Coal ash on soil

[Webby]

Hello all, this is my 1st post on here, so take it easy on me!!

I'm relativley new to growing stuff on my allotment (2nd season), so need a bit of advice if possible.
The problem is that one of my neighbouring plotters emptied a bag of coal ash onto one of my beds and told me it was good for the soil. Who am I to disagree as he has had an allotment for years.
I raked the ash into the soil, but have since read on the internet that you shouldn't use it at all because it is full of nasties!
The bag was roughly the size of a growbag and the bed is about 10 feet x 20 feet.
Do I have anything to worry about or will this small amount not cause me any problems?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[Thelma Sanders]

My garden soil is very very dark from all the soot/ash dug into it over the years, and grows lovely veg.

I don't think one bag will cause any problems - if you have water on site give it a good watering to wash the ash down into the soil.
Make sure you tell him not to do it again....tell him to dig it into his own plot, and not to touch yours!

[veggiechicken]

Hello Webby and welcome.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about a small quantity like that. I'm sure there's all sorts of stuff in the ground its better not to know about
Here's a similar thread on the subject. http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...den_77447.html

[Potstubsdustbins]

^^^^^^^^^^^ Good advice.

And welcome to the Vine.

[Webby]

Thanks for the quick replies, guys. They are very helpful and have put my mind to rest as I probably have nothing to worry about.
As they say, 'You learn by your mistakes.' I won't be letting him do it again

[Lumpy]

If you gey yours hands on some wood ash thats a different matter. Its good for the soil as long as its not too much - that is what they get potash from.

[janzbro]

Bit of a cheecky plugger isnt he!!!!!

Are you sure it was coal ash as if it was wood ash its quite good for the soil, if a little alkaline.

http://umaine.edu/publications/files...1/2279fig1.gif

[Snadger]

Wood ash around the fruit bushes and coal ash on the paths to keep the weeds down!