Comfrey: An Organic Fertilizer

The use of Comfrey in Britain as a medicinal herb has long been established, but in 1954 Lawrence D Hills began to look at is properties as a possible crop source. Bocking 14, so called because of its origin in Bocking, Essex, has become one the most noted sources of nutrients for the organic farmer. With nutrient content to rival most farmyard manures, it is easy to grow, and once established will continue to benefit even the most amateur of hobby farmers for years to come.

Perhaps obtaining the original clump of Bocking 14 is the hardest. Due to its sterile nature it can only be propagated by root cuttings, meaning that is can be somewhat difficult to get hold of. There are sites online where this treasure can be bought, but buy it when you can as it often sells out very quickly. However, as Bocking 14 was the final variety, and best Comfrey produced, this is not to say that other Comfrey varieties are not also of a benefit and can still be used in similar ways.

Once acquired Comfrey will grow with relative ease. Any disused corner of the allotment or garden can be used and when planting out place two to three feet apart. Take the first cut from the plants as the first flowers appear, throwing this cutting into potato beds to invigorate your crop. Further cuts can be placed in the compost heap to enrich the contents and help to heat up the process, and wilted leaves are also a great addition to any chicken’s diet. But by far one of the best uses for Comfrey is to create a liquid fertiliser.

Using an old barrel, or watertight container, heap your comfrey leaves into the bottom. Depending on whether you want to create undiluted content, or a ready to use liquid, choose your next course of action. For diluted, simply fill the remainder of the barrel with water and leave for three to five weeks. After this time you will discover that the Comfrey has infused the water with its fantastic nutrient content and created a brilliant fertiliser. Alternatively, place a weighted item on top of your comfrey leaves to ensure they press down and rot. Again, after three to five weeks, remove the weight and collect the concentrate liquid. This should be diluted 20 to 1 to ensure adequate strength for plants to handle.

Comfrey makes an ideal and highly effective fertiliser for plants, especially tomatoes and runner beans. For the ease of growing what could be considered a weed, the rewards you will reap are certainly worth that tiny amount of extra effort.