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?

Yes, I agree with those who say wood ash is OK on soil but not coal ash
unless you trying to break up extremely clay soil. Coal ash is
excellent for paths through the garden and for steps you may build into
the sides of banks. It's good too for sprinkling over ice and snow on
driveways, to help your tyres get a grip. Once coal ash has been rained
on a good bit you find its simply reduced to sand-like grit. Some
people make the mistake of putting wood ash on their driveways. This
just creates a black mucky mess because wood ash doesn't reduce to
mineral grit!

Eddy.