Ash from the fire

[Boogalooblue]

Could someone please help me

As the weather turns colder we are having more and more open fires, burning only wood. Some of the wood has come from old timbers removed from the house and some bought in logs.

I was wondering if I could dig the ashes left over from the fires into the soil for my veggies or if I should put it into the compost bin or whether I should just bag it and bin it??

Hopefully someone will know the answer

We always chuck the ash around the shrubs, doesn't seem to do em any harm.

Not sure about the veggie plot - someone else might know.

My Dad told me to make a pile of ash in the garden somewhere and not use it on plants straight away - I think he said ok to use after 6-12mths - but maybe someone else will be along who knows the correct time period.

Thanks you two, I appreciate the advice.

I am really keen though on my veggie garden and anything to help it.

So does anyone know if I can use the ash and what are the benefits etc?

Perfect for tomatoes, if you plan to grow them.

Apparently it helps deter slugs but I have never tried it.

Helps with broad beans, put it around the bottom of the plants to prevent chocolate spot.

If you are washing things outside (anything from buckets to BBQs to tools... grappling wildly for likely candidates here ) then mix ash with a little water and it works a treat as an alternative to washing up liquids etc.

Pop some on your compost heap as well. Every little helps.

I guess the reason you have to wait for 6 months is that it needs time to get "washed" by the rain. DOn't forget that ash and water make Lye, which is a fairlly caustic chemical that is used in making soap (well - was used in the old days). hence why it is good for cleaning tools etc - not kind to hands though.....