right way, it's pretty delicous. It's a traditional food cooked on easter. The more you know :)

[@gregsanderson2470]

He has risen.

[@TheSunRiseKid]

@@gregsanderson2470 God bless!🙏🌱

[@svelanikolova5776]

Hey greetings from Bulgaria. We boil 8t add boiled rice mix and add yogurt on top. Is the bomb on a hot day.

[@svelanikolova5776]

We also make Greek banitza pie with steamed nettles eggs feta cheese rolled in fillo though

[@kgk8995]

Its used in Estonia aswell🤗🤗🤗

[@growsoilbiology]

My friends dad runs a biodynamic Farm. He soaks nettles for 24h in water and then sprinkles the liquid as a foliage health tonic on ALL of his plants. He says it helps particularly with diseases such as blight.

[@scanipoos]

I used to do that with comfrey

[@capicuaaa]

I do with nettles too except I use it on the soil. It's fantastic. It's the only thing I'll use other than compost.

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

I like to dry the leaves, grind them, store them in mason jars, and add the powdered nettles to soups and stews.

[@jhum71]

I do the same! I also love the dry leaves (or fresh, either way) as a tea.

[@tinasearcy4684]

What a great idea I also love to eat like spinach

[@elsagrace3893]

Yes, that way you can use all the leaves not just the tender green ends

[@ketskaesor9467]

I have added them to pasta.

[@katinss9983]

what a great idea, to dry them into a powder, thanks for sharing that. im gonna try it this year,

[@PaleGhost69]

The aphid thing is something I've been talking about for a long time. "Pests" are just hungry creatures. Give them something to eat that can act as a decoy. Work with nature, not against it.

[@evan5935]

Just like any slugs i see in my yard! They get moved to the edge, where there is probably more food diversity anyway 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@evan5935]

Oh, gotta watch for the aphid-farming ants though... those sons of guns will infect ANY new plant just because lol

[@matthewfarrell317]

Not a new concept, we are planning to do the 3 sisters, planting of corn, pumpkin and beans, this summer, what a lot of people don't know is Native Americans had a 4th sister, I cannot remember the species used, but it produced brilliant flowers and seeds, the idea being to attract the birds from the other plants, especially the corn to that one. The Europeans didn't want to waste time on plants they couldn't eat, hence how it became the 3 sisters.

[@Just-Nikki]

Evan5935 ants are little junkies aren’t they! They take the aphids wings off, move them to a food source and keep them safe so they ( the ants ) can get high 😂

[@Trainman2101]

@Matthew I believe it was sunflower.

[@timcent7199]

My mother told me that after the war in Holland asthma was greatly reduced because the people harvested wild stinging nettles due to the lack of other food. Eating nettles and Comfrey are said to be effective against asthma.

[@roisin252]

That’s amazing. Don’t tell big pharma!

[@michellestevens9750]

I read that some years ago a man discovered nettles cyred asthma. He ended up getting locked up for murder.hmmm very suspicious that.

[@ShesUnreal]

I'm already "brewing" the nettle fertilizer from Grow Food For Free, but this video makes me appreciate them even more! BTW, if you ever want to embarrass your teenager...try walking the neighborhood alleys wearing long rubber gloves, collecting unappreciated nettles in a paper grocery bag. (Or, just exist. That works too. ; )

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Favourite recipe... collect the tips of young nettles, gently stir fry in 1 oz of butter for 2 minutes, add the same amount of spinach, stir and turn off the heat. in a bowl .. put 2 tables spoons of Greek yogurt and a half teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Add the nettle spinach mix to the yoghurt mix. This makes a lovely sauce for pasta with parmesan Alternatively, add an egg to the nettle/spinach/ yoghurt mix and use to top lasagne. Such a great video Huw... I often use the salubrious 'weeds' to good effect for the garden and for eating. Bless your heart. xx

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

💝💝💝

[@kooale]

U rock Moira, thanks!

[@nick1998no1]

Huw im 22 so relatively new to gardening but am currently successfully growing beetroot, potatoes, Brussels, carrots lots of tomatoes and cucumbers lettuce and many others, your vids are extremely helpful and being British myself makes you very relative and inspiring, keep it up

[@ericaslittlewelshgarden]

I absolutely love having nettles in my woodland, they're so beneficial to wildlife too. Thanks for being the voice of the humble nettle and spreading the knowledge of their fabulous benefits! 💚

[@jinde75]

You.can fry nettle leaves to make nettle crisps. My kids love them.

