Growing Nettles For The Benefit Of Wildlife
Support Local Wildlife By Cultivating Nettles
Jun 30, 2009
Not everyone thinks of nettles as important, they are seen merely as intrusive and untidy. However 40 different species of insect require nettles to survive including several species of butterfly which include the Small Tortoiseshell, the Comma, the Red Admiral and the Peacock. Not only do butterflies feed on the flowers but they also lay their eggs on them. So if you have an area you are willing to allow go wild then making your own nettle patch is easy. It also has the added bonus that it’s one less area that has to be ‘tidied.’
To Make Your Own Nettle Patch
Find a good spot, it has to be in a sunny place but sheltered so it does not get blown about by the wind too much. Then dig in some manure and compost. Once this is done you have to find some nettles. As it is against the law to take nettles and other plants from the wild find some nettles living on friend’s land for example a garden or allotment. Pull them up, roots and all, and plant 30cm apart. Water them on a regular basis and as you watch them grow watch the bees and other insects move in. If you do not want the nettles to overtake an area then plant in a pot which you can sink into the ground in a good position.
To find out more about nettles and how important they are then go to Nettles.org.
Nettles are not the only plant that are ideal for encouraging and supporting our local wildlife, ivy is just as important. Ivy can be found attaching itself to trees, walls or fences. It offers a wide range of services including a meal for hungry insects late in the year when it flowers and much needed food for birds when the flowers give way to berries. The ivy not only provides food but also if well established will provide nesting sites for a range of birds including Blackbirds, Robins and Wrens. During the winter months the butterflies that fed on the flowers will tuck themselves away to escape the chill of winter. The Holly Blue butterfly benefits greatly from the introduction of ivy as it lays its egg on the flower buds and then over-winters along with other species of butterfly such Small Tortoiseshell , Red Admirals and Peacocks.
Tips for Growing Ivy for the Benefit of Wildlife
Where to Grow Ivy
Plant ivy in partial to full shade in well-drained garden loam enriched with peat moss, compost or leaf mold.
Water Requirements
Well water the soil prior to planting your ivy plant and if planting several in the same area ensure they are spaced according to their variety.
Planting
If the ivy is to grow up a wall then place them as close to the base of the wall as possible.
Feed Your Ivy
Once your ivy is established then feed it every other month with an all purpose fertilizer just during the growing season.
Pruning
To promote better growth then prune two to three times a year
Ivy And Timber
Ivy will not ‘attack’ good walls but will find cracks however they can cause problems to wooden structures so provide trellis or something similar for it to hold onto.
So give growing nettles and ivy a go and help support a whole range of animals, birds and insects.
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