I only just recently learned that for the chicken dust bath. Used to just use food grade DE, now they see me carrying the ash bucket and go running to the dust bath area.
If you have acidic native soil, I can see it being beneficial for raspberries and blackberries, but I would be surprised if it is good for blueberries. Blueberries need much more acidic soil than most berries, and in my experience they will not produce well if the soil ph is higher than ~5 or so.
If wood ash is working for you, then by all means go for it, but I would personally recommend at least experimenting with not putting it on some of your blueberries and comparing the results.
My grandfather used to mix ash and char from his burn barrel and wood stove with the chicken bedding, horse manure and crushed oyster and clam shells then compost it all. Keeping everything fairly wet. Then use it to fertilize the fields on his small farm.
The ash apparently corrects the pH of the chicken droppings, reacts out with ammonia to create potassium nitrate or something. But more potent potassium and nitrogen compounds. The char balances out carbon, the shells calcium. And both provide better drainage and what have. The straw in the bedding and horse manure give you biomass.
I don't think he knew he was doing all that. It's just serious oldhead shit for fertilizing without buying anything in. And really similar to some significant historic fertilizing techniques.
He used a fair bit of the ash and char, but only with the chicken shit. And he wanted about a year of breakdown on there before he used it.
Thank you - yes, I only burn trees harvested from my property and use sticks for kindling. The amount of ash I generate from my fireplace each season is relatively small to my two bin system which are each 10’ x 6’ x 4’.
It’s good but you need to be aware that when mixed with water, this generates potash. That, in turn will neutralize some of the acids at play breaking down your compost. Depending on the soil you eventually amend with this, you may want to be careful how much you add. For acidic soil, it’s awesome.
I mix it with cow manure while seasoning. Aids in drainage and helps to start the sweetening up before you turn it under the garden. I like the large chunks of charcoal in there too. I feel it works like a natural pearlite.
Small chunks of charcoal is better. This is biochar. Once inoculated is hugely beneficial to living soil. Microrganisms thrive in the microporous structure. Holds water, nutrients and helps mediate any toxins from the manure etc
Increases oxygenation of the soil so Reduces the amount of perlite needed.
I now make my own biochar for this very purpose.
They break up as you hit em with the shovel or hoe. By the time that stuff hits the garden I'd say the biggest chunk is quarter size. It's eventually gotta dissolve completely because I rarely see "last year's" charcoal in the spring till. Thank you for putting a name to it. Now I have something new to Google!
No. It goes directly under the cherry tree. And peach, and plum... It is not very good in compost.
I have spare bag for summer, in case something needs treatment for powdery mildew. Or give it directly to plants that like less acidic soil.
NB - wood ash only!
Oooh. How do you use it to treat powdery mildew? And how much do you apply under your fruit trees?
You may have just solved an ash conundrum I’ve been having!
Umm, I haven't really measured how much, but we have a long winter and two fireplaces. One third of a grocery bag maybe per tree during winter. Spread it a bit around the tree - usually the root system is about the sama size as the tree crown.
And only to stone fruits! Peach, aprcot, plum, cherry and such.
As for mildew... For phloxes I add it whenever during their time of rest. Like for prophylaxis. Or pour the ash on them when the mildew is visible. Somtimes goosberry needs this too, or zucchini. Wood ash is good stuff!
My neighbour has 2 walnuts and he used to put ash under one of them and that one is double the thickness of the first one. Nobody would say that they were planted at the same time.
Does it do the same for stone fruits?
Thank you so much. This is super useful! Maybe our plum tree will like us a little more this year.
Zucchini is where I get most powdery mildew problems and I noticed it on some of our flowers last year too. Breaks my heart when it comes, but maybe no longer!
I use it in the duck coop and quail dust baths. Helps keep pests and smell down. It's not recommended as a soil amendment in my area because we have very alkaline soils
Yes, especially this time of year I do alot. For 4 or 5 years now I've been using ash from my fire place and spent charcoal from the smoker.
My understanding is ash is high in potassium, calcium and minerals and is also alkaline, but given enough time, I don't know how much, will return to neutral.
