Sprinkling ash in your garden might seem odd but could have major benefits for your plants. Ash has lots of qualities which are useful for plants including certain traits which can help your plants grow.
You might have tried all kinds of natural methods or shop-brought fertilisers to help your plants grow – all to no avail. If you’re looking for something different to try, which won’t cost you much, you can try sprinkling ash over your garden, experts say.
CountryLiving says: “If you’ve got a log fire, wood burning stove or BBQ, then you can use the ash produced for your plants.
“Sprinkle a light layer of ash over your soil to offer potassium and calcium carbonate.” Gardening Soul says this method is one of the “most overlooked”.
It says adding ash to your garden is an incredibly effective solution, especially considering you may already have some wood ash lying around at home from a log fire or a BBQ.
Wood ash is a natural powerhouse and it’s packed with nutrients that are extremely beneficial for your garden.
If you’re aiming for a more sustainable and organic approach to plant care, this could be the perfect method for you to try.
Wood ash contains potassium which is essential for fruiting and flowering. It also contains calcium which can help to improve soil structure and pH balance.
Alongside this, it also has high levels of magnesium which is important for photosynthesis and phosphorus which supports root development.
RHS says: “It may be useful to sieve the ash before use, to remove debris. Avoid breathing in the dust by using a face mask and limit skin exposure by wearing gloves, boots, trousers and long sleeves.
“Apply wood ash in small amounts to the compost heap – once mixed in, it will blend readily with other materials. As a general guide, you shouldn’t be able to identify it after mixing it into the compost.”
It adds that wood ash can be spread directly on bare soil in vegetable plots in late winter, at a rate of 50-70g per sq m (1.7-2.4oz per sq yd).
You should fork, rake or rotovate it into the soil to spread it into the soil. If you’re looking to give your garden a boost, this could be the ideal method to help your garden grow this summer.