How to Use
Wood Ash
in the Garden
6 Benefits of Using Wood Ash in Garden Beds
Avoid applying ashes to the soil of acid-loving plants such as blueberries, hydrangeas, and potatoes.
1. Ash raises soil pH to lower acidity.
Those nutrients include potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, manganese, zinc, and boron, among others.
2. It adds micronutrients to the soil.
3. It aerates heavy soil to improve drainage.
Wood ash mixed in help soil crumble more readily, which means it is less compacted.
4. Wood ash makes soil more friable.
5. It increases microbial nitrogen mineralization.
However, ashes cease being effective as a pest repellant once they become wet.
6. Sprinkled ash can repel slugs from plants.
Types of Wood Ash to Use (or Avoid) in the Garden
Direct Application
Don’t allow wood ash to become wet before you apply it, or else many of the nutrients will leach out prematurely.
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