Fermented plant juice - the nettle version
If you can make comfrey tea, you can make a fermented plant juice (FPJ). The fermentation process magically transforms the solution into a bubbling brew of microbes and beneficial life, and will be an absolute tonic for growing flowers. Nettles are bursting into their strongest growth right now, and not only is that energy is perfect for harnessing, it will be ready at exactly the right moment that your plants need it. FPJ made from leaves is good for leaf growth, FPJ made from fruit will give bumper harvests in late summer. This means collecting plant material based on what stage your plants are going through. Nettle tips are perfect for early spring.
Collect the tips carefully using gloves or snips. A dry day is best, and do not wash anything you are going to use, the fermentation will need the wild yeasts and bacteria on the plants.
Mix the chopped plant material with brown sugar (I use molasses from the local agricultural merchants, but I am not sure this is technically allowed), equal weight of plant material to molasses. Cover lightly (don’t seal!) and leave for between seven and fourteen days. It should smell a bit vinegary-sweet, a bit like a sourdough starter.
Strain the liquid off and bottle. Compost the plant material for good measure. Keep the FPJ in the fridge if you can. It is used as a foliar feed (sprayed on the leaves) diluted down with 1 part FPJ to 1000 parts water.
