Ash - how to use it?

[glut]

I have started burning garden waste and am acumulating small piles of ash. Should i tip it on my compost? or dig it into my beds before i plant them up? or just scatter over everything? I don't want to undo any of the work I have put in by doing the wrong thing

[JimmerG]

Hey Glut,

I do a bit of both - I probably halve it, stick half on the compost heap and mix it in. Then, as ash is high in potassium, I'll use the other half as a mulch for fruiting trees/bushes (not blueberries) Don't go mad though, as its very alkaline (roughly half the alkalinity of Lime) this can often be a good thing as any land that's been heavily manured for a few years can end up being too acidic.

J

[glut]

Thanks JimmerG, I might try a bit under the apple trees then!

[Gela]

Put it round plants that the slugs like - they don't like crawling over ash

[ixi1456]

could you use bbq ash in the same way

[snakeshack]

i've always put bbq ash on the garden after is cooled,or into the compost as an activator

[Jillyreeves]

I have a wood burning stove at home, I only burn wood never coal.

Can I add the ash to compost? If so how much is too much?

[Snadger]

I have a wood burning stove at home, I only burn wood never coal.

Can I add the ash to compost? If so how much is too much?

I use it around my fruit trees but it would be useful on a compost heap as it would 'sweeten' the compost! As long as it is well amalgamated with green/brown material it would be hard to add too much.
It is alkaline though, so if you have alkaline soil, use sparingly!

[Nicos]

could you use bbq ash in the same way

Yes-only if it's charcoal - but I wouldn't if you've used starter fuel or lighters.