Can you grow nettles in pots?

[slimrbp]

Starnge question I guess but does anyone know if you can grow nettles in pots?

I want to do some planting for butterflies this year so along with various nectar plants I was thinking of growing a patch of common nettles as they are a larval plant of a couple of species that visit the garden.
My only concern is that they will go mental so I was considering pots to try and keep them in check or are they fairly easy to keep under control?

[Hedera]

What about a used grobag - I've had them seed into one and the roots travel around well. You could add a bit of ferrtiliser to make up for the used soil.

[slimrbp]

Originally Posted by Hedera

What about a used grobag - I've had them seed into one and the roots travel around well. You could add a bit of ferrtiliser to make up for the used soil.

Good idea, the other half likes to grow tomatoes, I might nick a new one !

[artdemole]

Plant runners in large pots with fertilizer and water regular.Can place pot in ground as a form of control like some do with mint.Cut when necessary and plant more runners to keep nettles going.Good to use leaves in tea.

[Deb London]

I tried to encourage nettles in my garden, fork at the ready of they went too far, but they just didn't 'take'.

Sounds like you have some good ideas. Based on what I remember, I think they might like pelleted chicken manure too, never tried it though.

Tell us how you get on slimrbp.

[Gill Catton]

nettles definately love nutriants that's why you get them along river banks where floods leave their silt behind and in horse's fields where they poo and on old bonfire sites so I would have though a grow bag would be fine (if not luxury for them!!)

[Jim Ford]

Around the bothies in Scotland there's often a patch of nettles, but nowhere else for miles! Nettles are always a good sign of nitrogen enrichment.

Jim

[slimrbp]

Thanks for the ideas everyone (alhough I will draw the line at the 'bothy' frertilizer solution Jim )
I will try a few methods and report back

[Ben Orme]

Would you be using wild nettles or can you buy the seeds?

[slimrbp]

Originally Posted by Ben Orme

Would you be using wild nettles or can you buy the seeds?

I bought some seeds (they are sold as a medicinal herb) so will be trying those.