Farm1 wrote:
songbird wrote:
....
What I have read so far says to not
overdo it keeping the application rate
for one time shot at 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

I'd say that is WAY too thick an application.

how it turned out today the rate was probably
about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch at the most. this
isn't a surface application, this is mixed with
six to eight inches of acidic clay, sand, and
shredded bark. then repeat several times to get
down about a foot. topped with four inches of
plain soil (clay, sand, some organic material
mixed in). 5-10% of the ashes are charcoal.

the nitrogen deficit is intentional. for
select plantings there will be added worms/
worm poo. all that extra carbon is there to
raise up the area, soak up extra water and
soak up any extra nitrogen. i'll top dress
through the season with green manures if it
looks like things need a boost more than what
the w/wp provides. last year i didn't need
to add anything.

i think i gained about a foot and a half,
but that will settle by around a third.


I use wood ashes like I would
icing sugar on a cake - it's a light dusting
over the surface not a thick layer.

ok, you haven't ever used them by digging
them in?


I think 'icing sugar' is called soemthing
llike 'confectioner's sugar int he US, if
that is any help.

powdered sugar or confectioners sugar is
the use i've always heard.


songbird