Seaweed is everywhere here on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and it is easily gathered with a rake and tub. So there is no excuse for me not to make use of this nutritious weed.
I also mix it with some nettles as there are plenty of those around here too. Actually there are many things you can use nettles for and I often use them to make a healthy cup of nettle tea. This tastes much nicer than you would imagine.
I collected up a large tub of seaweed and nettles a couple of months ago and it’s time to bottle it and have it ready for feeding my plants.
I have to admit this vintage is absolutely rancid. I would go as far as to say the smell is nauseating, so if you are making this I would recommend not putting your nose too near it, however appealing the idea might be.
HOW TO MAKE SEAWEED & NETTLE WINE
- First become a hoarder or a scrounger and lay in good stock of plastic bottles.
- Cram a large bucket or tub with seaweed and nettles.
- Fill it with water. Or, if you live in Ireland don’t bother, just leave it outside to fill with up with rain – it won’t take long!
- Cover with a lid or piece of plastic and leave to brew for a month or two. The longer you leave it the stronger and the stinkier it gets.
- Funnel the seaweed and nettle wine into your stash of bottles.
- If you don’t have a funnel cut the bottom of a plastic bottle and use that instead.
- When it’s ready add about a cup of this stuff to your watering cans and apply to your plants.
CONSOLATION
If you are disappointed about not getting to drink your wine, console yourself by thinking about the goodness going into your plants and flowers. The roses below were fed only with seaweed and nettle wine.
The enjoyment you will get from watching them your plants and flowers grow is far healthier for you than drinking wine any way!
By the way, vegetables grow really well if you water them with the seaweed and nettle brew and if you would like to learn more about growing vegetables click here.
Happy gardening!
Grace
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