"Compostman" wrote in message
...
"Phisherman" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 07 Nov 2003 10:41:12 -0700, Grandpa jsdebooATcomcast.net
wrote:

Is there a compelling reason to use use or not use fireplace ashes in
my
compost pile?


Use them! They are also beneficial to use directly on shrubs, trees,
and lawn. You can use them to encircle your plants to ward off slugs.
Ashes are potash rich. They tend to make the soil alkaline, so avoid
using ashes on acid-loving plants. Ashes can also be used on ice
patches on steps, driveway--more kind to plants than using salt.

I agree with this advice. I put ashes in my compost, but because it's pH
is
so high, I usually wait until my composting process has slowed down to
avoid
getting ammonia, and thus a bad smell and loss of nitrogen. Because my
soil
is naturally acid, I also put ashes around my liliacs which like alkaline
conditions. I don't think ashes in reasonable amounts are going to make
any
significant effect on the compost pH, which tends to be neutral, no matter
what you put in it (assuming normal type waste, not battery acid).
--
Compostman
Washington, DC
USDA Zone 7

I have to disagree - I have done large scale R&D on composting and pH will
change dependent on material.
A reasonable amount will not affect - but as I said I have a woodstove and
one winter of constant burning can certainly result in an unreasonable
amount. Also due to the low porosity value of ash - it will lead to
anaerobicity if added in too high a volume.