Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, a versatile plant known for its remarkable properties, probably has the widest range of uses in a permaculture system of any plant. It contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C and E, as well as phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, boron, chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, selenium, sodium and zinc. Just a boosted starter pack of nutrients.
Now, let's get into how you can use it in your garden.
1. Comfrey as Compost Activator and Accelerator
Comfrey has an incredible ability to activate compost and potentially replace manure in garden composts and farming practices. The vast array of essential nutrients in comfrey benefits the nutrient value of both compost and soil.
Comfrey’s high nitrogen content makes it an excellent source of organic fertiliser. When added to compost piles, or used as a green manure crop, it accelerates the decomposition process and enhances the nutrient content of the resulting compost.
Once decomposed in a composter, comfrey will release:
- Magnesium : assists in chlorophyll production in plants
- Calcium : promotes strong cell walls.
- Potassium : regulates water uptake and improving disease resistance.
- Iron : plays an essential role for plant photosynthesis and helps prevent leaf yellowing.
Due to these valuable properties, comfrey has become a popular choice among environmentally conscious gardeners seeking natural alternatives to synthetic fertilisers.
2. Comfrey as a Mulch
One common use of comfrey leaves is to trim them and spread them around the garden as green mulch - there are various varieties and some have absolutely giant leaves, making this exercise very easy. As the leaves decompose, they release nutrients such as nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) into the soil.
>>>> Improves soil fertility and promotes healthy plant growth.
The leaves can also be dried and ground into a powder and then sprinkled directly onto the soil.
>>>> Slow-release fertiliser
3. Comfrey Leaves as Plant Transplant Shock Therapist
If you place comfrey leaves in the hole during the transplantation process, you provide your plants with a natural source of essential nutrients like potassium, nitrogen, and trace minerals.
As the comfrey leaves decompose rapidly, they release these vital nutrients into the soil, creating a perfect environment for the young roots to develop in.
4. Comfrey as Tea for your Plants
If you steep the nutrient-rich comfrey leaves water, they release their lovely lovely nutrients and create a natural fertiliser.
>>>> Improving the health of a garden, increasing the nutrients in your soil and promoting sustainable gardening practices.
5. Comfrey as a Tree Healing Balm
Comfrey adds potassium, nitrogen and trace nutrients plus the leaves hold allantoin, a proven healer that encourages cell proliferation. Comfrey can be used as a poultice for tree bark damage and even for reviving orchard trees.
The way tree revival can work with comfrey is to rub the comfrey leaves all over the trunk of the tree and put the leaves around the base (even bury them in ground mulch if there is any).
A poltice is usually made up of crushed green comfrey leaves. Place the wet comfrey onto the damaged area of the tree and bandage it so that it stays on, then let it do it’s work!
6. How to Use Comfrey for Animal Forage
Comfrey has a high protein content of 20-30% and mineral-rich composition.
This makes it a preferred food for bees and chickens.
⛔ Nota bene: Large quantities of comfrey can lead to toxicity issues in grazing animals.
When using comfrey as an addition to chicken feed, make sure that the quantity provided is within safe limits. While chickens love comfrey as a supplement to their diet, excessive consumption may have adverse effects on their health.
