Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wood and Leaves Ashes as Natural Fertilizer and Other Practical Uses

Ashes are beneficial as natural fertilizer to plants because they contain potassium which is a major plant nutrient and other minor nutrients.  Yet, it can be harmful to some plants because it is highly alkaline. Therefore, there is a need to be careful on how and where to use the wood ashes in the garden. 

Azaleas, rhododendrons, junipers, conifers, and camellias are some of the plants that are not suited for wood ashes because of its acid-loving nature.  On the other hand, a small quantity can pump up the growth of calcium-loving tomatoes and roses.

Nutrients:   Wood ashes contain potassium, calcium, minerals, iron, phosphate, copper, zinc and magnesium carbonate.  However, it loses much of its nutrient value if they are left to stand in the rain because potassium and other water soluble nutrients leach out with water.


Uses:  You can spread around the perimeter of the flower beds to repel or deter slugs and snails due to its salt content.




The ashes enrich the organic compounds of compost.  If you have water ponds, it can help the water plants compete with algae by slowing its growth. It can also be used to shine silverware, brass, glass, de-melt ice, scourer, lye in making soap, mulch, spot remover on wood furniture, traction on winter, and odor-neutralizer.

How Much Should Be Applied:  To avoid excessive saline and alkaline, try to limit ash application to 5 lbs./100 feet of soil/ year. 

When to Apply:  The ashes must be completely cooled down before using it to amend the soil.  To give better results, it is advised to apply ashes 3-4 weeks before planting.  Fall is generally the best time to apply wood ashes because soil pH is lower and soil is usually drier at this time.  It will also give plenty of time for the soil to react before spring growth.

What to Avoid: To avoid burning, germinating seeds and new plant roots must be few inches away from the freshly applied ashes.  Water the plants that got in touch with the ashes to avoid the foliage from burning. Chemical applications should be avoided for 3 to 5 days prior to or after wood ash application to give time for the ashes to neutralize in the soil.

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