[@claireneale3183]

Ooh, need more info, like the idea of nettle crisps! 😂

[@lesleyevans6691]

How ?

[@anoukdoeven3862]

@@lesleyevans6691pick leaves, fry the leaves in a bit of oil and add salt. The oil has to be hot. Good luck. I really like them.

[@richtmason3792]

Nettle sting may also help to alleviate joint pain from some people's arthritis. It has helped me in the past.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

How was it used ? Would it help with carpel tunnel ?

[@joannleichliter4308]

Hasn't helped me thus far.

[@scanipoos]

Putting your hands into nettles..stings like hell and I dont know if it’s the nettles or the fact I’m constantly moving my hands because they sting but it alleviates the arthritis

[@Medietos]

@@joannleichliter4308 it cant help unless you stop doing the bad things of course.

[@joannleichliter4308]

@@Medietos And those bad things would be? Serious question.

[@suburbanhomestead]

Great to see you using chop and drop more often. I also use nettle tea as a way of easing pollen allergies.

[@HuwRichards]

Thanks Siloe! I had no idea you could use nettles for that - thank you!

[@suburbanhomestead]

K Barnes 5-10 minutes. 2 cups a day.

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Do you use the new growth ? Just wondering what stage is best for treating allergies ! Thank you !!!!!

[@sufficientgrace1692]

Same here! I mix it with mint to add a little flavor. I actually purchased a huge bag of dried nettle because I just don’t have much on my small property.

[@jasons-jungle]

Thanks for this video but I don't think I need more nettles - I've got loads of them. I don't do much with them, leave them as a wild life attraction for insects, add them to the compost, use them as a mulch and occasionally make nettle feed. Not into textiles but traditionally up in the wilds of Scotland they were used to replace flax (which didn't grow too well there) and turned into linen for sheets, tablecloths, etc. or using it to get dyes (gives muted green/brown). A use you won't have for many years to come is the stings - I don't mind getting stung by them as they can help with arthritic joints. I haven't managed to convince the family to eat nettles yet - they're still getting their heads around dandelions. Nettle tea isn't the only drink you can get out of them - nettle beer is an age old tradition in some places. They also make a good soup. Wash and dry the leaves then bag them up and freeze them. Throw the frozen leaves straight into the pan when you want them and the needles have gone so no more sting and you get an nutritious soup ingredient. Of course you could go all out Roman with the nettles and beat yourself all over on cold mornings to act like deep heat as it's supposed to increase blood circulation to the stung areas warming them up - but for me that's going a bit too far. I'll just put on a jumper if I'm that cold. I do remember that some UK village or other has a nettle eating contest - fresh mature leaves with plenty of sting. Some people take their nettles to the extreme.

[@dswest1]

:D

[@kajsan760]

In Sweden cloth made from nettles was traditionally considered finer and more luxurious than linen. My kids love nettle pie. I fry nettle leaves in butter with onions and spices, and put it in a pie shell. Then I mix eggs, milk and creme fraiche, pour on and put it in the oven.

[@SadieScarlett]

I've got a nettle patch as part of a 'zone 5' type area at the back of my garden! I've also let my (dad's) lawn grow out and it's been beautiful watching the natural succession of various 'weeds' flowering - dandelions, speedwell, dog daisies (and a bunch of others I'm yet to identify!). I've had zero slug damage on my veg too! Dunno if that has anything to do with it or I'm just lucky haha. Humans have had such an obsession with controlling nature for aesthetic purposes, and destroyed so much value and beauty in the process...

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

I always kind of joke that lawn mowers are evil, because well they shop of the heads of so many beautiful plants, and whatever is in their way. I happen to love the dandelions and other flowers and herbs, that grow naturally. But in a city or around other dwellings you just can't get away with it. I find perfect green lawns so useless and boring. Nature has such an abundant diversity of useful and medicinal herbs and plants. Guess I wasn't born for big city life.

[@TheSunRiseKid]

@@heidimisfeldt5685 I agree wholeheartedly!! 🙂🌱🌸🌼

[@neiler1970]

Well said. About time someone fought for this wonderful plant. Good job 👍🏽

[@car9140]

I’ll try to remember this if I get a larger place. For now I let clover take over the walking paths in my garden. It doesn’t get too tall like grass, it attracts a ton of bees and I can snack on the flowers sometimes.

