Many hate the weed in the garden, but do not know that you can also use goutweed as fertilizer. To do this, you only need a few things. We’ll show you how!

As a gardener, you’re often annoyed by stubborn weeds like goutweed that spread incessantly and dull your gardening pleasure. But instead of facing the battle, you can give goutweed a new purpose! Who hasn’t heard of the popular method of using nettle manure as fertilizer? But did you know you can also use goutweed to make an inexpensive and effective fertilizer? We’ll tell you how you can turn this pesky weed into a valuable helper for your plants.

Use goutweed as fertilizer

You don’t need much for your natural fertilizer:

  • 2 pounds goutweed leaves (or in a 1:1 ratio with nettles)
  • 10 quarts rainwater
  • Closable container (bucket or similar, preferably not made of metal)
  • Stick for stirring
  • Sealable canister

Be careful not to use roots, flowers or seeds, because only the leaves are suitable for fermentation. This way you prevent unwanted spreading in the garden.

This is how the mixture works:

Select about 2 pounds of young and fresh goutweed leaves or combine them with nettles for even more nutrients.

  • Place the goutweed leaves loosely in a 10-quarts container stored in partial shade.
  • Pour 10 quarts of rainwater on the goutweed leaves to keep the fertilizer naturally pure.
  • Cover the container with a cloth or mosquito net to keep insects away.
  • Stir the mixture thoroughly once a day.
  • Let the goutweed leaves ferment for about 5-10 days until bubbles stop rising.
  • Filter the plant parts out of the slurry, preferably with gloves.

Storage: Pour the finished goutweed liquid manure into a sealable canister and make sure it does not bubble up when heated.

Application: Dilute the liquid manure in a ratio of 1:10 with water and pour it on the roots of your plants every week or every two weeks. Optimal is a trough next to the plant or between the rows.

The natural fertilizer is not only environmentally friendly, but also inexpensive and rich in minerals, especially potassium. As a result, it helps especially high-yielding plants like potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers or squash to thrive. It’s an ingenious way to put the pesky weed to good use while doing your garden some good. So, let the goutweed sprout and turn it into a fertilizer for your green oasis!