Using Wood Ashes as Fertilizer

Are wood or leaf ashes good for the garden? Yes, both wood and leaf ashes can be beneficial. They contain potash and lime.

How do wood ashes affect manures? Wood ashes containing lime have a tendency to hasten the decomposition of manure.

Where can I used wood ashes and chicken manure to the best advantage? Do not use together, if chicken manure is fresh. Otherwise the combination is good. Mix ashes and chicken manure at 3 to 1 ratio.

What is the best way to apply wood ashes to lilies and roses? Since the majority of lilies to better in somewhat acid soils, wood ashes should not be used. Apply wood ashes to roses in the spring; about 1/2 to 1 lb. around each plant.

What is the best way to use wood ashes in acid soil? Wood ashes tend to reduce acidity because of lime content. Apply to the soil in fall or spring; 4 to 6 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. Fresh wood ashes will form lye when first applied. Do not use on plants in active growth.

What plants and trees benefit by an application of wood ashes? Almost all plants. Those that need potash - fruit trees, vegetable root crops, hydrangeas, carnations, roses, peonies, etc. - are especially benefited.

Will the action of wood ashes and cinders destroy alkali on irrigated land? (Washington.) Neither wood ashes nor cinders would have any effect. If the soil is alkaline, sulfur is needed.

Every year I burn a considerable amount of brush. Are the ashes good fertilizer? Wood ashes are especially good for their potash content.

Do oak wood ashes have any value as fertilizer for flowers or vegetables? Yes. They contain potash, and are always safe to use.

If I put wood ashes from our fireplace on the vegetable and flower beds, will the oil from the coal ashes mixed with them harm the plants? Burned coal ashes do not contain oil. They do contain toxic substances that must be leached out by weathering over winter before being applied. Cannel coal, if incompletely consumed, contains oil.

Is there any value in wood coke from bonfires if applied to garden in fall? Applied in fall, it would be partly wasted. Better to save it under cover and apply in the spring.

Should I spread the wood ashes from my fireplace around as they are available during the winter; or must I store and use during the growing season? Store your ashes under cover to prevent leaching of potash. Leached wood ashes contain little potash, through still of some value.

Are the ashes of burned leaves, twigs, and winter-killed dry stalks of vegetation of any material value if burned on the garden plot? Yes; but the ashes would have more value if stored under cover and scattered in the spring.