the return of comfrey

I bought a comfrey plant last year because I read that they make great fertilizer for plants. Their leaves break down faster than most other plants because they absorb lots of nutritious minerals from the soil. Of course, due to the excitement of learning about the comfrey plant and the benefits it offers to a garden, I failed to realize that the comfrey plant is more beneficial when planted in the ground where it's deep roots can absorb the minerals plants love.

The comfrey plant is mostly a leafy plant with coarse hairs that can prick if not careful when handling. It also produces pretty pink flowers. The comfrey plant is also a perennial. The leafy parts die back on its own. I planted mine in a Root Pouch planter and when it died back, there were almost no signs of the comfrey except for a few dried stems. It looked like a pot with just soil. We watered the comfrey plant even though it looked like there was nothing to water.

About three weeks ago, I noticed tiny green shoots though I wasn't certain. It was my first time with a comfrey plant and didn't know what to expect. Last week, the leaves grew a bit more and surfaced above the soil. I was very happy to see the comfrey return.

comfrey

What is comfrey? It is a perennial herb that supposedly has medicinal uses. I'm interested in comfrey for use as fertilizer. The leaves break down faster than other organic material so it's great to use as a fertilizer when potting plants or use in the garden. Similarly, the leaves can also be used to create liquid fertilizer by submerging the leaves in water for a few weeks. Recipes for comfrey liquid fertilizer can be found online; just do a search.

Comfrey is not easy to come by, and it is not commonly available. You may find a few people who sell comfrey seeds or rhizomes, and comfrey plants. I acquired my comfrey plant from Silver Heights Farm Nursery at the greenmarket at Union Square. They sell all kinds of certified organic starter herbs and veggie plants for your home garden.

I have read online that comfrey plants are best planted in the ground because the roots draw lots of minerals deep in the soil that is not easily accessible. Seeing as I don't have that as an option, I am keeping my comfrey plant in a container. It's currently in a nice plastic pot but I will transplant the comfrey plant to the 7 gallon root pouch. I think the comfrey will like that better. It will be roomier for the roots to spread out and the air will keep the roots cool with air circulating through.

I'm also planning to make comfrey tea so I can use it to fertilize the tomato plants and strawberry plants. I think the plants will be very happy with that. Stay tuned...