Stinging nettles are great wildlife attractors: caterpillars of the small tortoiseshell and peacock butterflies use them as foodplants; ladybirds feast on the aphids that shelter among them; and seed-eating birds enjoy their autumn spoils.
Are nettles good for the garden?
In the garden, nettle is indispensable as a fertilizer, insecticide, and compost activator. On the farm, nettle’s uses don’t just end there. The farm animals also benefit from all the goodness of nettle as well.
Do nettles sting butterflies?
While a ready supply of nectar-rich wildflowers is important, equally so is the availability of suitable caterpillar food plants. Without these, the next generation of insects could not happen. Some of our common garden butterflies are reliant on stinging nettles for their caterpillars to feed on.
When should you not pick nettles?
1. Don’t pick Stinging Nettles when in Flower. The flowers on Stinging Nettles are like catkins; little tendrils of flowers dropping down from the stems, they tend to be green or yellowy-green in colour, so not always obvious to spot.
Do worms like nettles?
Feed it a varied diet. This will help create a healthy wormery and a rich worm compost full of nutrients and trace elements – good things include banana skins and comfrey leaves (for potassium), coffee and nettles (for nitrogen).
Do bees like stinging nettles?
This weed is particularly useful to them as that pollen may be in short supply if there are few flowering trees in your area. It’s certainly one of the few herbaceaous plants flowering vigorously and attracting bees at this time.
Do animals eat stinging nettle?
Although the animals will not eat the plants when they are living, after the nettles are cut and dried they are a great fodder. Despite the fibrous stem of the plants, this food source is also easily digested by pigs, rabbits and poultry.
What insect lays its eggs on nettles?
The Peacock butterfly lays its eggs in batches on the leaves of Stinging Nettles.
What insect lays eggs on nettles?
Butterflies
Butterflies and moths generally lay their eggs in the centre of a nettle patch so the outer plants will be fine for us to eat. Nettles are incredibly rich in iron, folates and other minerals as well as tasting great when made into a soup.
What insect rolls up nettle leaves?
moths
Many moths also utilize nettles, such as the micro-moths Mother of Pearl, Small Magpie and Nettle-tap. The caterpillars often feed within a rolled up or spun leaf. Larger moths include the Scarlet and Jersey Tigers, Snout, Buff Ermine and Burnished Brass.
What’s the difference between stinging nettle and nettle?
Stinging nettle is the name given to common nettle, garden nettle, and hybrids of these plants. Originally from the colder regions of northern Europe and Asia, this herbaceous shrub grows all over the world today.
Do nettles still sting when cut down?
Once wilted they can no longer sting you. The sting relies on erect hairs to penetrate the skin and inject the stinging formic acid. When wilted strip the leaves off the tough stems. Always cook nettles to destroy the stinging acid.
How do you pick stinging nettles without getting stung?
Nettle-Picking Tips
Use rubber gloves or pinch the leaves hard, so you don’t get stung. Once picked, lay the nettles out on a tray to wilt. Once wilted they can no longer sting you.
Are nettles good for soil?
Because it’s rich in nitrogen, this is particularly useful for leafy vegetables like kale, chard and spinach. You can also cut nettles to lay, as they are, around larger plants or shrubby fruits, where they will serve as a valuable mulch. Their high nitrogen content also makes them a natural compost activator.
Do nettles make good fertilizer?
The nutrients nettle fertiliser contains include chlorophyll, Nitrogen, Iron and Potassium. Brewed nettle tea will last up to 6 months, enough to get you through the growing season (spring). It works best on leafy plants and heavy feeders.
Do worms multiply when cut in half?
Contrary to popular belief, worms cut in half don’t actually turn into two new worms. To a biologist, ‘worm’ refers to many, quite different organisms. The ability to re-grow body parts differs enormously between them, although tails are generally easier to re-grow.
Is getting stung by nettles good for you?
And while its sting may be uncomfortable, it actually has a beneficial effect on inflammation in the body. By preventing the body from making inflammatory prostaglandins, the sting results in an overall less inflammatory reaction in the body.
Why do nettle stings hurt for so long?
Their swollen bases are filled with formic acid, the same stuff that causes the pain of ant and bee stings. Even accidentally brushing against the plant is enough to inflict stings, and the pain could last a whole day.
Are nettle stings harmful?
However, be careful when handling fresh stinging nettle leaves, as their hair-like barbs can harm your skin. These compounds can cause rashes, bumps, hives and itchiness. In rare cases, people may have a severe allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening.
Are nettles toxic to dogs?
Stinging nettles aren’t known to be poisonous for dogs, and typically stings cause only mild discomfort for a few hours.
Why is my dog eating nettles?
Nettles make a superb natural supplement for dogs in need of vitamins and trace minerals in their diets, but do not need to be taking huge multi-vitamin supplements. They are an excellent addition to your dog’s well-balanced diet.