Growing Veg on ex bonfire site

We are just starting to reclaim an area of garden for a vegetable patch, part of which was used as a bonfire site for about 10 years. There is a very deep layer of ash which I have attempted to dig in, but still very deep. What vegetables, if any do you think would grow in such soil? I have planted a few tomatoes, runner beans and chilli peppers to date in the less ashy area.

Thanks for feedback

Ann

 

as long as it's only wood ash you should be ok.

 

Yes - it is all wood ash, but wondered if too much could be toxic.

 

My father in law, at the end of the growing season, has a massive bonfire on his veg patch, every year, and has done so for as long as I have been there (6 years), and long before that. He grows the best veg I have ever tasted, so it can't be that bad He tends to burn just wood, paper and cardboard on it

 

Ash raises the pH of the soil.

 

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What happens when a forest or grassland burns in the wild, fantastic regrowth!

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dig some out and place in your compost bin. also spread it out abit.

 

oh and yes too much can burn your crops. excellent for brassica , apparently

 

oh and make sure there is no ash from treated wood

 

I've always found ash to be a good thing, even back in the old days we used to put the ashes from the fire on the garden, but then I do have clay soil and it breaks it down a treat.

Once ash has weathered, it seems to not be a problem.

More an asset I'd say.

 

Thank you all very much. The tomatoes and chillies are in the bit of the patch without too much ash. Will try some broccoli etc on the really dense ash part. Any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks once again

Ann

 

You have great conditions to grow onions, and other veg. rake it in or dig it and leave it at that.

 

I read somewhere that gypsum was dug into soil that had become too sticky from too much wood ash, but I can't remeber where to check it out:DOH:

Sounds like a Walking Stick Cabbage would do well in it

 

I think gypsum is used to break up clay ziggy.