Wood ash in the garden is an effective fertilizer used by many. However, as practice shows, most gardeners simply dump ash onto the beds and wait for results.
It is important to understand how to use wood ash correctly so that its application brings real benefits.
What You Need to Know About Fertilizing?
Wood ash contains more than 30 minerals that promote plant growth.
The advantage is that it contains no chlorine, so ash can be safely used for:
Pumpkins.
Beets.
Cucumbers.
Tomatoes.
Raspberries.
Potatoes.
Currants.
Strawberries.
However, it is important to remember that some plants do not tolerate ash, including:
blueberries;
cranberries;
lingonberries;
camellias;
azaleas;
rhododendrons.
Types of Ash
There are two types:
Burnt.
Plant.
The best ash is from wood that has been naturally burned, for example, from a barbecue or stove.
It is not recommended to use ash that may contain:
synthetics;
rubber;
colored paper;
polyethylene film.
How to Store Ash
When collecting ash, many make mistakes by placing it in buckets or plastic bags. In such storage places, moisture condenses, which is destructive for the ash. It is best to store it in tight containers with airtight lids.
How to Prepare an Ash Solution
It is important to remember that if there is too much ash, it can harm the plants. Maintaining the correct proportions is not difficult: for 10 liters of water, you need 1 cup of ash.
The resulting solution should be used to water the plants at the root. Specialists do not recommend using such fertilizer from a watering can. Before watering, it is important to shake the solution, as ash tends to settle at the bottom.
How to Prepare an Infusion
From ash, you can make not only a solution but also an infusion. The difference between them is important. To prepare an infusion, fill a container with 1/3 ash and the rest with hot water.
The infusion should steep for two days. It can be used for root feeding, and some gardeners also use it for spraying garden crops.
Using Ash in the Garden
When using ash, it is important to consider the acidity of the soil. If the soil is alkaline, it is not recommended to use such fertilizer. Adding it to acidic soil will make it neutral. Therefore, it is essential to determine the type of soil in the area first.
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