Comfrey is an esteemed herb in any Permaculture garden, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, providing medicinal value and enriching the soil with a vast array of nutrients. This incredible herb has three times more potassium than regular manure tea and it’s high in calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen, which are essential for vegetables and fruit bearing plants. It’s the perfect companion for any food garden.
Growing Comfrey
Comfrey is a vigorous growing hardy plant, spreading up to 50cm wide, growing in full to partial sun. It dies back a little in the colder Winter months, re-shooting itself in Spring. In warmer climates it will rarely flower, because it needs the Winter cold spell, and it won’t die back as harshly, making the leaves available all year round.
Propogation
Divide the roots of young plants in the spring as the new leaves begin to show. Dig them up and separate the roots with a shovel or sharp knife and replant.
Harvesting Comfrey
Comfrey is a fast growing and the leaves can be harvested up to 6 times a year, starting mid-spring. Cut the leaves back to about 5cm above the soil. Harvest every 6 weeks until early autumn and then leave your Comfrey plants to build up reserves for Winter.
Dry the leaves thoroughly in single layers on a dry rack and then store them in airtight glass jars. Roots can be washed with cool water, cut into thin slices and then dried. They can then be stored as is or ground into a powder.
To make Confrey Fertilizer Tea
Recipe:
30 to 40 large Comfrey leaves
Water
19 litre bucket with lid
Stirring stick
Method:
Place the bucket in a shaded area before you start, as it will be difficult to move once it’s full.
Place the leaves in the bucket and add enough water to cover the leaves and fill the bucket. Cover the bucket with a secure lid.
Stir daily and keep covered. Be careful not to get the liquid on your hands……..that stink will be hard to wash off. It’s deadly but effective ( :
After 3 to 4 weeks, your comfrey tea is ready. Diluted 12:1 and apply to the soil .
Ensure that you continually have a batch brewing.n Just keep adding water and leaves to your starter bucket.
Comfrey plants can be hard to find at our local nurseries. Please contact me if you’d like me to order Comfrey for you.
Jacqueline Edmiston
Permaculture Designer & Teacher
Cape Town, South Africa
jacqueline@inspirepermaculture.com
+27 21 712 9908
WhatsApp: +27 76 486 9956