Proven tips for getting rid of nettles in the garden

Some people grow nettles in their garden on purpose, while others want to get rid of them. That is why we have put together proven tips on how to get rid of nettles in the garden. If you are one of those people who are unhappy about these plants appearing in their garden, our article will certainly help you. Remember that you must remove nettles from the garden as soon as you find them, because otherwise they may start to spread.

Why is it hard to get rid of nettles?

Nettles spread by seeds or by fast-growing rhizomes. Even a small piece of root can grow into a whole new plant. Nettles are among the weeds that are not easy to eradicate, as they are very hardy. The sooner you start, the less demanding it will be later. Two types of nettle can cause you trouble: the common nettle (Urtica dioica) and the small nettle (Urtica urens). The small nettle will not grow back once pulled out, but the common nettle is not so easy. It spreads quickly and is hard to get rid of because of its branching roots in the soil.

Removing nettles with chemicals

If you choose to remove nettles with chemicals, remember that this method can kill other plants growing nearby. Handle chemical products carefully so that herbicides do not destroy your garden. Choose a suitable product that is gentle on the environment. You can use, for example, Bofix or Lontrel 300, but we recommend that you seek advice from experts.

Deep digging and pulling out nettles

Another tip we recommend is deep digging. Dig deeply in the places where nettles most often grow. Pull the nettles out of the ground, roots and all. Remove all the roots and do not forget that they can spread out by several tens of centimetres. It can be hard to tell how far the plant reaches. Dig out nettles regularly and after a while you will see results, although it is undoubtedly a demanding process. This method works best in autumn or spring, because in winter the nettle roots easily freeze.

Use vinegar

Tackle weeds with the help of vinegar. Mix 200 ml of vinegar, 2 litres of water, 5 teaspoons of citric acid and a tablespoon of liquid soap. Combine all these ingredients and spray the nettles with the mixture. However, this method will not destroy the nettle roots. That is why you should repeat the process very often and keep an eye on the area where the nettles grow. By repeating this process, the nettles may disappear from your garden completely. But you must be patient enough, as fighting nettles is not easy.

Preventive measures

If you never want unwanted plants to appear in your garden again, focus on preventive measures. Use black non-woven fabric or black plastic sheeting. This will stop new weeds from growing.

What are the benefits of nettles?

We have given you advice on how to get rid of nettles in the garden. If you are still considering keeping them in your garden after all, or if you decide you would like to make use of these plants in some way, read on to find out what benefits this plant brings to our lives.

• The common nettle is classed as a medicinal plant.
• The leaves and roots of the plant contain vitamins A, C, K and B, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and sodium.
• It helps treat urinary tract problems.
• It has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces joint pain.
• Applying nettle to the skin can significantly ease the symptoms of eczema.

We have shared proven tips on how to get rid of nettles in the garden. Let us know in the comments whether our advice was useful. If you liked our article, you can also read about how to clean burnt-on residue from an oven or how to get rid of fruit flies in your flat.