The ash that results from burning wood in fireplaces and stoves can also be used directly in the garden landscape. Compost and mulch components can be made from the ash of untreated hardwood and coniferous wood. Wood ash not only has an alkalizing effect on soils that are too acidic, but is also useful because it supplies nutrients and compensates for deficiencies. There are some plants that do not tolerate the use of ash. On the other hand, there are a large number of ornamental and vegetable plants that can directly benefit from mulch or compost made from ash. Which plants to fertilize with wood ash? We’ll tell you here!
Fertilizing with wood ash – important for healthy soils
Due to its high content of calcium carbonate, also known as lime, wood ash can be used to neutralize soil acidity. It is a fantastic alternative to the commercial lime available in garden stores, which has a significant impact on the environment due to its manufacturing processes. In general, soils in wetter regions have higher acidity than soils in drier regions. If the results of your pH test show that the soil already has too high an alkaline level, you should refrain from adding fireplace ash.
Wood ash can also help improve the structure and porosity of the soil, making it easier for water to reach the soilroots of plantsreached. Test a handful of garden soil that has been recently soaked by mashing it in your hand. If it crumbles almost immediately, the soil in your garden is too sandy. If you can roll it into a ball, the consistency is too clayey. The ash from the wood can help loosen clay soil.
Use ash as fertilizer - nutrients for the plants
In addition to calcium carbonate, fireplace ash also contains significant amounts of the vital nutrients potassium, phosphorus and magnesium as well as traces of other elements.plants needall these ingredients for good growth. Potassium, calcium and magnesium are extremely water-soluble elements, so they work faster than other elements. Wood ash is characterized by the absence of significant amounts of nitrogen. Adding human urine makes it a practically perfect fertilizer.
Which plants to fertilize with wood ash? Use the method correctly
How you can use ash as fertilizer!
Ash on the compost
The most beneficial use of wood ash is to add it to the compost pile. This is particularly beneficial if your compost contains a high proportion of plant matter, as the ash reduces the acidity of the compost. Make sure you incorporate the ash thoroughly and do this only rarely. Because of its extremely small particle size, ash, when moist, can form a barrier layer, reducing the aeration required for decomposition.
Direct fertilizer
If you want to spread the ashes directly into your garden, you should collect them in a non-flammable container over the winter and then spread them towards the end of winter or early spring. Before applying the product, make sure there are no hot embers in the area. Run the wood ash through a sieve to remove any large pieces. Due to the alkalinity of ash, it is important that you protect your skin, eyes, and lungs with protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a dust mask. You can gently work the ash into the soil with a garden rake or fork, but you should be careful to till the soil as little as possible.
If you want to fertilize already established plants such as trees or perennials that are just sprouting with wood ash, mix some ash into the mulch with which you fill the soilabout your plantscover around. It is important to remember that the lye and salts contained in ash can cause serious harm to plants if directly exposed to them.
It is best to avoid spreading wood ash when there is a high likelihood of wind or precipitation, as it is more likely to be blown or washed away. Sprinkling the ash on the moist soil allows it to remain there and release its nutrients into the soil below. However, the rate at which air and water can penetrate the soil is slowed when a barrier layer of wet ash is placed on top of the soil.
When should you fertilize the plants?
As long as it is not applied to the wrong plants, wood ash is an excellent annual soil conditioner and fertilizer. Ash is most effective when applied to the garden or yard in the spring. It can be used as fertilizer until shortly before planting, as it decomposes quickly and begins to work. The optimal time for application is one month before sowing.
These plants like wood ash:
- Herbs – lavender, basil, sage, catnip
- Perennials – roses, phlox, clematis, foxgloves
- Fruits and vegetables - stone fruit trees, strawberries, raspberries, citrus plants, beans, onions, garlic, chives, lettuce, carrots, turnips, beets, asparagus, chard, spinach, arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, tomatoes
- Other plants – grasses
