Is Comfrey worth it?

[PaulZone8b]

Thanks ML !! This is always a place to come back to old friends and garden help.

 

[Esther Knapicius]

been looking at the stuff. good to see this discussion here.

 

[DiggersJo]

I got Bocking 14 to avoid spreading and pleased I did because it is wild! Cut it down x3 this year already and 4th about to happen. Regarding my trial using it I have to say it appears to be fine in comparison to store bought seaweed feed I've used in recent years. With well over 5L produced this year I've also been supplying others. Okay it could just be the good weather or other factors, but the veg and flowers have never been better.

 

[Meadowlark]

A very worthwhile experiment @DiggersJo . Well done.

 

[PaulZone8b]

appears to be fine in comparison to store bought seaweed feed I've used in recent years.

So what exactly do you do with your comfrey to compare to the seaweed? Chopping the leaves fine and spreading at base of plants? Chopping leaves and putting in bucket of water to decompose for liquid feed ? If so, how long and how much do you use (ratio) ?

I do the bucket method and sit for several weeks to make stinky bucket and dilute 1 solo cup to 2 gal water....but sometimes I notice a yellowing of the leaves a few days later, which is concerning me either too potent or something. Anyone else using liquid homemade fertilizer and leaves are yellowing slightly a day or two after?

 

[DiggersJo]

I chop the plants down to a tidy length , leaving 20-30cm and some longer with flowers for the bees. I use what you would probably call at least a 2gal plant pot with drainage holes and chop the cut down stork and leaf into it until full, put a half brick on top and put the pot in a bucket with something on the top (e.g. old dish) to stop rain getting in. Never check often, but reckon it must take at least a month or two to produce enough liquid. When I need more, I drain it into a plastic bottle (old store seaweed or 5l water) via a funnel with filter. Roughly I use 150ml to a 9L watering-can. I’ve had no problem with it, but I never use it as a leaf feed, I always base feed – normally weekly.

 

[PaulZone8b]

I am assuming this stuff stinks to high heaven like mine. Your top is covered so no rain can be added but it can still "breathe"...correct? I end up stirring mine once a week or so (when I remember). And you give it to all of your veggies, bushes and trees ? I do. Seems to work for most except a few veggies getting lighter leaves after a couple days