Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Hi! Can I use wood ash or not? I would either mix it in the soil or even just sprinkle some on top of soil. Will doing this give me any positive results at all? Could it be dangerous to use? Thanks!

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Yes, within reason it will be much enjoyed by banana plants. as with any soil addition don't go overboard with the quantities.
mats i've used it on showed no negative effects and produced quality fruits.
actually reminds me to go clean out the firepit and add it to more mats around the property

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

How about ash from a charcoal grill> My Weber kettle is an excellent source!!

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Thanks! Very good to know! Will be doing that this year then! I am glad to know someone else used and nothing bad happened! I think I might have to have more campfires....:nanadrink:

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Funny! Good luck!

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

I would not use wood ash unless it was from unpainted and untreated lumber. Some wood was painted with lead paint and some lumber has been chemically treated. Not all charcoal is the same as well.

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Thanks for the info as well! It does make sense about not using treated or painted wood. Very interesting. As far as I know the firewood I used is okay! So I’m good then! Yeah! :woohoonaner:

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Here is a little info about charcoal and wood ash. As long as its not pine, most wood ash contains a decent amount of potassium, as well other minerals some not so good. Reason, is ash contains a good amount of bicarbonate which is highly alkaline. So too much wood ash can make the soil too alkaline. If it's too alkaline, certain minerals cannot be taken up by the plant, resulting in deficiencies and thus poor growth. What I discovered is that years back a patent was created because a man discovered that potassium in wood ash could be concentrated in water, since it's highly water soluble. So the solution to getting the benefits without getting the sodium bicarbonates is to soak the wood ash in water over night mixing it well. The good stuff will mix with the water, and the bicarbonates usually sink to the bottom. So pour off the liquid, and leave the stuff that does not mix. That liquid is really good for bananas since they need a good amount of potassium. You can use the ash directly, but bear in mind its effects on soil ph, and use sparingly.

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Hey thanks! I really appreciate you explaining about how the wood ash works. Good to know about the soil ph as well. I honestly did not know all that! Who would’ve thought to add water to the wood ash! Never heard of that. Isn’t it funny how I would have thought by adding water it would ruin the ash!:ha: Very interesting! I am going to try that tomorrow!

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Ive used it with no ill effects, but as Aaron said, it can raise soil PH, which my sandy soil is already around 7 or so. I use potassium sulphate instead, but will still throw on some ash now and again just because I have a burn pit going often.

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Thanks! Interesting about the potassium sulfate! I don’t know what my soil ph level is here! Guess that’s something I should check out!

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Wood ash is an awesome amendment to your garden soil, but there are a few things to know before using it. As has been stated, it raises the pH significantly, so unless you are growing 9 volt batteries, you will need to tame it down. I mix sulfur in with it, which helps to counteract the alkalinity of the potash. It also adds the element to your garden which is needed by most plants. Except onions. They have enough already! Also, if a little charcoal happens to mix in with the ashes, it will help after it's activated itself.

Keep in mind that wood ash is only good until the first time it rains, at which point all of the nutrients will leach into the soil and be lost. If you are going to add ashes to your garden, use ashes from the fireplace, wood stove or a fresh burn.

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Not unless you're using actual chunk charcoal. If you are using briquettes, they are loaded with coal dust, which is why you get that sulfur smell as they are burning, and it will be acidic as hell, which is why everyone's Weber gets holes eaten through the bottom; it turns into sulfuric acid when it gets wet. It would be good for blueberries or redwoods though, as they have a pH requirement of 4.5.

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Re: Can I use wood ash in soil?
 

Hey Mary, it's good to see you back on here. :goteam:

I mean, it won't wash EVERYTHING away - you can still use it - but the potash will be gone. There's still good stuff in it; it just won't be as beneficial. However, if you need more soil for the garden, it's all in the ground underneath your firepit. Dig that dirt up and use it. It will have activated biochar in it as well, if it's been in the ground a few seasons. It should be easy to dig, and blackish.