Comfrey is a pretty medicinal plant that is very useful in the vegetable garden. In purin or in mulch, it is the ally of the organic gardener. Comfrey is not widely used in cooking but it has long been known for its medicinal properties. In the past, it was reputed to accelerate the healing of fractures and to treat dermatological problems.
Nowadays, it is used in the composition of many remedies for these ailments. Its use as a green manure justifies its place in a corner of the vegetable garden! Indeed, comfrey contains high concentrations of essential nutrients for many plants: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It can get these nutrients deep into the soil thanks to its huge roots.
To make a fabulous fertilizer, soak comfrey leaves in water for a few weeks.
Uses of Comfrey in the Garden Compost
Not only does it enrich the compost, but it helps it warm up. Comfrey in planting holes Before planting your potatoes, place dried comfrey leaves in the furrow. This will not only produce more potatoes, but will also make them 10 days earlier.
You can also mulch the soil with chopped, wilted leaves before the potato foliage gets too bushy. Liquid fertilizer Liquid fertilizer is very effective on tomatoes, bush or pole beans.
Fill a barrel or tub with water (preferably rainwater), pour in a good handful of comfrey leaves and let macerate for at least 5 weeks. The smell is terrible, but the product is very effective! Comfrey makes a good base for a potting mix.
Growing Comfrey
This plant thrives in full sun and partial or total shade. It will be very happy in a neglected corner of the garden. Given the length of its roots, it likes deeply dug soils. Comfrey drinks a lot. A waterlogged soil is therefore very suitable for it. Plant it in March, April, May or September and space the plants 60 to 90 cm apart. They will grow at full speed! When the flowers appear, cut them back to 15 cm from the ground. If you cut the leaves in the spring, expect 3 or 4 more harvests during the year. Tip When touching comfrey, remember to wear gloves. Indeed, its hairy leaves irritate the skin.