QUICK GARDENING TIP: Gardeners often encounter stinging nettles while working outdoors. Some nettles pack quite a sting. For instant, quick relief from stinging nettles just split open the stalk of the stinging nettle plant and inside you will find a gel-like substance. Apply it to the area where the nettles stung you. The pain quickly subsides and you can go back to gardening without the burn and itch of stinging nettles.