Grasping the nettle

Stinging nettles are often unwelcome in gardens but I always make sure to reserve an area for them, because of the many species of wildlife they support. They can also be quite attractive – see the picture below (and note the ‘cuckoo spit’ produced by froghopper beetle nymphs).

On the other hand, there are plenty of areas I don’t want them – not least hidden amongst other plants so I don’t notice them until I get stung.

As a result, I find myself spending quite a lot of time each year pulling out stinging nettles from the areas I don’t want them – being careful not to confuse them with white dead nettle or hedge woundwort, which often grow close and look similar.

I’ve found a pair of thick PVC gauntlets that come up to my armpits are the safest way, as if you grab from the base to pull the roots out the upper parts of the plant have a habit of swinging over and stinging the arm. It gets a bit hot inside the gauntlets but it’s better than a sting.

I also make sure I know where to find some common dock just in case I do get stung. Just rub a dock leaf on the area that's been stung until the leaf fragments and the irritation will go.