At last, winter is here, and it’s time to light a fire in your fireplace. Everybody likes a fire in the cold, but nobody likes to clean the fireplace the next morning, right? Please don’t throw away your wood ashes as they hold many of the elements needed for new growth in plants. Wood ash is primarily composed of magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. It also contains trace amounts of iron, zinc, manganese and copper- all good for growing plants.
Why is wood ash good for your garden?
- It neutralizes acidic soil so don’t throw wood ash close to acid-loving plants such as Azaleas and Blueberries
- It is a natural deterrent of slugs and snails. When applying wood ash avoid direct contact with your plants
- Wood ash can be added to your compost heap and will boost the heap’s potassium levels – a key nutrient for flowering and fruiting. Remember to add wood ash moderately, it is alkaline and too much will raise the pH value of your compost heap which may burn acid-loving plants you have in your garden
- Calcium-loving plants like lettuce, tomatoes, apple trees, carrots and members of the cabbage family will thrive on wood ash
- Wood ash can be you used to fertilize your lawn. A light dusting of wood ash on the lawn followed by a good watering (to prevent beneficial nutrients from blowing away) can promote a green lush lawn
- Wood ash can also be used in and around your house for absorbing bad odours
Before using wood ash in your garden, remember the following:
- Use only wood ash from wood that is free from chemicals, is not painted or stained, and does not originate from charcoal
- When handling wood ash, wear gloves and a mask for safety
- Although ash may feel cool to the touch, some ash can remain hot for a few days. Don’t use it immediately, but allow it to cool for about 2-3 days
- Never combine wood ash with nitrogen fertilizer-like urea, as it will produce ammonia gas that can burn plants
- Don’t use wood ash on seedlings as it will burn them due to the salts in the ash
While you enjoy your fireplace this winter, your garden will enjoy the ashes even more! And don’t forget the ashes from your outdoor braai, this way you have the benefit in your garden all year long.
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