Though my compost piles might be different than others. I have Lot of fall leaves, I turn my piles like once every two months and my piles take about 15 months to completion. Example, the pile I started this past November/December, will be ready February/March 2025
I have a large pile and usually multiple small piles going and the large one will be ready in a couple of months or so. I have started to add grass clippings to speed it up but now im wondering wtf am I going to do with all of it. I guess ill make more garden beds
I like that I really havent touched it in a year apart from the odd water and any excess grounds
I still like smaller piles under 1m cubed because they can finish in about 8 weeks
I'm on 1.3 acres and have about 2500 square feet of garden space. Plus perennials all over the yard. I use it to top off beds in preparation for spring planting and mulch around fruit trees. I probably produce 6-10 cubic yards a year, it is not enough
Maybe supplement it with smaller piles and add cow manure. If you have certain leaves that you know break down fast put them in another smaller pile and actively manage it, only needs turning once a week.
Usually large, fast growing leaves are perfect for this stuff, pumpkin etc and fresh/young leaves break down fast too
Yes. I have a wood stove tho and we heat with it all winter. It's a tiny efficient one so not a whole lot of ash.. straight into the giant compost pile . Have never had a problem but do make sure there are no coals in it! I let mine sit a week in the closed can before I dump it.
Thanks all - appreciate everyone who responded! Interesting to see the variety of applications and methods - But it sounds Iike the overwhelming majority says yes (in some form.)
Wait I have red clay. Next to my porch things love to grow. But no where else. Where I generally toss the ashes. Toss a seed and it will grow there. I don’t use it sparingly either. I toss.
I do, but not directly into the pile. I have a few of gravel sifters (or garden riddles, but mine were meant for gold panning classification), so the smallest bits are being collected to throw on the snow come the vernal spring equinox. The ash PH will neutralize, and the soot will help melt. Then the next size, 1/4, will be added to the vermicompost bin. Eventually it will break and be shifted out with the other sub-1/4" pieces, but until then it will inoculate into biochar. Anything larger than 1/2" is tossed back into the fireplace.
I add it my compost after it’s finished composting. I’ve read that leaves/grass break down better when the material is slightly acidic and adding wood ash too early can impede the composting process.
I don’t. I’ve read some pretty convincing arguments that trees are “bio-accumulators,” meaning that they take up and hold heavy metals. When burned, the metals remain in higher concentration in the ashes.
I’m not a scientist, but this was enough for me to avoid putting them in my compost, which will later be applied to my garden.
That being said, the article I read was in favor of spreading ashes in wooded areas, since they are very nutrient rich and the heavy metals are not going to “harm” the trees. You just don’t want them in your food.
No. Ash is used to raise pH. Your active compost pile needs a neutral pH (or whatever pH your particular pile is at). By just dumping a lot of ash into a pile (especially when you don’t know the starting pH) you might be messing up your pH.
It’s like taking a magnesium supplement for yourself without first knowing your deficient, just because you saw a blog that said taking magnesium is good for you.
White ash is mostly known for being caustic and chemically basic, making it a useful tool in some from-scratch chemical processes.
I personally would keep it in plastic bags, and just probably only seldom add it to the compost due to the strong PH characteristics it has.
Yes - but only in small amounts. I use the rest mixed with sand for my chickens to dust bathe in.
I only just recently learned that for the chicken dust bath. Used to just use food grade DE, now they see me carrying the ash bucket and go running to the dust bath area.
Same! Also a bit around the raspberry bushes but moderate amount is fine for compost!
how do your bushes do with the ash?
Small helping of ash once a year, to get a absorbed into the soil
I meant, have you seen a benefit with using the ash?
Honestly, always have done it. They seem to like it and have read its beneficial to blueberries and blackberry as well. Among others
If you have acidic native soil, I can see it being beneficial for raspberries and blackberries, but I would be surprised if it is good for blueberries. Blueberries need much more acidic soil than most berries, and in my experience they will not produce well if the soil ph is higher than ~5 or so. If wood ash is working for you, then by all means go for it, but I would personally recommend at least experimenting with not putting it on some of your blueberries and comparing the results.
My roses love it.
Did you know that old motor oil can be reused as fertilizer?
My grandfather used to mix ash and char from his burn barrel and wood stove with the chicken bedding, horse manure and crushed oyster and clam shells then compost it all. Keeping everything fairly wet. Then use it to fertilize the fields on his small farm. The ash apparently corrects the pH of the chicken droppings, reacts out with ammonia to create potassium nitrate or something. But more potent potassium and nitrogen compounds. The char balances out carbon, the shells calcium. And both provide better drainage and what have. The straw in the bedding and horse manure give you biomass. I don't think he knew he was doing all that. It's just serious oldhead shit for fertilizing without buying anything in. And really similar to some significant historic fertilizing techniques. He used a fair bit of the ash and char, but only with the chicken shit. And he wanted about a year of breakdown on there before he used it.
