Wood Ash

I have been given a large bag of wood ash today, What I would like to know is how to use it? Do I just throw it all over the garden, or does it have to be measured out, and what exactly does it do, Neighbour suggested it keeps slugs at bay that would be good but how much would you use, would appreciate any ones suggestions.

 

Its loaded with potash so it will act as a fertiliser and help your flowers grow. Also as it dries out very quickly when on the surface of the ground, I imagine it would help keep slugs at bay like your neighbour said. I don't know if you have to measure it out, but I know that for many years my grandad used to have a most impressive hydrangea growing in nothing but a pile of wood and coal ash that he would clean out of his open fire. There was no soil, he never watered or fed it, just kept on adding the ash every time he cleaned his fireplace.

 

Aha, Soot would be good if I could get my hands on some !

 

Rosietu, I only became aware of it recently after listening to a programme on the radio but there are health hazards associated with burning and using ash from treated wood. Untreated wood ash is fine though and is high in potash which is great for giving fruit trees and bushes a boost in spring.
If you want more info regarding treated wood, just Google 'Hazards of pressure treated wood'.

 

Try this thread,
http://www.gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/soot-19466.html

 

Thanks for the info,The wood ash came from my brother in law he collects the wood from the forest for his fire in the house

 

Looks like you've got a good safe source of potash!!!