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Do you want a bountiful harvest of peppers, tomatoes or cucumbers while avoiding chemicals? Are aphids, spider mites or other harmful critters troubling you? We have a proven solution you can easily prepare at home – a fermented infusion of nettles and ash, which serves as both a fertilizer and a natural spray against pests.
Unlike store-bought products you’ll save money, improve soil quality and most importantly – protect the health of your family and beneficial pollinators. And the result? Strong plants and tasty, healthy produce without chemicals.
What is a fermented infusion?
A fermented infusion is a dark liquid produced by fermenting green matter – typically nettles, leaves, vegetable scraps or weeds – in water. If you also add wood ash, you enrich the mixture with potassium, calcium and other trace elements. During fermentation enzymes, amino acids and antibacterial substances are released, which:
- strengthen the plants’ immune system,
- support rapid growth of roots and flowers,
- effectively repel aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and other pests,
- prevent the spread of molds and fungal diseases.
This green elixir is literally a tonic for your garden beds.
How to prepare a homemade infusion of nettles and ash
The preparation is simple and any gardener can manage it. You only need a little time and basic ingredients from your garden.
What you’ll need:
- 1 bucket of chopped nettles (or other green scraps)
- 1 handful of wood ash (optional, but recommended)
- 5 liters of rainwater (or settled tap water)
- a larger closable container (barrel, demijohn, plastic bottle without a cap)
Procedure:
- Chop the green matter into smaller pieces and place it in the container.
- Add the ash and pour in the water.
- Cover the container with a lid or cloth – the mixture must breathe.
- Place it in a warm but shaded spot.
- Let it ferment for 7 to 10 days. Stir occasionally.
- Once the mixture stops foaming and darkens, strain it through a sieve or cloth.
The result will be a concentrated dark solution full of nutrients – an ideal fertilizer for tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
How to use the infusion: as fertilizer and protection
For plant nutrition:
- Dilution: 1 part infusion to 10 parts water
- Application: water directly at the roots once every 10–14 days
For pest protection:
- Dilution: 1 part infusion to 20 parts water
- Application: spray the leaves on both sides, ideally in the morning or evening
- Effective against: aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and some molds
Benefits of the natural infusion
Using this homemade preparation has a number of benefits:
- Contains no chemicals – suitable even for organic gardens
- Protects the environment – gentle on soil and insects
- Strengthens plants naturally
- Prevents the emergence of molds and pests
- Supports richer flowering and fruit set
Moreover, everything you need can be found for free in your garden or nearby.
Conclusion: a healthy harvest without chemicals
If you long for tasty and healthy produce without chemical sprays, a fermented infusion is the best choice. Simple to prepare, effective against pests and completely natural. Your tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers will reward you with sturdy stems, rich color and fruits full of flavor.
Start today and try this natural aphid spray and fertilizer in one – your garden will thank you.
