In addition to improving the population of beneficial insects, the presence of nettles in the garden has many other desirable functions.
The growth of nettles is a very significant indicator of the high fertility of the soil, especially of phosphorus and nitrates.
Nettles contain a lot of nitrogen and are therefore used as an ingredient in compost (at household level) or as a liquid fertilizer which, despite being poor in phosphates, is still a good source of magnesium, sulfur and iron.
Nettles are also among the few plants that tolerate, indeed thrive, on soils rich in pollen (which, if in excess, prevents the development of flora).
Recent experiments have shown that nettles represent a beneficial flora for other cultivars thanks to their positive impact on the micro and macro fauna of the garden.
On the other hand, the nettle can become a weed and its mowing can dramatically increase the population. The regular and persistent processing of the soil (hoeing) can significantly reduce the number of nettles; similarly, the use of herbicides such as 2, 4-D and glyphosate represents an effective control measure for its extension.
