In praise of Comfrey

Comfrey is an absolute must for home composters.  Aswell as being a healing plant, good for wounds, sprains and tired feet (comfrey leaves and warm water in a bowl, add tired feet, bliss), it is nitrogen rich and useful as an activator to get the composting process going.
It grows in abundance and self-seeds, so you may end up with more than you bargained for.  In fact, comfrey is a bit of an all-rounder.  It may be un-glamorous and un-assuming but contains  high percentages of nitrogen, calcium and potassium , is a fast-growing plant and in its common form Symphytum Officinale, grows wild and free by streams and rivers.

common comfrey

 

The goodness is in the leaves, which are very fibre-free, so they break down quickly in compost.  You can also make comfrey into a good liquid fertiliser by steeping the leaves in a bucket of water for 3-4 weeks.  It smells foul, but your plants will thank you with good, healthy growth.  Water around plants in the garden and use as a tonic for indoor and outdoor pot plants, especially those needing lots of potassium, such as tomatoes and peppers.

lovely compo - not mine, sadly

Greygirl is in debted to Clare Foster for the invaluable wisdom and no-nonsense advice in her brilliantly accessible book called simply 'Compost'.  If you want to know more, treat yourself.