[@Just-Nikki]

Carlina C they also make a nice tea as long as you’re not taking blood thinners. They also smell so nice don’t they!

[@lilolmecj]

Carlina C love my clover, I have my lawn to about 25% clover.

[@moonshinepz]

Hugh's nettle patch is bigger than my whole garden 🤣

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

I'm so jealous 😭😂🤣 .. love nettles and other wild herbs some Elites call WEEDS! I drink Nettle and Plantain water daily. I have it raw. Love being Asthma and Drug free thanks to organic natural plants. And adore Japanese Knotweed. Cleared the phlegm from my lungs.

[@raekwon2609]

IT'S SPELLED HUW!!! 😤😤😤

[@moonshinepz]

@@raekwon2609 😬

[@aprilboelter2090]

Same bro

[@sousahari5948]

@@ButterflyLullabyLtd Hi, in Wales we have a lot of Japanese Knotweed, but it’s considered to be a destructive weed. Stories of it destroying and devaluing homes by breaking their foundations down is rife. There is a 5 year plan to systemically poison any Knotweed near buildings which Councils have to do, otherwise they can be taken to court for negligence. I would love to know a safe and useful way to use this plant, please share what you know. Thank you so much. 😊

[@deborahmeijer9697]

We grow them for the horses 😅 They love them. I did know they benifit butterfly's did not know about the rest, so we're going to expand. We throw a small arm in weekly, my stallion the badass eats them as soon as i throw them in about 30 sec after i cut them. The ladies wait about 10 to 20 min so they sting less 🤣. Its a verry healthy snack for them and they love it.

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

Ha, my rabbits are much the same. Some chow down right away, mostly they wait a few hours or even overnight. Great winter fodder too. I just tie a bunch together with string and hang them in a (dark) shed.

[@valeriehowden471]

Always love the sound of a scythe.

[@HuwRichards]

I know exactly what you mean!

[@AnxiousCowboy]

Especislly when it hits bone

[@RichardEllamElemental]

Great video...I made a nettle soup last week including potato and onion and it was superb..Which also saved me the hassle of joining an ASDA queue.

[@HuwRichards]

Hahaha this is a great comment ;)

[@miritam3932]

Does it taste good, honestly? 😮

[@mefistovonbedre7285]

I also add few cut boiled eggs in it once its almost finished boiling ...makes taste richer ...

[@JR-jv8hz]

We have a lovely little patch in my garden 💖 We made some cheese and nettle pie, and used nettles to substitute the usual spinach- no one was able to tell the difference!

[@HuwRichards]

Oh that is fantastic!

[@GrimFaceHunter]

Nettles are excellent with some horseradish. I ate that all the time instead of spinach.

[@trumpetingangel]

I think nettles taste much better than spinach!

[@danamalcova427]

Just WOW!!! I already loved nettles in my kitchen in green smoothie/juice and as spinach replacement - some are in my freezer, some are drying, waiting to try the seeds this year - but all the uses for gardening!!! 😲😵😆 Just WOW!!! And a big thank you for sharing this info!!! 🙏💙👏

[@moniquerizvi325]

It was a good reminder of the benefits of nettles. Thank you.

[@aliilkerunlu1340]

I used to make salad from nettles back in Turkey. Soak the leaves in vinegar and water and give it a good stir. You can also cook it like other leafy plants.

[@vincenthuying98]

Great video, a good nettle soup and homegrown tincture could be added, nettles have much more benefits than we were told.

[@carmenortiz5294]

Interesting watching a kid growing up in front of my own eyes.

[@heathermacdonald6404]

Thanks for all the great information about nettles. Nettles were everywhere on our rural property when I was a child and we feared them, thinking they they were nothing but a nuisance. Imagine, we could have been eating and drinking them! Oh well, they're on the menu now. For the aphids and in our kitchen. Thanks, again!

[@amyw4216]

Love nettles! We use the tea whenever allergies or sinuses flare up and haven’t had to take allergy meds for years!

