[sheila]

Help I am being over run with nettles and my "girls " don't like them. They have to walk miles to get in when the nettles are at their most prolific. My O.H strims them every now and then, accompanied by a great deal of cursing etc, but this only makes them more rampant. in fact by strimming everything it has left the ground open for more nettles. I have tried eating them but didn't like the texture. so any ideas?

[kaz]

There is a specific weed killer designed to kill nettles, thistles brambles etc without killing the grass. It is very effective and can only be bought from a farm suppliers licenced to sell it. You need to have a holding number to buy it, but your supplier can advise as to the make.
It is very expensive and I can't remember the name at present, but will try to find out for you.

[doganjo]

Don't donkeys like eating them?

[kaz]

Found it. You need Grazon 90 made by Dow Agro Sciences to kill nettles etc. and leave the grass.

[sheila]

Thanks i'll give it a try if it's not too expensive.

[Sylvia]

Years ago, when we had goats we used to cut them in spring and summer and hang them up to dry. The goats loved them during the winter also the hens if crumbled into their mash.

[sabrina]

If you cut your nettles and let them dry then you will find that they will be eaten, my ponies love them this way. I have found if they are growing in the field the ponies do not touch then until Sept-Oct. time then they tuck in and have a feast. Same with thistles. Nettles cool the blood and are very good for ponies with lami. 

[Roxy]

Like Sabrina, my horses will eat them once the sting has died down later in the year.  When I find the time, I do cut nettles, and dry them on the fence in the sun for for a few days, and the goats like them once dried.

That weedkiller, my neighbour uses it in her field, and its is effective, but forgotten the name.  I am pretty sure she keeps her livestock off though for a couple of weeks after spraying with it.  I would imagine, this is because goats etc. would probably eat the wilted weeds, and they would be covered in the week killer.

Being organic, we do not use this, but obviously have to put up with nettles and dock leaves!!

[Anke]

If you wilt them for a day or so, then put onto your compost heap (before they have set seed). Or make a brew: sheep droppings and lots of nettles in a net type bag, then hang in a bin/barrel full of water for a couple of weeks. It will stink to high heaven, but do your tomatoes and other p/tunnel or greenhouse plants the world of good.

I also dry and feed to the goats, but funnily mine started to reject the late autumn ones last year...

[langdon]

blimey thats a lot of nettles hanging up!
 

[dizzy1pig]

try loads of nettle soup. is very good tonic
i made hair conditioner/ strengthner last week and my hair has not turned green yet

[kaz]

My son made nettle wine one year, and it was rather nice.

[Jackie]

And on 'Come dine with me' TV programme someone made nettle pims.
I have yet to try it though.

[Jez]

 ;DIf you do use grazon 90 you must keep all stock off for a period of 7 DAYS

[Jez]

If you spend this season just cutting the tops off before they go to seed you will notice a significant decrease in the amount of nettles next year, do the same next year you should not have any