How a simple nettle fertiliser can transform your hydrangeas
Dreaming of a garden full of lush, blooming hydrangeas? Instead of spending a fortune on store-bought fertilisers, reach for something that nature offers us for free! Forget about coffee grounds—this simple, homemade fertiliser is the true secret to lush blooming.
If you're dreaming of a breathtaking garden, hydrangeas can become its greatest ornament. These spectacular shrubs can create a real floral show, as long as they are provided with the right conditions and... natural boosting. We reveal how to easily prepare a homemade fertiliser that beats even coffee grounds and makes hydrangeas look like they’re straight out of a gardening catalogue.
Hydrangeas love nature—a homemade fertiliser that works wonders
You don't have to be a professional gardener to enjoy phenomenally blooming hydrangeas. Just turn to what nature already offers us—specifically, nettle. Yes, you read that right. This unassuming weed is a real nutritional bomb for plants. Preparing homemade fertiliser from nettle is ridiculously simple and requires no chemical additives. Most importantly—it really works.
To prepare the mixture, you'll only need fresh nettle leaves and water. It's best to collect them during a walk in a clean, unpolluted area—away from roads and cultivated fields. Throw 1 kilogram of nettle into a large bucket, pour in about 14 litres of water, and cover with gauze. The prepared solution must ferment for about two weeks—daily stirring will speed up the process. When the liquid stops foaming, it's ready to use. But beware—before watering the hydrangeas, be sure to dilute it in a 1:10 ratio with water.
The result? Hydrangeas will literally shoot up with flowers! Nettle fertiliser provides them, among other things, with nitrogen, magnesium, sulphur, and calcium—nutrients essential for strong growth and abundant blooming.
Hydrangeas and nettle fertiliser—the perfect duo
Why is it worth relying on nettle? Besides being easily accessible and free, it has another great advantage—it works not only on growth but also on the immunity of plants. Natural nettle fertiliser has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which makes hydrangeas less susceptible to diseases and more resistant to changing weather conditions.
Using this fertiliser is simple—just water the hydrangeas once a month to see a spectacular difference. However, caution is necessary—over-fertilising can result in the opposite of what you intended. Also, remember to fertilise the plants only when the soil is moist—preferably after rain or watering.
Hydrangeas are demanding ladies—here's what you need to know
Although hydrangeas can captivate with their beauty, they are also somewhat capricious. It's not enough to just water them with fertiliser—you need to ensure a few key aspects of cultivation. First and foremost—the soil. Hydrangeas grow best in acidic soil, with a pH range of 4.5–5.5. If the soil in your garden is too alkaline, it's worth acidifying it—for example, with pine bark or nettle fertiliser.
Equally important is the location where you'll plant the hydrangeas. They feel best in partial shade, where they have access to diffused light. Sun? Yes, but not in excess. Too strong rays can scorch the leaves and flowers. On the contrary, in full shade, they will have trouble blooming. The golden mean is gentle morning light and protection from the afternoon heat.
Finally—watering. Hydrangeas love water but hate having their roots waterlogged. The soil should remain constantly slightly moist but not wet. Mulching works well, helping retain moisture in the soil and simultaneously protecting the plants from weeds.
