"Bruce" wrote in message
...
H Ryder wrote:
I'm just digging our vegetable patch over and intend to grow: potatoes;
beans etc; brassicas and roots in 4 quarters next year. We have an open
fire
which we use fire lighters to light but then just burn wood on. Can I
put
the ash onto the veg garden (or any other part of the garden) and if so
which of the 4 quarters can ~I put it onto. Thanks in advance,
--
Hayley
(gardening on well drained, alkaline clay in Somerset)
Many gardeners recommend it highly for onions and garlic. An article
this year in Kitchen Garden by an Italian gentleman growing garlic said
all his bonfire waste went here. It is not strong as a potash fertiliser
or alkanine additive
I think you'll find that most authorities give a figure of 25% for the
alkaline content of wood ash. Furthermore wood ash is possibly the
best source of organic potash which is generally available. At between
6% - 10%, presumably depending on species and other factors.
As somebody who's used it under fruit trees myself I know
I can disregard any warnings about excess alkalinity. However
the efficacy of wood-ash might still be crucialy dependant on
soil type and a user's particular circumstances, such that
blanket recommendations should possibly be avoided.
quote
Wood ash does have fertilizer value, the amount varying somewhat with
the species of wood being used. Generally, wood ash contains less than
10 percent potash, 1 percent phosphate and trace amounts of micro-nutrients
such as iron, manganese, boron, copper and zinc.
The largest component of wood ash (about 25 percent) is calcium carbonate,
a common liming material that increases soil alkalinity. Wood ash has a
very fine particle size, so it reacts rapidly and completely in the soil.
Although small amounts of nutrients are applied with wood ash, the main
effect is that of a liming agent.
Specific recommendations for the use of wood ash in the garden are difficult
to make because soil composition and reaction varies from garden to garden.
Acidic soils (pH less than 5.5) will likely be improved by wood ash
addition.
Soils that are slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5) should not be harmed by the
application of 20 pounds per 100 square feet annually, if the ash is worked
into the soil about 6 inches or so. However, if your soil is neutral or
alkaline (pH 7.0 or greater), find another way to dispose of wood ash. If
you don't know your soil's acidity or alkalinity level, have it tested for
pH.
/quote
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/woodash.html
so you can actually add quite a lot. I have heard
of 1/2" depth on a bed. It will also condition a sticky clay soil, help
keep slugs off and is generally a good soil additive. Potash is not just
good for flowers but also fruit and root veg. I don't waste any of mine.
michael adams
....