"Jupiter" wrote in message
...

On Fri, 3 Jun 2005 01:59:06 +0100, "andrewpreece"
wrote:


" Jeanne Stockdale" wrote in message
...
We have just had our chimney swept (real coal fire, not smokeless fuel)
and
the sweep has left us a bag of soot.

Is there any way this can be used on the garden?

Jeanne


I have an old gardening book which I cannot access right at the moment
but I remember that soot was indeed used, though I cannot remember
exactly what for. I have an idea it was good against pests and disease.
I will quote the book if I can remember to dig it out tomorrow.

However, I can tell you that soot contains nitrogen, though little else,
so it can be used as a topdresing fertiliser, has a quick action, at the
rate 4oz/sq.yd, but should be weathered before use ( presumably to get
rid of the nasty components it contains ).

Andy.

From the Amateur Gardening Pocket Guide (1941) :-

A good sample may contain as much as 6% nitrogen in the form of
sulphate of ammonia. Fresh soot is rather caustic and may be used as
a soil fumigant to destroy insects and slugs. For use as a fertilizer
it is best stored in the dry for three or four months. If exposed to
rain or mixed with lime it quickly loses its value, though lime makes
it more effective as a soil fumigant. Soot also enables soil to absorb
sun heat more readily. Rate of application up to 6oz. per square yard.
May be used at any time.

Curiosity...could that pocket gide be a small green book about 2 3/4 x 3 3/4
inches in size and with 336 pages....I have one as well....one I gave to Dad
back in the 40's and he in turn gave it to me later in life......cost five
shillings....I refer to it often....except for new plants etc. very little
has changed in gardening....maybe this day and age folk
have their soil tested for pH with kits etc. whereas the likes of dad used
to taste the soil and "act accordingly"...HW