Bonfire ash
 

Would bonfire ash be an accelerator on a compost heap?

For the last two weeks I have been clearing and burning Bulrushes and
consequently have a goodly pile of ash. The compost heap has also been
growing and will grow even more when I get in and clear the stream.

I propose to mix ash with greenstuffs and build the compost heap even
bigger.

Right or wrong?

--
Mike

The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association
www.rneba.org.uk
Luxury Self Catering on the Isle of Wight?
www.shanklinmanormews.co.uk

Bonfire ash
 

"'Mike'" wrote ...
Would bonfire ash be an accelerator on a compost heap?

For the last two weeks I have been clearing and burning Bulrushes and
consequently have a goodly pile of ash. The compost heap has also been
growing and will grow even more when I get in and clear the stream.

I propose to mix ash with greenstuffs and build the compost heap even
bigger.

Right or wrong?

Sounds OK to me, although I'm not so sure it's an accelerator. A lot of the
goodness in the ash is water soluble anyway and will leech away as it rains.
A good sprinkle of garden lime on the heap helps keep it sweet I find.
The heap needs air to work properly/quickly or it will take ages to compost
down so be careful with the amount of water muck you put on top. Detritus at
the bottom of water can be very strong so if you intend to dig out some
"mud", mind where you put it, I've seen a perfect lawn destroyed that way.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
just W. of London

Bonfire ash
 

"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 2 Oct 2009 11:54:10 +0100, "'Mike'"
wrote:

Would bonfire ash be an accelerator on a compost heap?

For the last two weeks I have been clearing and burning Bulrushes and
consequently have a goodly pile of ash. The compost heap has also been
growing and will grow even more when I get in and clear the stream.

I propose to mix ash with greenstuffs and build the compost heap even
bigger.

Right or wrong?

Bonfire ash contains lime and potash amongst other things, which will
be helpful when you come to re-use the compost, but very little
nitrogen AFAIK. Again AFAIK, most accelerators, whether bought or,
er....'home made', are rich in nitrogen to encourage the bacteria to
break down the green stuff on the heap.

--

Chris


Thanks for the tips and advice.

Pictures of the remains of the Bulrushes and the compost heaps
http://www.myalbum.com/Album-6UYKKIM...%20-Other.html and a rather
dried up pond!!!

No rain since forgotten when ;-)

--
Mike

The Royal Naval Electrical Branch Association
www.rneba.org.uk
Luxury Self Catering on the Isle of Wight?
www.shanklinmanormews.co.uk

Bonfire ash
 

"'Mike'" wrote in message
...



"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 2 Oct 2009 11:54:10 +0100, "'Mike'"
wrote:

Would bonfire ash be an accelerator on a compost heap?

For the last two weeks I have been clearing and burning Bulrushes and
consequently have a goodly pile of ash. The compost heap has also been
growing and will grow even more when I get in and clear the stream.

I propose to mix ash with greenstuffs and build the compost heap even
bigger.

Right or wrong?

Bonfire ash contains lime and potash amongst other things, which will
be helpful when you come to re-use the compost, but very little
nitrogen AFAIK. Again AFAIK, most accelerators, whether bought or,
er....'home made', are rich in nitrogen to encourage the bacteria to
break down the green stuff on the heap.

--

Chris


Thanks for the tips and advice.

Pictures of the remains of the Bulrushes and the compost heaps
http://www.myalbum.com/Album-6UYKKIM...%20-Other.html and a
rather dried up pond!!!

No rain since forgotten when ;-)

a suggestion, store the ash up in a bucket until your spring and use it
then. It is correct that the nutrients in ash will leach very quickly. If
you want to use them to benefit plants, apply in a drier season and gently
wanter in to the earth. Ash can be used in the place of lime, I have found
it a good additive to dust on moss in my lawn. The ph does vary so it is an
inexact science however it does deal to moss.

rob

Bonfire ash
 

'Mike' wrote:
Would bonfire ash be an accelerator on a compost heap?

For the last two weeks I have been clearing and burning Bulrushes and
consequently have a goodly pile of ash. The compost heap has also been
growing and will grow even more when I get in and clear the stream.

I propose to mix ash with greenstuffs and build the compost heap even
bigger.

Right or wrong?

It is a waste of the potash rich ash and charcoal. best places to put t
are under your fruit trees, bushes and canes and/or where you intend to
grow onions next year. They seem to like a bit of charcoal in the soil.

To much will burn things, but the right amount is beneficial. potash is
very soluble and so will wash out and away in the winter rains. It
should go directly on the soil where it is needed.

Don't use ash from CCA treated timber on fruit or veg patches.

Regards,
Martin Brown