[@shawtop]

I didnt relize that worked 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Just-Nikki]

Amy W I drink it every day and it truly helps. It’s been 6 years since I took a claritin

[@yanniemullin2189]

Thanks for sharing, I'll try that for my sinusitis. 👍🍁

[@Just-Nikki]

K Barnes I mix it with spearmint or whatever herbs I’m growing and I drink about a quart of it a day as iced tea. I use around a Tbl spoon ( dried ) or a little more every day and it works for me 🤷🏻‍♀️ try it and adjust as needed until you notice results. Good luck 😀

[@amyw4216]

K Barnes We drink three to four cups per week but there have been times when it was taken everyday. I think you can adjust the frequency to what works for your needs. You can also add other herbs to help with flavor! We use tulsi and peppermint leaves.

[@cbjones2212]

Making a 'tea' with nettles and letting it cool makes a great rinse for your hair as well They make a lovely dye for natural fibre fabrics too - richer on wool and silk but lovely on cotton and linen. Speaking of fibres - the fabric known as 'ramie' is from a plant in the nettle family

[@jesshothersall]

I always assumed Ramie was a manmade fibre, so thanks for your info!

[@karynhitchman2498]

@@jesshothersall Most 'man-made' fibres come from some sort of wood pulp in the beginning, eg rayon, viscose etc

[@talllala]

Really? What colour dye?

[@eleanorcramer7986]

But but but they sting so gloves ok but he touches them toOO.....so???? How does one handle them without the sting?

[@luciatheron1621]

@@eleanorcramer7986 after a certain point you wont feel the stings...

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you for watching! I have a garden tour coming soon! In the meantime check out the fabulous permaculture magazine: www.permaculture.co.uk/issue/summer-2020

[@PermacultureMagazine]

Thanks for the shout out, Huw. Really appreciated.

[@katipohl2431]

In Nepal nettles are holy plants and there is a yearly festival for the nettle celebration. They see the European nettles as holy too and promote nettle protection. Evil can come from destroying and disrespecting nettles as they say.

[@JulieAnnScott]

Huw...I hope what I have to tell you this morning brings sunshine to your heart & an added spring to your step. I simply LOVE your channel and have learned so much by watching it and appreciate your dedication to giving your love of gardening to all us for free. My 91 yr old mother & I were watching this video & eating breakfast and I mentioned how much I love your channel and your sweet giving character. She told me "We need one of them Julie Ann, you need to get us one....I will pay for it, he is adorable and I really like him"! She will be 92 in a few weeks...but still knows a good young man when she sees one!! I am still laughing over it! Keep up the great work we really are indebted to you for the rich content you bring! Sincerely!! Julie Ann & mama in South Carolina

[@summerholiday12]

Thanks for the link! I have now subscribed to the magazine, though only 3 issues a year but worth it 😁

[@mariesmith8076]

Don’t you get stung by those Nettles? When I was growing up in Europe I got stung all the time. Gosh! You brought back memories to me. Great job!

[@MrBigCookieCrumble]

We make nettle soup in Sweden, it's basically like spinach, except covered with thousands of poisonous needles!! :D

[@jhnshep]

In ireland my grandmother would send me out after it rained to collect them, nettle tea nettle soup etc, sucked when you found a dry leaf lol

[@torstenaan]

@@jhnshep Do they not burn when they are wet? If you hold on the inner part of a leaf and cut the stem with a scissor, you can collect them with bare hands :)

[@fatdad64able]

With, or without aphids? ^^

[@NotoriousPyro]

The heating denatures the toxin.

[@simonlock6340]

Tastes nasty though. We tried it on a school trip once as an experiment. The needles do fall off with boiling but if I were to use them again it would not be as we tried it (dumped on the side of a plate) but as an addition to replace spinach, maybe with ricotta in a tart or stuffing.

[@estherinwood3413]

I’ve been instinctively keeping the nettles around my apple tree along with the borage and dock even though it is nearly as high as the small tree. I’ve been enjoying nettle tea and cooking with it. but did wonder if my methods were right when seeing the nettle seeds appear and was considering picking out the nettle completely. Now I know I can eat the seed will try that. Thanks for the top tip. Am I crazy keeping the doc too? I always figure if you grow nettle you need the sting cure too.

[@helenfay9465]

Hi, not crazy, i would just suggest using the docks nutrition, ie in compost or chop and drop before she goes to seed...the dock is often present where nutrients need drawing up from deeper underground...

[@PermacultureMagazine]

Thanks for the shout out, Huw. Great video on nettles. We love them too and use them as a compost accelerator as well as for liquid fertiliser.

