Ash

[Ruined]

I've heard a lot of mixed views on whether or not ash should be spread on the allotment or not.

I usually only burn perennial weeds with the odd bit of wood to get it going.

Can I spread the ash on the plot after?

Alan

[Aberdeenplotter]

most definitely. Burning materials which can leave toxic residues is the problem but what you are doing is ok.

[Florence Fennel]

I remember asking on here about having a bonfire in November where my bean trench is if I dug the wood ash in. It was not recommeded as the ash would have been detrimental to the growing of beans the next season. I think I remember that wood ash is quite useful on fruit bushes, but don't quote me! Try using the search button and you should get loads of info. Welcome to the Vine by the way. It would be really helpful if you put your location into your profile please.

[Florence Fennel]

Sorry ruined, just re-read your post, I didn't realise the ash would be mainly that of weeds!

[Snadger]

It is a good way of making an acid soil more alkaline so could be used on brassica beds.

It is also loaded with potassium hence the reason it is usually added to the base of fruit bushes.

[solway cropper]

Following the advice of a professional grower I gave a generous helping of wood ash to all my soft fruit in spring and have had bumper crops. Might be coincidence but I'll be doing it agian next year.

[ginger ninger]

Slightly different, but my Dad use to sprinkle soot round his onions on his allotment. He also said slugs hate it...very fine dust clogs them up.

[binley100]

Make sure it's completely cold first ........eh Snadge

[Two_Sheds]

Bonfires are pretty antisocial, and not even necessary ~ perennial weeds can be composted after they've been killed by drowning or by drying out on the path (providing you are getting some of that yellow sky thing that we've not seen since April)

[VirginVegGrower]

It is my understanding that wood ash can be used in the garden but not coal ash. Regards soot I have a very old gardeners encyclopedia that advocates it's use in the garden, but then it lists a lot of other vary scary substances that are likely now banned

[arpoet]

My Grandfather was a chimney sweep and brought lots of soot to our allotment in the late 60s. He sprinked it round the plants as a slug barrier and dug large amounts in during the winter. Even now, when we dig the tatties we can smell the old soot and my feet are always black when take my boots off after i have been working down the lottie.
Roger

[Snadger]

Make sure it's completely cold first ........eh Snadge

..........

[Snadger]

Bonfires are pretty antisocial, and not even necessary ~ perennial weeds can be composted after they've been killed by drowning or by drying out on the path (providing you are getting some of that yellow sky thing that we've not seen since April)

Ah.................but ya canna wack a good bonnie now and again!

[Ruined]

Thanks everybody.

I'm surprised at the number of benefits...i'll definitely get some on my fruit bushes.

Alan

[jacob]

I collect up all the ash from my incinerator in the garden and fire/woodburner inside. I add a good pile into my final pots for tomatoes (and aubergines, chilis, peppers, cucumbers etc...). This seems to have a positive effect on crops (the two tomatoes I forgot to do this with are really obvious).

I also give the fruit bushes and trees a bit, dig a lot in with my courgettes, and will try to put a bit in with everything else.

It seems to be nutrient rich (particularly K, but I suspect other trace stuff too) and basically good for stuff. I guess I'm a tiny bit nervous about the long terms consequences if some trace element build up, plus the alkalinity, but so far so good. It's basically a K rich fertiliser.