Wood Ash

[Brenjon]

I have recently cut down a lot of trees , mainly Holly and I am now burning them. What is the best use of the wood ash that I am creating? Is it best to put it onto the plot or onto the compost heap. and what are the horticultural benifits of the ash. ie,nutrients etc.
Advice please
Regards Brenjon

[richard p]

its high in potash, i usually put some on the tomatoe bed and chuck a shovel full into the bath where i fill my watering cans. any left over just gets generally scattered arround the tunnel and veg beds. it does want sreading fairly promptly as the nutrients are in a water soluble form and will get washed out of a heap in a rainstorm.

[retropants]

garlic would like some too please! and leeks - save some in a dry place for when they are bigger

[PLUMPUDDING]

I put a good sprinkle round the base of all my fruit trees and bushes. Any spare I keep in a bucket in the shed ready to use dry. You would loose the nutrients quickly if you added it to the compost heap as has already been said as they are readily water soluble.

If you remember - nitrogen (manure) for leaves, phosphorus (bonemeal) for roots, and potassium (potash) for fruit and flowers, you can't go far wrong.