[@HuwRichards]

My pleasure! A compost accelerator is a great idea - just like comfrey can be used that way!

[@nikolluispardavilazapf5752]

You've just blown my mind, mister 🤯 especially with eating the seeds.

[@abidiscombe655]

You had me at butterfly. 🦋😂 Thanks Huw, this has changed my opinion on Nettles, I've got a small garden but am thinking it could be worth dedicating a pot around the back for them. 👍

[@bethatz252]

You've finally convinced me to allow stinging nettles to grow in my garden, or at least a small patch. I've been fighting them with a vengeance for 40 years, as my dad taught me. I first read how good they are as a food source & compost activator a few years ago, but just couldn't bring myself to do it. I'll try it this summer & see how it goes.

[@lilolmecj]

Beth Atz they are supposed to be prevalent in my area but I cannot find any on my property or local parks.

[@TheSunRiseKid]

@@Saudade54 they also make an excellent tea! I dry them so I have some for winter.🙂🌱

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

Thank you Huw for changing my attitude towards nettles, we have some on the allotment and I shall now see them differently!

[@Babycakes_2001]

Me too 👍🏼

[@Just-Nikki]

Petals on the Paving Slabs it makes a very useful tea 😄

[@HuwRichards]

Awh I am so glad to hear it! :)

[@ericaslittlewelshgarden]

@@Just-Nikki but stinks! Don't get it on your hands! 😂

[@Just-Nikki]

Erica's Little Welsh Garden haha, true! I let my husband do the collecting 😉

[@akifkhan88]

Dear Hew. I like your videos and learn much. Your nettle one is great. May i add that nettle pesto is amazing and cheap. 150g chopped nettle, blanched. 50 to 80g of sunflower seeds, 20ml olive oil, 50 to 80 g cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend into a smooth pesto. Please keep inspiring us all.

[@ambrosemclaren145]

Dio you know the history of the Ladybug? In a forner century the farmers' crops were being destroyed by aphids.The farmers prayed to Our Lady Mary for help. All of a sudden, these insects showed up and ate the aphids. In thanksgiving the insect was named, Ladybug.

[@jesshothersall]

or in the UK, Ladybird

[@hagopianharout2238]

Mary she is not a god yo protect anything or any one 😂 only fool prays to anyone but Jesus, Jesus is the only one who is able to save, redeem and give life because He us tge Creator but Mary? Age is a creation ! Don’t prY to creation but pray only to the Creator…

[@przemysawkulak4275]

@A.M. And than ants came... killing all ladybugs.

[@przemysawkulak4275]

@@hagopianharout2238 only fools prays. There are no any gods as we know it. GOD is only a human fantasy so far.

[@Siamesemama1]

Oh my....I pulled them out. Got aphids too😖 That was last year. Welcome back, Nettles! Thanks for informative vid😺; as I'm a noob, the collective garden wisdom is so appreciated.

[@capicuaaa]

Great video with really valuable information! I'm currently growing a nettle patch for Red Admiral butterflies. They're wildly successful. I've spotted 4 caterpillars thus far!

[@kisskeepitshortsimple105]

Nice video, Huw, yet here are 2 enrichments for you: Nettle is a healing herb, clenses the blood and, of course, is greatly nutritious - so it is an insult to call it a weed. Most wild plants are great blessings also for the human health. And the second tip is, when you put nettle in water for fertilization, add some Effective Microorganisms and let it ferment, filled up to the top, tightly closed, for 1 week or 10 days. It will smell quite less and it will be trully magnificent for your plants. Blessings!

[@evan5935]

I love nettles! They are cool looking in my opinion and super high in vitamin C

[@HuwRichards]

They do indeed look cool!

[@Mortthemoose]

Yep.....my Nettles just do their own thing, at the back of my garden, and I'm pleased to say that my garden is chock a block full of wee beasties, and butterflies every year. My Nettles grow all along the outside my back garden perimeter fence. Just gotta hope that our wonderful P&K council doesn't spray them with weedkiller, as they seem to do with just about every living thing, barring grass! Been lucky this past 14 yrs though ☺

[@beate1911]

Hi Huw, very interresting video! Last week my husband bought your book ‚Veg in one bed‘ (in German ‚Hochbeet‘) and so I found your KZbin-Channel. Your book is really wonderful and I can't wait until we build our first ‚Hochbeet‘ in autumn. With your book I‘m shure: Even we could do this - and a place for the nettles is also in planning 😊 Warm greetings from Germany, Beate

[@helebaby5225]

Thanks for the aphid tip. I'll try growing some in pots around my tomatoes. I don't have a large garden. Loving your vids all the way from Melbourne and all the comments.

