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nettles
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murgy



Joined: 28 May 2009
Posts: 24

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:14 pm    Post subject: nettles Reply with quote
    

i just wondered what you can do with nettles so far i have a few food recipes soap and a aphid killer

Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Nettles have loads of uses. Here's a good place to start. https://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Urtica+dioica

gil
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Joined: 08 Jun 2005
Posts: 18409

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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

sally_in_wales
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Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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
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Joined: 08 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

an article from Guardian about nettle clothing

gil
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PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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

Last edited by gil on Thu May 28, 09 6:33 pm; edited 1 time in total

sally_in_wales
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Location: sunny wales
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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

murgy



Joined: 28 May 2009
Posts: 24

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

ok thanks

EmsE



Joined: 06 May 2009
Posts: 26
Location: Scotland
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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
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Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 6:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

EmsE wrote:
if someone makes something from nettle string does it wash OK ?


its not that dissimilar to linen/flax, so yep, its pretty sturdy stuff

VM



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 1748
Location: Lincolnshire
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 9:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

Nettles make lovely bright green pasta as well.

VM



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 1748
Location: Lincolnshire
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 9:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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



Joined: 29 Apr 2009
Posts: 380
Location: Merry England
PostPosted: Thu May 28, 09 10:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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



Joined: 28 May 2009
Posts: 24

PostPosted: Fri May 29, 09 6:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

[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

Shane



Joined: 31 Oct 2005
Posts: 3467
Location: Doha. Is hot.
PostPosted: Fri May 29, 09 7:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
    

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!

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