How to Grow Russian Comfrey to Feed Pigs

Comfrey is ideal for pig feed because it grows quickly.

Comfrey is one of those rare plants that have a multitude of useful applications. From medicine to fertilizer to animal feed, farmers have been growing this plant for centuries. Pig farmers can grow Russian comfrey for pig feed, as it grows fast and helps provide the pigs with a greater overall nutritional balance.

Things You'll Need

• Allotted growing space
• Weed free soil
• Animal manure

Instructions

1. Choose the area where you wish plant the Russian comfrey plants. Comfrey thrives in full sun or partial-to-near-full shade conditions.

2. Remove any perennial plants and weed roots. Comfrey is a difficult plant to weed.

3. Turn poultry manure into the top 6 inches of the soil. Comfrey will soak up the nutrients, but will not burn from raw manure as many other plants do.

4. Purchase your Russian comfrey plants. Planting should take place in the spring months of March, April or May, and positive results sometimes can also be achieved in September with proper lighting and monitoring. The September temperatures closely mimic those of the earlier spring months, making this fall month an equally good time to grow comfrey. Comfrey can also be started in indoor pots and moved outdoors once they start to grow.

5. Plant the comfrey plants 2 to 3 feet apart. Comfrey grows very quickly. Cut off the flowers when they appear.

6. Wilt and shred the stalks you cut off from the comfrey plant. Feed these parts to feed chickens if you have any as hens can eat up to five stalks per day.

7. Feed the pigs any and all parts of the Russian comfrey. Pigs can easily consume up to 20 pounds of comfrey each day. The comfrey provides better mineral balance in the pig.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make liquid comfrey feed by adding comfrey leaves to a tub or barrel full of water and leaving to set undisturbed for three to five weeks.

• For more comfrey plants, push a spade through the middle of the plant and cut off a 2-inch part of the root and allow it to fall. Comfrey will root anywhere.

References

• Allotment.org: Comfrey – The Wonder Plant
• The Telegraph: How to Grow Comfrey