Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a very versatile plant to have around in the allotment or garden, particularly if you are growing organically.
It is a frost hardy herbaceous plant that will thrives in most types of soil.
Under its common name ' knitbone' it was traditionally used in the past as a poultice to heal broken bones.
It is high in calcium, which may be why it was used in this way.
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Cultivation;
Propagation; is by root division so you may have to cajole a neighbour for a piece of root in order to get started.
A word of warning; be careful with this plant as it can be a bit of a thug, and spread quite rapidly into areas where you don't wish it to.
Consider containing the root system in a bottomless bucket or similar.
Properties;
It is a complete fertilizer in a plant as the leaves are full of calcium, iron, magnesium, nitrogen, and potassium.
It can be harvested growth several times a year, from mid spring onwards.
These properties make it an ideal compost activator in the compost heap.
Uses;
Its uses are many, here are a few;
The leaves and stems can be used as a mulch many types of plants, vegetables in particular.
It can be used as a soil conditioner if placed directly in trenches before planting.
Note; Leave the leaves in the sun for a few hours to wilt prior to using them for any of the above tasks, this will reduce the possibilities of it setting roots.
It is a useful plant to grow on new plots where its very deep root system will break up heavy clay soils.
Note; If used for this purpose then moved at a later date to allow cultivation, ensure that every piece of root system is removed or it will keep returning year on year.
Its leaves can be used to create a nutrient rich liquid fertilizer.
Method; Place comfrey leaves in a container add a small amount of water and leave for a week or two.
Drain off the liquid produced and then dilute it by adding ten parts clean water to one part 'comfrey' liquid.
This resulting liquid feed is excellent for supplying potassium hungry crops, for example tomatoes.
