How to test the quality of your wood ash

[SimonCole]

Remember that as soon as the rain gets on it, you loose the potassium (potash)... here is a way to test whether it has been rained on:

Take a sample. Pour a few drops of vinegar on it. It should fizz vigerously. This is because ash is pH 10/11 (highly alkali) and vinegar is below pH 4.5. Rain would otherwise neutralise the ash.

Best wishes and happy gardening

[wellie]

Mmmm. I have two Blueberry Bushes, planted in tubs of about 18" of ericaceous compost, and they both today had about half a handful each of woodash from our woodburning stove, sprinkled on the top of the soil, washed in with rainwater (by me).

One is Bluecrop, the other is Earliblue, and they are 'next to each other' to aid bee activity.

With other fruits (Redcurrants, Blackcurrants, Rasperries, Gooseberries) should I just sprinkle the dry woodash on them and water it in as well? But how much should I sprinkle around each plant for maximum benefit?
Obviously, the bees are very active right now and it's an important time.

[Two_Sheds]

Remember that as soon as the rain gets on it, you loose the potassium (potash).

but doesn't a nutrient (potash) have to be soluble in order for a plant to absorb it?
Washing OFF the soil might be bad, but being watered INTO the soil must be good, no?
Am I barking up the wrong peastick?

[Two_Sheds]

Mmmm. I have two Blueberry Bushes, planted in tubs of about 18" of ericaceous compost, and they both today had about half a handful each of woodash

"acid-loving plants such as blueberries, cranberries, rhododendrons and azaleas would not do well at all with an application of wood ash." Using fireplace ashes in your garden