Nettles often get a bad rap. They sting, they spread fast, and they’re usually the first plant people pull out of the garden. But what if you could turn those weeds into something useful?

Turns out, stinging nettles are packed with nutrients and natural compounds that make them perfect for homemade fertilizer and insect repellent. If you’re looking for a free, organic way to feed your plants and keep bugs off your garden, nettles are about to become your new best friend.

Why use nettles in the garden?

Nettles are rich in nitrogen, iron, magnesium, and trace minerals. When you turn them into a liquid fertilizer, you’re basically creating a plant-powered nutrient boost for your soil. Plus, their strong smell and compounds make a great natural bug deterrent.

Two ways to use nettles

1. Nettle fertilizer (also called nettle tea)
   This is a fantastic liquid feed for your plants—especially leafy greens and nitrogen-loving veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.

How to make it:

• Gather a bucket full of fresh nettle leaves (gloves on!)

• Chop them up and stuff them into a large bucket

• Fill with water (rainwater is ideal) until the leaves are covered

• Let it sit in a shaded spot for 1 to 2 weeks, stirring every day

• It will smell pretty strong once ready—strain the liquid and use it diluted at a 1:10 ratio with water

How to use it:

• Pour around the base of plants as a root drench

• Use once a week during the growing season

2. Nettle insecticide spray
   Nettles also contain formic acid and silica, which help deter aphids, spider mites, and other soft-bodied pests.

How to make it:

• Simmer a handful of chopped nettle leaves in 1 liter of water for 15 minutes

• Let it cool, then strain the liquid into a spray bottle

How to use it:

• Spray directly onto affected leaves in the morning or evening

• Use every few days or after rain to keep pests away

Extra tips for success

• Only harvest nettles before they flower—after that, they become tough and less effective

• Always wear gloves when handling fresh nettles

• Add leftover plant material to your compost bin for an extra nutrient boost

Instead of fighting nettles in your yard, start using them to your advantage. They’re free, organic, and incredibly effective. Whether you’re feeding your tomatoes or fending off aphids, nettle fertilizer and spray are simple, sustainable solutions that actually work.

Acorns aren’t just squirrel snacks—they’re actually packed with nutrients and have been a staple food for humans across many cultures for centuries. While we often overlook them today, acorns are a wild, free, and surprisingly rich source of nutrition hiding right under our feet.

If you’ve got oak trees nearby, you’ve got access to a natural superfood. Here’s what makes acorns so special—and how you can use them at home

Why Eat Acorns?

Acorns are the seeds of oak trees, and although they need a bit of preparation, they’re loaded with goodness:

• High in healthy carbohydrates

• Rich in fiber for digestion

• Contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron

• A source of healthy fats and plant-based protein

• Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

They’re naturally gluten-free and can be turned into flour, coffee, and even snacks.

Health Benefits of Acorns

1. Natural Energy Boost
   Acorns are high in complex carbs that provide lasting energy without a crash.

2. Supports Digestive Health
   With plenty of fiber, they help support gut function and regularity.

3. Promotes Heart Health
   Acorns contain healthy fats and plant compounds that support circulation and lower inflammation.

4. Strengthens Bones & Muscles
   Thanks to their mineral content—especially calcium and magnesium—they help keep bones and muscles strong.

5. May Help with Blood Sugar
   Acorn flour has a low glycemic index, which may help stabilize blood sugar levels.

6. Immune Support
   With antioxidant compounds, acorns may help protect against free radical damage and support immune health.

How to Prepare Acorns for Eating

Acorns contain tannins, which are bitter and can upset your stomach if eaten raw. Here’s how to prepare them safely:

1. Shell the acorns and remove the nutmeat.

2. Leach out the tannins by soaking in water—either cold water over several days or hot water for quicker results (changing water frequently).

3. Once the bitterness is gone, dry the acorns completely.

4. Grind into flour, roast for snacks, or use in baking.

Ways to Use Acorns

• Acorn flour pancakes or muffins

• Add to smoothies for a nutty boost

• Roast like chestnuts for a crunchy snack

• Mix into granola or energy bars

• Brew as a caffeine-free coffee substitute

The Bottom Line

Acorns are one of nature’s forgotten treasures—nutrient-rich, free, and surprisingly versatile once you know how to use them. With a little preparation, you can turn something wild and overlooked into delicious meals and snacks. Nature provides—we just need to pay attention.

