Wood Ash, how much is too much ?

Discussion in 'Compost, Fertilisers & Recycling' started by toomuchrain, Feb 21, 2009.

  1. toomuchrain

    toomuchrain Apprentice Gardener

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    Hello all,

    I hope this is in the correct section of the forum, appologies if not.

    We use a wood burner in our lounge that supplies a lot of ash, it's 95% wood with a small amount of Coal, we save most of it and spread it on our borders and veg areas.

    I now find I'm going over areas more than once this year and wondered if this could do more harm than good ? The soil is in good condition but tends to get a bit wet on occasions.

    Thanks for your time

    TC
     
  2. daitheplant

    daitheplant Total Gardener

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    TC, the only nutrient in wood ash is potash, which, as it`s soluble, doesn`t last in the soil. What you are doing is opening up the soil by adding bulk in the form of ash. Still good, though.:gnthb:
     
  3. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

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    I seem to remember that ash from coal fires is not good, so make sure its mixed well, and not too much - perhaps if you have a metal dustbin you store it in during the winter, and then mix & spread, would be best?
     
  4. benacre

    benacre Gardener

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    Well it is ok to spread over the onion patch you will get some huge Onions. My Grandads ashes produce some monsters
     
  5. cajary

    cajary Gardener

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    There's some useful info about this on the "composting" section.:)
     
  6. cajary

    cajary Gardener

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    Sorry.:oops: Should have said that the sub-heading is "soot":dh:
     
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