With time off over Christmas and New Year my brain has started to wander… Very clearly as this was the thought I had this morning while keeping myself busy doing a bit of housework.
So, why is ash good for the garden?
It turns out that ash can be great for a garden when used correctly because it acts like a natural soil conditioner as well as being a mild form of fertiliser.
🌿 1. It adds important nutrients
Ash contains amongst other things:
- Potassium (K) – this helps to boost flowering, fruiting, and also increase disease resistance
- Calcium – this strengthens plant cell walls
- Magnesium – helps plants make chlorophyll which the plants need to grow.
🌿 2. It reduces soil acidity
Ash is alkaline, so it:
- Raises soil pH
- Helps acidic soils become more neutral
This is especially good for:
- Lawns
- Vegetables like onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli
- Fruit trees
🌿 3. It improves your soil structure
The fine particles help:
- Loosen heavy clay soil which can be the bane of a gardener’s life
- Improve drainage through improved soil structure
- Support healthy root growth in plants
🌿 4. It can deter some pests
A light dusting when the ground is dry it turns out can help to repel:
- Slugs
- Snails
- Some crawling insects
🌿 How to use it safely
Too much ash can harm soil, so use it gently:
- Try to only use wood ash
- Spread lightly
- Mix into soil rather than leaving on top
- Use at most once per year
