Nettles In The Vegetable Patch

[Jamjar74]

We have been inundated with nettles but they seem to have got worse over the past couple of years. Last year we tried the Resolva "Extra Strength" which worked initially but now they are back with a vengeance with lots about 12 inches tall. Can anyone recommend a weed killer that will get rid once and for all. We have also dug them out by hand but as soon as you turn your back there they are again. Any help much appreciated.

[TonyV]

Lady you can have a few in corners if you have large enough garden, I do and some wild flowers

[ladybirder]

Good for you Tony. I don't have a large garden but I still leave a few nettles around, mainly under the shrubs. Just love to see the butterflies.

[naomi24]

According to my gardener friend, one year's seeds means ten years weeds. I think the moral of the story is 'dig em up'. Just saying.

I don't 'do' gardening.

[TonyV]

Lady as someone said earlier nettles only like rich soil must start an RSPB bird watch thread unless you want to?

[Chipchopper]

Its good to set aside a patch of nettles for their wildlife value, especially endangered butterflies.
Nettles like to grow on soil that has been occasionally disturbed, so when you weed it out with a fork, you need to be very though to stop it returning.

[Jamjar74]

Thank you all so much for your various solutions and information. This has given my husband food for thought. (Not until the weather gets warmer though.)
Thank you once again.

[woofgang]

yes i have got nettle patches in a couple of corners of the garden for wildlife....they need really SERIOUS managing though or they will take over....and its a courtesy to neighbours not to let them flower and seed