| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| murgy |
nettlesi just wondered what you can do with nettles so far i have a few food recipes soap and a aphid killer |
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| Treacodactyl |
Nettles have loads of uses. Here's a good place to start. http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Urtica+dioica | ||
| gil |
Downsizer Article about nettles
Not got round to doing part 2, which included fibre, string, paper, liquid feed for plants, compost rich in nutrients.... However, there are some other references to nettles on this site : why not try using the search button ? There's a research project at Nottingham Uni on using nettle fibre in clothing, for starters |
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| sally_in_wales |
I've made nettle string a fair few times, great fun and very useful stuff.I think I posted the method somewhere- bear with me whilst I rummage in the archives... | ||
| gil |
an article from Guardian about nettle clothing | ||
| gil |
Sorry, it was Leicester de Montfort university that did the nettle clothing project - featuring a nettle bikini
Not Nottingham and a dress made from nettles |
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| sally_in_wales |
Ok, basic string recipe: Harvest mature nettles, split them in half (a flint or small knife blade helps if the stalk is a bit woody),then systematically snap down the length to break up the woody pith. This is then easily peeled away from the fibres.
Let the strands of fibres dry a bit, shred them down finer if required for your purpose, then damp them down before twisting into string. Thats a very basic method, but its reliable and works well. The fibre looks very unassuming, like this, but twists up easily into string. nettles prepped for string 
and the finished result 
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| murgy |
ok thanks | ||
| EmsE |
This is so facinating! Out of curiosity (now this may seem like a stupid question) if someone makes something from nettle string does it wash OK ? | ||
| sally_in_wales |
its not that dissimilar to linen/flax, so yep, its pretty sturdy stuff |
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| VM |
Nettles make lovely bright green pasta as well. | ||
| VM |
Anyone tried them as aphid killer? I have many aphids on many fruit bushes. Usually do the spraying with diluted eco-friendly washing up liquid, but nettles would be good if they work. | ||
| goosey |
In the War,they collected nettles as a national resource for making things. I'll have to go and remind myself about the details. Thx for the pics Sally - very interesting | ||
| murgy |
[quote="VM"]Anyone tried them as aphid killer?
i have been trying it and i think it is killing them just collect some nettles it doesnt matter if they are flowering then put them in a bucket of water (put more nettles in if you want it stronger) then leave for 1-2 days. Now strain your nettles and spray the liquid on. it also feeds the plant as well as killing the aphids, you will notice they go dark brown and slow down moving, then slowly drop off |
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| Shane |
You can't beat a good nettle soup, in my opinion. Get cracking now, as they turn increasingly laxative from July onwards - I've got a load sitting in the freezer to see me through the next few months! | ||
| murgy |
okay sounds good dont know if any one will eat it that i know | ||
| sally_in_wales |
only one way to find out  Personally I love nettle soup too, its particularly good if you use an onion and a potato in the mix as well, helps balance the flavours. Like all ingredienst though, some people like it, some don't.
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| Bodrighy |
My missus bungs it in mash, omelettes, soups, you name it. We have friends who are right fussy eaters and we've fed them with it and told them afterwards and no problem (naughty I know) It's seeding down here at the moment so not much for food as it gets very tough and stringy but great for al the other suggestions
Pete |
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| murgy |
yeah i might not tell them to | ||
| Shane |
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