"Claire Petersky" wrote in message
k.net...
"Jim Marrs" wrote in message
...
I wouldn't just dump the ashes. Wood ash is very alkaline and unless you
have very acidic soil you will be disturbing the PH considerably. A light
dusing if you need to lower the PH could be tried and may have some
benefit
since the ash contains lots of trace elements and mineral.


Just supplimenting what Jim has written here -- I use some fireplace ashes
mixed with high-acid materials like pine needles in the compost heap to
help
balance the PH.

I throw my wood ash into my compost so it can get mixed in with everything
else and add a balanced compost. provided my compost mix is correct I don't
have to worry about acidity/alkalinity. Don't used ash from treated wood or,
I have been told, coal ash.

rob