- Nov 21, 2005
- 827
BTW Coal ash isn't suitable, it has sulfur and iron and toxic to plants/compost.
For wood ashes:
It's alkaline, so will have the same effect as lime and help counter the effects of oak leaves and pine needles that acidify your soil. Don't use it around acid loving plants like Rhododendrons, blueberry, azalea, laurels, and holly.
It's a great source of potash for plants, but it leaches fast. All it takes is the first heavy rain on your ashes and the potash will be dissolved out of it. Put the ashes on plants/lawn that's established and have root systems so they can take advantage of it while it's around.
It's good in a compost pile but needs to be isolated from cow manure. The two mixed together causes Nitrogen to be sucked out and wasted. If you use the layer system for composting it should be sprinkled on top every 18".
For wood ashes:
It's alkaline, so will have the same effect as lime and help counter the effects of oak leaves and pine needles that acidify your soil. Don't use it around acid loving plants like Rhododendrons, blueberry, azalea, laurels, and holly.
It's a great source of potash for plants, but it leaches fast. All it takes is the first heavy rain on your ashes and the potash will be dissolved out of it. Put the ashes on plants/lawn that's established and have root systems so they can take advantage of it while it's around.
It's good in a compost pile but needs to be isolated from cow manure. The two mixed together causes Nitrogen to be sucked out and wasted. If you use the layer system for composting it should be sprinkled on top every 18".
