Nettle water: 1) how frequently ought it to be used? 2) when (on what occasions?) 3) in what quantity? 4) Can it be over-used? If so what are the limits? 5) Is there a lot of room for latitude in its proper use? Is it very "forgiving" of overapplication?
I have three raised-bed gardens, each 4'x8', in my back yard. I've been using the nettle water as a foliar and soil spray once or twice a week, perhaps less. I've used an RL Flo-Master Home & Garden Sprayer (hand-pump, Model 1998): 1.18 L capacity. Each time, I apply, in a fine spray, 1.18 L nettle water to each of the three raised-beds. (Incidentally, I've found this particular sprayer is not very durable. After very little use the seal on one of two I purchased quickly wore out so it could no longer maintain pressure. The manufacturer's suggested occasional application of petroleum jelly to the plunger cup did absolutely nothing to maintain the pressure seal.) I made the nettle water with 1 kg freshly cut Urtica in 10L of rain water; steeped at outdoor temperature (~12-30 degrees Celsius) for two weeks stirring every second day. I stirred it using 50 turns clockwise and 50 turns counter clockwise each time. I use it diluted 1 part nettle water to 10 parts water. Thanks for any suggestions. Vere Scott.
