Organic compost is the best feed for all plants, as it is rich in nutrients which are released in the soil gradually. However in apartment gardening where the plants are grown in containers, bags or soil the soil nutrients are consumed at a faster pace hence they need to be often fertilized using compost. Commercially available fertilizers are synthetic hence toxic to nature and plant life, the produce harvested is also unnatural and low in nutrition. Comfrey is a leafy plant which is rich in nutrients and can be used as an excellent natural fertilizer.

Comfrey can be generally found growing in damp places like river banks, it seeds itself all around the area where it grows hence it is found in large groups. Comfrey has been developed in recent times in the name of Blocking 14 which doesn’t spread hence it can be planted on the garden beds without the worry of spreading. To get the right variety of Comfrey it is advisable to get it from any reputed supplier. Comfrey roots easily and spreads rapidly hence it is to be planted in a dedicated garden bed. Comfrey has long roots and is very sturdy, planting of Comfrey is easy but getting rid of it is equally difficult as the root system grows quickly and develops efficiently.

Comfrey contains all nutrients essential for plants, it has potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and other elements. Due to the excellent development of roots Comfrey can absorb nutrients from well below the soil where most plants cant reach. Comfrey is nutrient concentrate and better in application than manure and compost. Due to its carbon : nitrogen ration comfrey doesn’t hamper the nitrogen absorption of plants. Comfrey stem has hair on it which can irritate skin hence its always better to have your gloves on while dealing with its leaves.

Comfrey can be used in multiple ways:
Comfrey leaves can be cut small and used as mulch by spreading them around the garden plants.

Worn out comfrey leaves can directly be dug in the soil few days before planting, this will nourish the soil with nutrients.
Comfrey leaves oozes black thick liquid on squeezing it tight, this is called ‘comfrey tea’. One part of this black liquid should be diluted with ten or twelve parts of water and can be used as liquid fertilizer for vegetable plants.

Shredded comfrey leaves can be added in leaf mold and used as potting soil. The quantity of comfrey leaves should be monitored here as it can be a bit hard for seedlings.

Comfrey is a nitrogen concentrated plant hence it can be used to boost composting. Comfrey leaves and plants should be added to the compost pile directly to aid the process.

Comfrey grows in almost all conditions, it is pest tolerant and produces rapidly. It attracts beneficial insects which help in balancing the food cycle throughout the garden. The leaves specially are the best natural fertilizer, it can be grown easily and helps a lot in all fertilizing, mulching, composting, weeding and controlling pests.