Made by steeping comfrey in water, this homemade comfrey tea is a natural and nutrient-rich fertiliser that is easy to make.

Comfrey

Comfrey is an amazing fast-growing, hardy herb that sprouts from its roots that have been left in the soil. Popular in permaculture, comfrey is known to help the soil it is grown in. It has also been used for medicinal uses for thousands of years.

This plant can grow a bit wild, so it will need to be kept under control, which isn’t that hard. The leaves can be ‘chopped and dropped’ providing the soil with a nutrient-rich mulch or they can be harvested and used for medical purposes such as comfrey salve.

Although not safe to be taken internally, when used in homemade products, comfrey can help heal and soothe wounds, sores, bruises and more.

Homemade Comfrey Tea Fertiliser

Plants need nutrients to grow. Commercial fertilisers can contain chemicals that you may prefer not putting on your plants or in your garden, plus, they can be expensive.

A sustainable, cost-effective way is to grow your own comfrey. This plant can provide your garden with the nutrients it needs to help, boosting plant growth, blooming and fruiting.

The nitrogen it provides is beneficial for green leafy growth, while the phosphorus helps the plant to fight off diseases and damage caused by pests. The potassium is great for helping plants produce flowers and fruit.

Ingredients for Comfrey Tea Fertiliser

To make this fertiliser, you will need:

Comfrey – Dry or fresh leaves
Water
Glass jar or a large container with a lid

Note: In this recipe, I have shown how to make it with dried comfrey leaves as that is what I had on hand. My comfrey plants need to grow more before I am able to make this fertiliser with fresh leaves.

Making Homemade Comfrey Tea Fertiliser

Fill your container about ½ to ¾ full with comfrey. If using fresh leaves, crush, tear or bruise the leaves and pack them in your container tightly.

Add water to the container, filling it up.

Add the lid and secure it tightly.

Place outside and leave it for at least 6 weeks. If in a cooler climate, you may want to leave it up to 12 weeks, as the warmer it is the quicker the brewing process. It will become a real stinky mess when done.

Strain out the leaves if you want, and it is ready to use. The leaves could be added to the compost.

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Using Comfrey Tea

To use, you will need to dilute the strong comfrey fertiliser with at least equal parts of water. If wanting to use this to feed your plants fortnightly, dilute even more. A good indicator is the colour of the solution. The darker it is, the more it should be diluted.

Use as a liquid soil drench or as a foliar spray. When spray on foliage, it can help prevent the spores of powdery mildew from germinating. Even though it has a horrendous smell, it can also attract beneficial insects which can help reduce pest issues.

For best results, use on established plants that are just starting to flower and set fruit. If using on seedlings or very young plants, dilute significantly so as not to burn the plants.

Homemade Comfrey Tea Fertiliser in a glass jar

Comfrey Tea ~ Fertiliser for your Garden

Simple Living. Creative Learning

Made by steeping comfrey in water, this homemade comfrey tea is a natural and nutrient-rich fertiliser that is easy to make.

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Ingredients

▢ Comfrey
▢ Water

Instructions

Fill your container about ½ to ¾ full with comfrey. If using fresh leaves, crush, tear or bruise the leaves and pack them in your container tightly.
Add water to the container, filling it up.
Add the lid and secure it tightly.
Place outside and leave it for at least 6 weeks. If in a cooler climate, you may want to leave it up to 12 weeks, as the warmer it is the quicker the brewing process.
Strain out the leaves if you want, and it is ready to use. The leaves could be added to the compost.
To use, you will need to dilute the strong comfrey fertiliser with at least equal parts of water. If wanting to use this to feed your plants fortnightly, dilute even more. A good indicator is the colour of the solution. The darker it is, the more it should be diluted.
Use as a liquid soil drench or as a foliar spray. When spray on foliage, it can help prevent the spores of powdery mildew from germinating. Even though it has a horrendous smell, it can also attract beneficial insects which can help reduce pest issues.
For best results, use on established plants that are just starting to flower and set fruit. If using on seedlings or very young plants, dilute significantly so as not to burn the plants.

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Homemade Comfrey Tea {Fertiliser for your Garden}

Comfrey

Homemade Comfrey Tea Fertiliser

Ingredients for Comfrey Tea Fertiliser