[@fireintheheadstudio]

LOVE Nettle. I am actually drinking nettle tea with honey as I watch haha I wanted more nettle in my garden. I planted ONE plant and pulled out wgen it went to seed. Over a year later and I have nettle growing all over my back garden thanks to the wind and birds. So happy! Great video thanks Huw 😊

[@marzisharifi9491]

You forgot to mention they are stinging like a bee if touch skin,,so i grow them in my garden along with plantains which is fast and best remedy to ease the itch and pain of stinging nettles.i make tinctures with nettle leaves and my husband allergy almost gone by using that tincture along with echinacea ,moringa and reishi.i love growing all medicinal plants

[@littlewoodimp]

I'm busy with my annual big nettle seed collection while I'm out with the dogs right now. I put them in smoothies, use them as garnish, even tried some nettle seed bread (wasn't great but ..). They seem to freeze well. I love sitting out making nettle string to use for decorating jars etc and whatever is left goes into making plant food. There's always a good patch of nettles I leave alone, I rest any long stems I harvest there for a day to give the residents a chance to leave.

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Great video, Huw. I love the idea of drawing away the aphids! Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b 🌞 Gardeners here are getting seeds and Seedlings in pots and ground before the summer heat hits!

[@MoragGambleOurPermacultureLife]

It is so great to explore each of the plants that grow so abundantly and find ways we can appreciate them so much more. Great video Huw. Hope you didn't get stung too many times!! Bit worried about you in the midst of that big patch. ;-)

[@HuwRichards]

I don't get stung too often and to be honest I don't mind the sting at all. Apparently it's actually good for you. Thank you so much Morag!

[@Just-Nikki]

Huw Richards - Grow Food Organically I didn’t realize the sting was beneficial as well? I will have to do my research on that. Thank you sir!

[@Just-Nikki]

Morag Gamble : Our Permaculture Life I just wanted to say I really enjoy when your son is on your videos. You have done a great job raising a smart young man 💙

[@markmaynard6551]

@@HuwRichards As a noobie, is it a thorn sting the same way cactus punctures the skin ?

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

@@markmaynard6551 It is very fine, very short hairs mostly on the topside of the nettle leaves. They act as hypodermic needles, injecting various chemicals. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_dioica#Nettle_sting_mechanism_and_treatment

[@ILGuy2012]

I clipped off some young nettle plants in early spring and cooked them just until tender. Then I chopped them like spinach and substituted them for chopped spinach in a spinach quiche recipe. It was delicious! If I hadn't known nettles were used in place of spinach, I wouldn't have been able to tell a difference in taste. I've never had much success growing spinach--always seems to bolt too quickly, sometimes before the first cutting--so I'm planning to just use nettles instead. They come up on their own every year, so the only effort I need to put forth is harvesting them. Thanks for the info on other uses. I'll have to try eating the seeds later this year.

[@CB-qn3uf]

I have read that nettles also have a fair amount of protein in them and that the Native Americans would hit themselves with the mature plants to relieve arthritis pain.

[@hannahjones8992]

Really enjoyed watching this, found it uplifting👍God bless🙏🏻💖

[@loveregardless2857]

Thank you for this video. May your harvest multiply.

[@stephentomes2634]

I've seen organic growers let certain weeds grow to fertilize soil then they grow their veggies in it next and it works crazily well and give invaluable habitat for wildlife. They have to just mulch around the veggies they put in after. I'm putting all my weeds twig cuttings etc every garden waste (other than ones I leave for wildlife) in a pile under my seven trees and once a year I'm taking the compost from under these trees and using it for all the pots with veg in and it's worked really well so far.

[@risasb]

I've successfully transplanted them to the garden from the nearby mountains.

[@dadfett5597]

Awesome I been rethinking weeds as the property I bought is full of em. Been learning many are actually useful in various way. I thought all these plants have to have some purpose to exist.

[@susanagvalencia3286]

From Cayambe South America Your video with your explanation are very important to understand the value of this plant. THANKYOU VERY MUCH; God bless you GRACIAS

[@845722144]

I remember my grand mother always added nettles to steam potatoes for animal feed, pigs ,pultry etc..

