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On today’s podcast episode I discuss the many uses of having comfrey on the homestead and why EVERY homesteader should be growing it, what variety to grow and where to get it.

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Today, I’m diving into one of my all-time favorite plants for the homestead—comfrey. Whether you’ve never heard of comfrey or already have it growing on your property, this post is for you. I’m going to break down what comfrey is, why you should grow it, and all the ways it can make your homestead thrive.

What is Comfrey?

Comfrey is a hardy perennial herb, most often used as a natural fertilizer and medicinal plant. It’s known for its ability to accumulate nutrients from deep in the soil and pull them into its leaves. That’s why it’s called a “dynamic accumulator.” Cool, right?

There are a few types of comfrey, but most homesteaders like to grow Russian Comfrey because it doesn’t spread by seeds and has more productive varieties, like Bocking 4 and Bocking 14. Both types are fantastic for different uses, and I’ll explain why in a bit.

Why Every Homesteader Should Grow Comfrey

Here’s the thing: if you’re looking for a plant that gives back to your garden and animals without needing a ton of attention, comfrey is your go-to.

Comfrey has so many uses that it earns its place on any homestead. It helps improve your garden’s soil, feeds your animals, and can even be used in home remedies. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get from just a few plants!

1. Comfrey as a Fertilizer

Comfrey is a powerhouse when it comes to boosting soil fertility. Its leaves are packed with nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are great for your plants. Here are some ways you can use comfrey in your garden:

• Compost Activator: Tossing comfrey leaves into your compost pile helps speed up the decomposition process. They add a nitrogen boost that gets things cooking faster.
• Compost Tea: Making a nutrient-rich compost tea with comfrey is super easy. Just soak a bunch of leaves in water for about 4–5 weeks. It will get stinky (trust me!), but your plants will love the liquid gold you pour on them.
• Chop-and-Drop Mulch: This is one of my favorite ways to use comfrey. Just cut down some leaves and spread them around the base of your plants. They’ll slowly break down, feeding your plants over time.
• Companion Plant: Planting comfrey near your fruit trees or garden beds can help improve the soil around them. It works its magic deep in the soil, pulling up nutrients that other plants can’t reach.

2. Comfrey as Livestock Feed

Did you know that comfrey is also an excellent source of food for animals? My rabbits, chickens, and even quail love munching on comfrey leaves. They’re high in protein (up to 30% in dried leaves!) and super healthy for your animals.

Here’s a tip: you don’t need to plant an entire field of comfrey to feed your animals. Just a few plants will grow quickly and produce a lot of leaves for you to harvest.

3. Comfrey as a Medicinal Plant

Comfrey has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. It’s known for its ability to speed up the healing of minor cuts, bruises, and even broken bones! Some people call it “bone knit” because of how effective it is at helping broken bones heal.

Now, a little warning here: don’t use comfrey on deep wounds because it can heal the skin too quickly, trapping bacteria inside. But for minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations, comfrey works wonders. You can make a simple poultice or salve from the leaves and apply it directly to your skin.

4. Growing and Propagating Comfrey

One of the best things about comfrey is how easy it is to grow. Once you plant it, it just keeps coming back year after year. It’s drought-resistant, hardy, and doesn’t need much attention.

If you want to grow more comfrey, it’s as simple as dividing the roots. Just take a piece of the root or crown, plant it somewhere else, and boom—new comfrey plant! It’s like magic. Some homesteaders even sell comfrey root cuttings as a way to make a little extra income.

My Experience with Comfrey

I started with just three comfrey plants on my homestead, and now I have it growing all over the place! I use it in my garden, feed it to my animals, and even make herbal remedies with it. The best part? It’s low-maintenance, and I never have to worry about replanting it.

If you’re just starting out with comfrey, I recommend looking for Russian varieties like Bocking 14 or Bocking 4. You can usually find root cuttings online, or you might get lucky and find someone local selling them. Either way, it’s worth adding to your homestead.

Final Thoughts

Comfrey is truly a homestead superhero. Whether you’re looking to improve your garden’s soil, feed your animals, or try your hand at herbal medicine, comfrey has you covered. Plus, once you plant it, you’ll have a steady supply of this amazing plant for years to come.

So, if you’re not growing comfrey yet, what are you waiting for? Get out there, plant some, and see the difference it makes on your homestead!

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