Native Dynamic Accumulators - Ask Extension
Hello! I am new to gardening and have been checking out books from my local library about vegetable gardening and composting. I keep coming across com...
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Native Dynamic Accumulators #784589
Asked March 20, 2022, 5:46 PM EDT
Hello! I am new to gardening and have been checking out books from my local library about vegetable gardening and composting. I keep coming across comfrey, and from what I've read, it is a great multi-purpose plant for gardening. Supposedly, it is a dynamic accumulator that helps disperse nutrients from deeper in the ground to the surface. Suggested uses are composting in place ("chop and drop"), bulking up a compost bin, and creating liquid feed.
I've never heard of this plant before, so here is my question:
1. Will comfrey grow in Maryland? (or SHOULD it be grown here since it is not native...)
2. Are there any native dynamic accumulators that you would suggest in place of comfrey?
Any information is greatly appreciated!
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Samson and thanks for your question! You're doing some great research for a novice gardener, so keep it up!
As for your question on comfrey, we don't have information on it as a "dynamic accumulator," although it is a decent ground cover. It doesn't tend to be particularly aggressive, so you needn't avoid planting it, native or not.
If you're interested in using it as a green manure (chop and drop), be sure to not cut it down during the growing season, as that could severely weaken the plants as they are attempting to create rapid growth. Since you are new to gardening, might I suggest a soil test first? Here are some links for soil testing and soil testing labs to send your sample to. Soil testing is easy and provides a wealth of information on what your soil needs. You may be one of the lucky ones and not need to heavily amend. If you do need to amend it, the needs will be outlined in the report, and you can always reach out to us for additional clarification.
As for planting, instead of comfrey perhaps utilize a tried and true cover crop that can pull up nutrients from the soil and return them to the root zone.
Hope that is helpful, feel free to reach out if you have additional questions!
As for your question on comfrey, we don't have information on it as a "dynamic accumulator," although it is a decent ground cover. It doesn't tend to be particularly aggressive, so you needn't avoid planting it, native or not.
If you're interested in using it as a green manure (chop and drop), be sure to not cut it down during the growing season, as that could severely weaken the plants as they are attempting to create rapid growth. Since you are new to gardening, might I suggest a soil test first? Here are some links for soil testing and soil testing labs to send your sample to. Soil testing is easy and provides a wealth of information on what your soil needs. You may be one of the lucky ones and not need to heavily amend. If you do need to amend it, the needs will be outlined in the report, and you can always reach out to us for additional clarification.
As for planting, instead of comfrey perhaps utilize a tried and true cover crop that can pull up nutrients from the soil and return them to the root zone.
Hope that is helpful, feel free to reach out if you have additional questions!