[@jugglingjakeuk]

thank you Thank you!! Great to see Permaculture becoming a big thing nowadays.

[@theherbwalker7000]

Nettles are amazing! Their fibre can also be used to make very strong twine or rope as well as cloth.

[@svelanikolova5776]

Now I really have to learn how to scythe. My neighbors property is mine to do as I please and I got a 1.4 acre full of them including my yard. Just awesome news. Thank you. I saved you'd video to share.

[@fifibernard6412]

Gratitude for this video I did find nettles all over my garden so beautiful so bless.

[@miniciks1115]

Nettle börek, nettle risotto, nettle soup, as you said nettle tea, it’s one of natures wonderful free gifts. Thank you.

[@AshfordsBoulevard]

If you are "stung" by nettles, the BEST way to get rid of the itchy painful sting is to use the liquid from the stem and rub it on affected area. I frequently harvest nettle with my bare hands, and they can hurt, so when Im all done I grab some stems. Squeeze and rub stems on itchy spots and wait a minute or two. And its gone!

[@kooale]

Outstanding advice.

[@Willhelmet6845]

Made multiple soups out of these bad boys through March and April and have been composting them thereafter! Grow in abundance here! Our piles temperature range between 60-70c for multiple weeks, pretty sure no seeds can survive those temps!

[@TimpanistMoth_AyKayEll]

I've been actively encouraging the few small patches of nettles that were on my property when I moved in. Primarily for use as rabbit fodder. If I ever feel like I have "too many" I might eventually use some as liquid fertilizer or green mulch!

[@annefricker3621]

My rabbits don’t eat nettles but they like the brambles.

[@hallonsylt6729]

Finally I am learning what I want to learn when it comes to gardening! As a well known lazy newbie I want to find the easy way around my planting plan. Watching nature do it's thing, help a bit when and if needed .. Being stuckat home and hardly being able to go for a walk, just because I need to be at home and talk to my carrots is not my thing! ;) Making the most out of self polynating weeds is absolutely my kind of approach to be more self sufficient. - Thanks mate!

[@Semiboes]

We do have 1 nettle plant in our little garden since years. It does not spread an we are harvesting it like any other plant in our garden. We use it for tea, like spinach and later for tomatoes to mulch. Last year I even had to give it a little compost as we need to harvest more this year. But I have to say, that there is a difference between the big nettle that stays at its place and the smaller one that will leave a ton of seeds in your garden an spread everywhere. Greetings from Austria.

[@grow.nurture.nourish]

Perfect timing! I've just 'saved' my first nettle plant!

[@jesshothersall]

When I had horses years ago, I'd chop down the nettles at the side of their paddock, they'd wait 3 days then scoff the lot. I assume the sting went after 3 days, as they always waited for 3, no more no less. Was fascinated to see you can use them as a mulch, I have plenty, so will do that now. The aphid attraction was also new and useful, thanks for video

[@carollizc]

The aphid information was probably my biggest takeaway from this video. We used to have garlic in the back garden which deterred them, but since that's been harvested, I've been wondering what else would work. We have one strong, healthy nettle in a pot, so it can be moved from where we're working at any given time. I think I should move it to the front garden where the tomatoes are (because the light's better) and save our precious food plants from being ravaged.

[@carollizc]

You can also dry the nettles and add them to the hat that the livestock is eating during the winter for an added vitamin boost

[@jesshothersall]

@@carollizc Sadly I no longer have horses, but a good idea for future reference :)

[@pete.thismoment]

...and again. Great vid! Love nettles. Often add them to pancake mixes, stews and soups. Great info again Huw and just what a great source and resource nettles are. Thank you

[@lubavukadinovic5752]

You are the best gardener,, you have open heart 💖 and the best intentions, and you are the most handsome. You receive all blessings from us who are enjoying your presentations. We love you ❤️

[@jt659]

I've eaten a lot of greens in my life, all of the usual garden crops plus many wild foraged ones. I find fresh, raw nettle greens to be the best tasting leafy green. To me, they taste like under-ripe figs.

[@1979RoadFan]

New subscriber from Arkansas, United States. Thanks for the great advice. I started my first garden this year. I planted some sweet corn, cucumbers, Spanish radishes, oregano, cilantro and strawberries. Should all go well, I will have a bigger garden next year.