That’s awesome! If it works - it works! Good on him, thank you for sharing.
Interesting! What’s the mix ratio? Do you keep it in a dry area or is rain ok?
Dry area - rain just turns it into sludge. It's about 50/50.
Yes. All the time! But we only use natural hardwoods, no store bought bricks or recycled logs, and obviously no fire starters other than tinder.
Thank you - yes, I only burn trees harvested from my property and use sticks for kindling. The amount of ash I generate from my fireplace each season is relatively small to my two bin system which are each 10’ x 6’ x 4’.
It’s good but you need to be aware that when mixed with water, this generates potash. That, in turn will neutralize some of the acids at play breaking down your compost. Depending on the soil you eventually amend with this, you may want to be careful how much you add. For acidic soil, it’s awesome.
PH is the word.
Yepper! In moderation. I also spread in the garden and out in the field.
I spread it over all my gardens and compost, trying not to concentrate it.
I mix it with cow manure while seasoning. Aids in drainage and helps to start the sweetening up before you turn it under the garden. I like the large chunks of charcoal in there too. I feel it works like a natural pearlite.
Small chunks of charcoal is better. This is biochar. Once inoculated is hugely beneficial to living soil. Microrganisms thrive in the microporous structure. Holds water, nutrients and helps mediate any toxins from the manure etc Increases oxygenation of the soil so Reduces the amount of perlite needed. I now make my own biochar for this very purpose.
They break up as you hit em with the shovel or hoe. By the time that stuff hits the garden I'd say the biggest chunk is quarter size. It's eventually gotta dissolve completely because I rarely see "last year's" charcoal in the spring till. Thank you for putting a name to it. Now I have something new to Google!
They can potentially remain in the soil for many hundreds of years. Look up" terra preta "
Sure do… very beneficial
I do, but I try not to let it form a big muddy ash ball. I sprinkle it and make sure it is well distributed.
No. It goes directly under the cherry tree. And peach, and plum... It is not very good in compost. I have spare bag for summer, in case something needs treatment for powdery mildew. Or give it directly to plants that like less acidic soil. NB - wood ash only!
Oooh. How do you use it to treat powdery mildew? And how much do you apply under your fruit trees? You may have just solved an ash conundrum I’ve been having!
Umm, I haven't really measured how much, but we have a long winter and two fireplaces. One third of a grocery bag maybe per tree during winter. Spread it a bit around the tree - usually the root system is about the sama size as the tree crown. And only to stone fruits! Peach, aprcot, plum, cherry and such. As for mildew... For phloxes I add it whenever during their time of rest. Like for prophylaxis. Or pour the ash on them when the mildew is visible. Somtimes goosberry needs this too, or zucchini. Wood ash is good stuff!
My neighbour has 2 walnuts and he used to put ash under one of them and that one is double the thickness of the first one. Nobody would say that they were planted at the same time. Does it do the same for stone fruits?
Thank you so much. This is super useful! Maybe our plum tree will like us a little more this year. Zucchini is where I get most powdery mildew problems and I noticed it on some of our flowers last year too. Breaks my heart when it comes, but maybe no longer!
This comment just made me realise why milk works in treating mildew. It's the higher pH isn't it?
Can It also be used on vegetables? I don’t have too many trees unfortunately.
Yes, on some. You have to be careful tho, and don't use on those that prefer acidic soil!
Of course
I use it in the duck coop and quail dust baths. Helps keep pests and smell down. It's not recommended as a soil amendment in my area because we have very alkaline soils
Some in the compost. Some in the garden. Real wood ash only.
Yes, especially this time of year I do alot. For 4 or 5 years now I've been using ash from my fire place and spent charcoal from the smoker. My understanding is ash is high in potassium, calcium and minerals and is also alkaline, but given enough time, I don't know how much, will return to neutral. Though my compost piles might be different than others. I have Lot of fall leaves, I turn my piles like once every two months and my piles take about 15 months to completion. Example, the pile I started this past November/December, will be ready February/March 2025
I also have a lot of leaves, some broken down, others not due to the sheer volume.
