Buzz
Fall brings with it the simple joy of cozy nights by the fire. But once the last embers have burned away, you may be tempted to discard the remaining ashes. Hold on! These ashes can be surprisingly useful, especially for your garden and yard.
Use wood ash to reduce soil acidity
Wood ash is alkaline, which means it can help neutralize soil that's too acidic. For healthy garden soil, a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is ideal. If your soil's pH falls below 6.5, adding some wood ash can bring it up. Once every winter, sprinkle about two ounces per square yard for the best results.
Use wood ash for plants that thrive in higher pH soil
Even if your soil's pH is within the ideal range of 6.5 to 7.0, certain plants in your garden may require an even higher pH to flourish. For these plants, adding a bit of extra wood ash can provide the right boost, along with vital nutrients like potassium.
Plants that may benefit from extra wood ash include Brussel sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes, and most fruit bushes (except blueberries and raspberries). However, avoid adding it near potato plants.
Incorporate it into your compost heap
Wood ash can be a valuable addition to your compost pile, as it helps neutralize overly acidic decomposing material and adds beneficial trace elements. Unlike applying ash directly to the soil, which could raise the pH too much, it helps maintain the right level of acidity for composting.
Put it out with leftover ash from your last fire
The ash left from the fire you had last night can actually come in handy for your next one. Whether you're lighting up the fireplace or a barbecue, you can use leftover ash to extinguish the coals. Ash creates an airtight layer that blocks the oxygen necessary for a fire to continue burning. Just store some of the ash in a bucket next to your fireplace, ready to use when needed.
