Just about everyone has a childhood memory of running through the yard and ending up with that unmistakable, painful sting from a patch of stinging nettles. Because of those itchy run-ins, it’s no surprise that most of us want to clear them out of our gardens as fast as possible. If you’re looking to reclaim your backyard, here are a few tips on how to get rid of stinging nettles for good.
Take Action Fast and Thoroughly
If stinging nettles have moved into your garden, you need to be quick and consistent. If you wait until July when the plants are already in bloom, you’re going to have a much bigger problem on your hands thanks to self-seeding. Unfortunately, just hacking them down at the surface won’t cut it. To truly get rid of them, you have to go deeper. This plant spreads not just through seeds above ground, but also through an aggressive network of underground runners (rhizomes).
Wait for a Rain Shower
Because of those underground runners, you’re going to have to do a little digging to win this battle. The good news? Nettle roots tend to grow wide rather than deep. After a heavy rain, the top layer of soil is usually loose enough that you can pry the roots out fairly easily with a garden fork or a spade. Make sure to sift through the soil carefully—you want to remove as much of the root system as possible so they don’t just sprout right back.
Other Methods
To be honest, there aren’t many weed killers out there that are truly effective against nettles without harming the rest of your garden. One alternative is to mow the nettles down and cover the area with heavy black plastic sheeting. However, you’ll need to leave that eyesore there for 6 to 12 months to completely kill them off, which isn’t exactly great for the health of your soil.
Before you toss your harvest in the trash, you might want to consider drying or freezing some of the plants. Believe it or not, nettles make a fantastic seasoning and are a tasty addition to dishes like spinach or veggie casseroles. Plus, they are a time-tested home remedy! Stinging nettle is known to help with several health issues, including:
- Rheumatism
- Joint pain
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary tract inflammation