There’s a plant most people pull up and toss without a second thought—but it turns out, it’s packed with powerful healing properties. Known in many places as a common weed, this backyard plant has been used in traditional remedies for everything from inflammation to infections, and even digestive issues.

So what is this mystery plant? It’s Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)—a leafy green you’ve probably stepped on more times than you can count. Here’s why you might want to think twice before cutting it down.

What Makes Broadleaf Plantain So Special?

This unassuming plant is actually a medicinal powerhouse. Its leaves are packed with natural compounds like:

• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Antibacterial properties

These nutrients work together to support the body in healing and fighting off a wide range of conditions.

Health Benefits of Broadleaf Plantain

1. Heals Cuts, Scrapes & Bug Bites
   Crush the leaves and apply them to minor wounds—it helps stop bleeding, reduce swelling, and prevent infection.

2. Soothes Skin Irritations
   Plantain is often used to calm eczema, rashes, sunburn, and poison ivy reactions.

3. Supports Digestion
   Drinking plantain tea may help with ulcers, indigestion, and even constipation thanks to its gentle soothing effect on the gut.

4. Fights Coughs & Respiratory Issues
   It’s a traditional remedy for dry coughs and bronchitis. It helps clear mucus and soothe the throat.

5. Reduces Inflammation
   Plantain’s anti-inflammatory compounds can help ease joint pain and other inflammation-related discomfort.

6. Promotes Healthy Skin
   Its antibacterial and soothing properties make it useful in natural salves for acne or minor skin infections.

7. Eases Urinary Tract Issues
   Plantain tea has mild diuretic properties, which may help flush the urinary system.

8. Fights Infections
   The plant has antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities that may assist the immune system in fighting off minor infections.

9. Supports Oral Health
   Used as a mouth rinse, it can help soothe gum irritation or mouth sores.

10. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
    Some studies suggest plantain compounds may contribute to blood pressure regulation.

How to Use Broadleaf Plantain

• Make a tea using fresh or dried leaves
• Crush fresh leaves and apply as a poultice to the skin
• Add to homemade salves, oils, or ointments
• Rinse and eat young leaves raw in salads or cooked like spinach

Always make sure to collect from clean, pesticide-free areas!

Before you mow it down, look twice—broadleaf plantain might just be the most useful plant in your yard. It’s natural, free, and full of healing potential. Sometimes, the best remedies really are growing right at your feet.

You’ve probably seen lamb’s quarters (also known as Chenopodium album) growing wild along sidewalks, fields, or in your backyard—and maybe even pulled it like a weed. But here’s the surprise: this humble plant is a nutritional powerhouse and a traditional medicinal gem.

For generations, people have used lamb’s quarters in cooking and herbal remedies. It’s time this wild green got the respect it deserves.

What Makes Lamb’s Quarters So Special?

Lamb’s quarters are edible leafy greens with a mild, spinach-like taste. But nutritionally, they’re on another level:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K
• Packed with calcium, magnesium, and iron
• High in protein and fiber
• Loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

In other words, it’s basically wild super-spinach.

Medicinal & Health Benefits

1. Supports Digestive Health
   The fiber content helps regulate digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Traditionally, it’s also been used to soothe stomach issues.

2. Boosts Immunity
   With plenty of vitamin C and antioxidants, lamb’s quarters can help keep your immune system in good shape.

3. Good for Bones & Blood
   The iron, calcium, and magnesium combo supports bone strength and healthy blood flow—great for energy and circulation.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
   Its leaves contain natural compounds that may help calm inflammation in the body, which is helpful for joint or skin conditions.

5. Skin-Friendly
   In folk medicine, crushed leaves were sometimes applied topically to treat skin irritations or rashes.

How to Eat Lamb’s Quarters

You can use it anywhere you’d normally use spinach or kale:

• Add to soups and stews
• Sauté with garlic and olive oil
• Mix into omelets, casseroles, or pasta
• Toss into smoothies for a green boost
• Use raw in salads when young and tender

(Pro tip: Don’t overcook—just lightly steam or sauté to keep the nutrients intact.)

A Quick Note

Like spinach, lamb’s quarters contain oxalates, which can affect calcium absorption. If you have kidney issues or eat a lot of high-oxalate foods, it’s best to eat this in moderation—or steam it to reduce the effect.

The Bottom Line

Lamb’s quarters are wild, free, and incredibly good for you. Next time you spot this “weed” growing nearby, don’t pull it—harvest it! It’s one of nature’s overlooked gifts, ready to boost your health and flavor your meals.