Comfrey by the Compost
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) reminds me a lot of tobacco, which is grown as a cash crop by farmers here in Cambridge, Wisconsin. I’ve read that comfrey can be smoked as a tobacco, but I have no interest. I grow it as a compost crop and for that purpose, its value is remarkable.
I previously posted about using comfrey in compost here.
Harvesting Hatchet
An established growth of comfrey can be harvested up to four times per year. I decided to cut some to use as a mulch in the paths. I hadn’t done that before, which I realize now was a mistake. It’s just so easy. I was harvesting comfrey with a Japanese kama, but a camper’s hatchet is much easier to use. The heft of the hatchet easily cuts through multiple stems.
Big Yields
The large plants produce huge yields. When you realize the plants can be cut back up to four times a season, the output of comfrey is something to be appreciated. About the only downside is that comfrey likes to spread and if unchecked could take over an area.
Mulching the Paths with Comfrey
Here are harvested plants laid down in the paths. I’ll be adding more to make sure paths and bed edges are smothered. I’m going to encourage even more growth of comfrey as I think comfrey mulch will make my gardening easier.