What to do with wood stove ash?

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I have a wood stove that I use to heat my home. I end up with a considerable amount of wood ash at the end of the season. I would like to put the ash to good use.

I have heard that putting too much ash in the garden can throw off the PH balance.

What are your ideas?

-- Richard Askwith (askwith@grey-bruce.net), November 05, 2001

Answers

Richard,

I use wood ashes in my garden all the time. However, I know that my soil is acidic. I'd recommend having a soil test done. If your soil is acidic and needs lime, I'd just use the wood ashes instead. Good luck.

-- Murray in ME (lkdmfarm@megalink.net), November 05, 2001.


I agree with the soil test before putting it in your garden, although I do add some to my compost pile every now and then. We also use it for traction on the snow in winter. Works pretty well.

-- Stacey (stacey@lakesideinternet.com), November 05, 2001.

Use it on snow and ice in winter. It gives traction and helps the melting process. Be very careful about putting it where there will be foot traffic. It's a nightmare to get out of carpeting I'd imagine. I hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), November 05, 2001.

A little in the garden, a little in the compost pile, a little in the field, a little in the driveway for traction. A little on the road to get rid of it.

-- Gary (gws@redbird.net), November 05, 2001.

it also add potash to the soil,, or you can save it and use it to dust your plants ,, works well with aphids and other soft body insects

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), November 05, 2001.


Hello Richard, We sprinkle it lightly throughout the garden areas. We use it to eliminate odors in the outhouse. Meli plans on using it to make lye. This lye can be used to clean out buildings such as hog pens, chicken coups, barns, etc. She also can use it for making soap, as lye is getting harder and harder to buy in the stores. It is good for traction needed areas in the winter, as it does not hurt the shrubbery and grass. Sincerely, Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), November 05, 2001.

I sprinkle it directly on the floor of my goat pen. Then I spread clean shavings on top. The ash keeps the ammonia smell to a minimum and seems to discourage flies and other parasites...works for me anyways!! Also works in cat litter boxes!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), November 05, 2001.

What a neat idea Marcia!

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), November 05, 2001.

Thanks Dee!!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), November 05, 2001.

if you have chickens, put a pile in chicken coop. they dust them selves, kills lice. Lexi

-- Lexi Green (whitestone11@hotmail.com), November 05, 2001.


Some good ones here! One caution: If you have been burning any construction leftovers, you are bound to get some nails mixed in. Not particularly good for the garden or tires (if used on snow). Trust me on this one! (Im 12 tire plugs into the 30 count box I bought last spring=) I now just spread them in the garden and pick nails out. A magnet might help, too.

-- Kevin (Vantravlrs@aol.com), November 07, 2001.

I use it really heavy on my day lilies.......they really love it.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), November 07, 2001.

Richard Get your soil tested. Ashes contain more potash than any other element.

-- Sid Bowman (karsinc@scottsboro.org), November 13, 2001.

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