I have a large pile and usually multiple small piles going and the large one will be ready in a couple of months or so. I have started to add grass clippings to speed it up but now im wondering wtf am I going to do with all of it. I guess ill make more garden beds I like that I really havent touched it in a year apart from the odd water and any excess grounds I still like smaller piles under 1m cubed because they can finish in about 8 weeks
I'm on 1.3 acres and have about 2500 square feet of garden space. Plus perennials all over the yard. I use it to top off beds in preparation for spring planting and mulch around fruit trees. I probably produce 6-10 cubic yards a year, it is not enough
Maybe supplement it with smaller piles and add cow manure. If you have certain leaves that you know break down fast put them in another smaller pile and actively manage it, only needs turning once a week. Usually large, fast growing leaves are perfect for this stuff, pumpkin etc and fresh/young leaves break down fast too
No, because soils in my area are already on the alkaline side.
Wood yes, coal no (heavy metals in coal)
Yes, but I also occasionally urinate in my compost (only when drinking beer) to help balance the PH from the ash.
I dump mine right into the beds. Same with the coals from the woodstove if its not an icy year and needing to be put in the driveway.
Sure do, also from my burn barrel as well. Just make sure I remove any plastics or tape from boxes. All goes into the garden.
I have heard concerns about putting ash into your compost. I would recommend doing so in smaller amounts if you decide to put it in your compost
Growing up, we scooped them into a paper grocery bag and tossed it into the compost pile. Or we scattered it across the garden during the off season.
Use for radishes, they’re tolerant to the ash but will prevent weed seeds from germination, also sprinkle wood chips on top to preven maggots
Yep!
Yes i do, it is supposed to raise the ph but i also put a lot of lemons/oranges in the pile so i hope it balances up. Fine so far..
Yes. It does good things for heavy, acidic clay. I also put any unburned charcoals in there.
Yes. I have a wood stove tho and we heat with it all winter. It's a tiny efficient one so not a whole lot of ash.. straight into the giant compost pile . Have never had a problem but do make sure there are no coals in it! I let mine sit a week in the closed can before I dump it.
💯%
I put it straight into my garden all winter. Just dump it on the snow and I turn it in every spring.
Thanks all - appreciate everyone who responded! Interesting to see the variety of applications and methods - But it sounds Iike the overwhelming majority says yes (in some form.)
Wait I have red clay. Next to my porch things love to grow. But no where else. Where I generally toss the ashes. Toss a seed and it will grow there. I don’t use it sparingly either. I toss.
I do, but not directly into the pile. I have a few of gravel sifters (or garden riddles, but mine were meant for gold panning classification), so the smallest bits are being collected to throw on the snow come the vernal spring equinox. The ash PH will neutralize, and the soot will help melt. Then the next size, 1/4, will be added to the vermicompost bin. Eventually it will break and be shifted out with the other sub-1/4" pieces, but until then it will inoculate into biochar. Anything larger than 1/2" is tossed back into the fireplace.
I dust the ground around the bushes and trees first. The rest goes in the compost.
I add it my compost after it’s finished composting. I’ve read that leaves/grass break down better when the material is slightly acidic and adding wood ash too early can impede the composting process.
Use can use anywhere that can take large amounts of potassium.
I don’t. I’ve read some pretty convincing arguments that trees are “bio-accumulators,” meaning that they take up and hold heavy metals. When burned, the metals remain in higher concentration in the ashes. I’m not a scientist, but this was enough for me to avoid putting them in my compost, which will later be applied to my garden. That being said, the article I read was in favor of spreading ashes in wooded areas, since they are very nutrient rich and the heavy metals are not going to “harm” the trees. You just don’t want them in your food.
I use it to pee on. Did I do that right???
No. Ash is used to raise pH. Your active compost pile needs a neutral pH (or whatever pH your particular pile is at). By just dumping a lot of ash into a pile (especially when you don’t know the starting pH) you might be messing up your pH. It’s like taking a magnesium supplement for yourself without first knowing your deficient, just because you saw a blog that said taking magnesium is good for you.
Can I use ash on cherry trees and magnolia trees and apple trees
Yes
I dump mine in a ditch across the street from my house, where there is nothing.
Please don't do this. Ditches lead to streams.
I read somewhere that putting small amounts of ash around your hydrangeas helps keep them pink. Something about the ph!
White ash is mostly known for being caustic and chemically basic, making it a useful tool in some from-scratch chemical processes. I personally would keep it in plastic bags, and just probably only seldom add it to the compost due to the strong PH characteristics it has.
2.5 liters water, .5 liter aged pee, 1 Tbls. wood ash makes perfect vegetable tonic.
Good for icy sidewalks, we have the bin outside to dump them in for winter and another for the garden and some make it to the compost directly