Description
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey is a perrenial herb and an excellent plant to have in the garden and home orchard. It’s deep tap roots mine nutrients from deep in the soil and make them available to plants.
The leaves can be used to make liquid fertiliser which provides excellent food for heavy feeders like tomatoes and pumpkins. They are also an fabulous material for the compost heap high in carbon, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and trace minerals. Potatoes grow best when planted on a bed of comfrey leaves, and chickens will lay better if fed fresh comfrey on a regular basis.
Growing Conditions for Comfrey
Comfrey is best planted mindfully in an area that will eventually become it’s forever home. Even a small part of the root will grow into a plant so choose your spot carefully as it is difficult to get rid of it once it is planted.
Break off small parts of comfrey and plant 60cm apart along fences, and along the border to your chook coop. Comfrey is beneficial planted underneath deciduous fruit trees near the drip line. As it dies back in the winter, it’s leaves nourish the feeder roots of your fruit trees ensuring they stay healthy and strong.
