Ash - any use?

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AlexBy

Joined: 18 Sep 2011
Posts: 85

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 12 4:46 pm Post subject: Ash - any use?
Is there any use for wood / coal ash from my stove? I have started a garden "patch" in a field which is very poor quality soil, needing lots of organic matter and wondered if there was any advantage in putting ash in/on it? Any thoughts please? I have missed my forage pea sowing as the weather forecast for next week is too cold - or is it worth a try? Thanks

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 12 5:16 pm Post subject:
Pure wood ash from untreated timber yes, it offers some trace elements as well as a little potassium but it is alkaline so will raise the soil pH. See this from the RHS. I wouldn't personally use ash that has coal in it or from treated timber in case there are harmful trace elements.

Went

Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 6968

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 12 5:20 pm Post subject:
We use ours as a slug barrier around lettuce and young brassica plants - save it up until we need it - works well but needs replenishing until the plants are established.

AlexBy

Joined: 18 Sep 2011
Posts: 85

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 12 5:25 pm Post subject:
Excellent advise, as ever. Many thanks. Wood ash good, coal ash not very good at all!

yummersetter

Joined: 26 Jan 2008
Posts: 3241
Location: Somerset

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 12 6:35 pm Post subject:
Coal ash is good for making muddy paths less slippy.

Kenworth

Joined: 04 Apr 2011
Posts: 855
Location: Michigan

Posted: Wed Dec 12, 12 5:07 am Post subject:
My folks always kept a bucket of wood ashes near our driveway. They would throw it in the path that the tires make for traction when ice made pulling into the drive difficult. Of course, it makes boots and shoes a mess, but I guess it was a trade off?

Mr O

Joined: 13 Feb 2005
Posts: 5512
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 12 12:40 am Post subject:
You can use wood ash to make soap too ( ask Sally ). I use it instead of lime to keep my soil pH neutral.

Green Rosie

Joined: 13 May 2007
Posts: 10498
Location: Calvados, France

Posted: Thu Dec 13, 12 9:16 am Post subject:
I chuck mine into the chicken run for them to scratch through and bathe in. It is supposed to help keep red mite and other external parasites away and they loveit, especially when it's wet everywhere.

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