On 15 Mar, 10:34, Jim S wrote:
On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:42:00 GMT, Tim W wrote:
Ashes from the grate of a coal fire. Are they in some way bad for the soil?
Can I put them on the veg patch?

Tim w

They contain sulphur which, with water becomes sulphuric acid (acid rain
comes from coal fire fumes) If left to weather in an unused corner of the
garden they can be useful for paths eg between raised beds.
--
Jim S
* * * * Tyneside UK
* * *www.jimscott.co.uk

Put it on bare ground and let it weather then dig it in.
We always used it on our heavy clay soil when I was young, and it did
no harm,
Also soot from sweeping the chimney was sprinkled around plants to
kill the slugs, but not to close to the plants.
If you want to use the ash for paths then you have to seiv it and just
use the larger bits that dont go through the riddle, but then we would
pot them back on the fire at night to bank it down so that it would
stay in over night.
Forget the nanny state, Live a little.
David Hill
Abacus Nurseries.