Kitchen Garden Forum

I've just had tthe mother of all bonfires - nine month's pile of clippings and branches from eucalyptus, elm, brambles and various other woody scrubs. Should the ash be spread on the veg patch? If so, what will benefit most from it?
Thanks, John N

Hi John

I know it's good for garlic and onions.

Dear JohnN, you will have to bag your bonfire ash up or store it under cover if you want to get the full benefit of it. If you apply it now all the plant food will be washed away.
The best time to apply it is about a week before setting out plants, or as a top dressing when plants are growing well or just about to start developing their crop.

It does help to improve heavy soil if used now, but you do lose the feeding abilities.

Nearly forgot, if you use it as plant food, a good trowel full per square yard is about right.

I agree with OH

keep it dry and use it later

try the search facility for recent threads on this

you could use it to make a liquid feed such as Black Jack