[@doinacampean9132]

Also, super delicious nettle stew. Bit of garlic, bit of lemon juice..

[@micheleyates3625]

I have been pulling nettles. Now I will put them to use; thanks!

[@redinthethevalley]

Well I’m lucky enough to have an abundance of nettles here🇨🇦 thanks for sharing!

[@ferdinandgluck2723]

Thanks for the video... I'm late to watch but anyway:) I too love nettles for soup in spring and more importent as a mulch in late April together with the first cutting of comfrey. Theres no better starter for a good flush of dark green leafs.

[@belleepoque2979]

I have tons of nettles they’re drink me crazy, and that explains all the lady birds that keeping coming into the house. His garden is like mine

[@alwaysknownas885]

I started collecting and eating nettles a couple of months ago but couldn't find more than one or two in my garden so I'm happy you mentioned how easy it is to create a patch of them... I was trying to grow a patch by planting a root and letting it spread but I the seeds method will be faster Next year I should have a garden full of them :)

[@abrotherinchrist]

This is a great idea for distracting hornworms from my tomato plants and gives me a relocation option for them when I find them. The moth they turn into is a great pollinator.

[@Handleisstoopididea]

301k + subscribers! Congratulations Huw!🎉🎉👏

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you Khalim!

[@JohnSmith-gy4qj]

I wont be wasting nettles anymore. Thx a million

[@sabnamgurung6226]

In Nepal,we make nettle soup and curry. It’s delicious

[@islanddweller3674]

Way ahead of you! I have left a corner of my "wilderness" filled with nettles as I love the peacock butterflies. I once watched a whole gathering hatch in a patch of them. Also a large container of "nettle tea" for my garden is brewing.

[@HuwRichards]

It's not a competition lol

[@islanddweller3674]

@@HuwRichards I know! But I am very old, and it is a great feeling to know I am getting it right with my old fashioned ways! That my experience counts .. oh and Irish nettles are far worse than anywhere else!

[@yungxama1606]

The permaculturist in me loved this video! good job!

[@MrEndz00]

Watched this after chopping nettles in the garden.

[@atennyson4143]

They should grow again...unless you hauled them out by the root. I am in cold Canada and mine come up every year.

[@savinggift158]

Trust me there enough roots in there to regenerate your crop

[@clarebuswell]

That was really informative, thanks! I don't feel so bad about the patches of nettles around my garden now!

[@nancythomas-wardm.b.a2993]

Dandelion and nettle WINE..what a treat x n

[@ExpeditionHomestead]

Huw, please tell me which microphone system you are using, it sounds wonderful in all of your videos! Thanks, happy gardening 🌿

[@tiarianamanna973]

We ve got lots of nettles in our yard.. and we love them! We eat them and dehydrate them for the winter and we make nourishing infusions of them 😊

[@tiarianamanna973]

Btw, i never use gloves when picking nettles 😀 its about the technic 😋 u need scissors and with the other hand gently grab a leaf on the top of a plant and cut the top of with the scissors (the top part is the part to eat; leave the rest).

[@Arya-cf7vu]

Learnt so much new stuff thanku and you changed my mind about nettles in my garden!! I'll be happy to see them now!

[@jeffjeffreym1830]

Nettles attract aphids and therefore ladybirds. Also great for butterflies. One thing I don't have any problem growing are nettles. They flourish!

[@Michael-ix8fc]

hello Huw, thanks for this interesting Video, I also use nettles in my Garden but I learned some new things 😀, but at 6:43 you put a lid onto the bucket, I learned to put the lid onto the bucket only loosely and stir every day until no Bubbles come up anymore. PS: of course I supscribed your Channel. Greetings from Germany, Michael

[@usheffi]

Great vid mate. For my tea sweetness I use maple syrup, this way I don't take any food from the young 🐝

[@abisnail8552]

As a young lady can i just say how refreshing and enjoyable it is to watch (without sounding pervy! 😂) having a rather handsome young man teach me about gardening instead of an older fella whose old enough to be my grandad! .... huw get your gardening gloves, you've pulled 😉 On a more serious note... love your videos and keep them coming...as well as the eye candy of course 😀...sorry i will stop now 😂

[@HuwRichards]

Oh wow I'm flattered🙈 Thank you!

[@mikazal9816]

Thanks for your wisdom. You're my inspiration. Greetings from Poland