If you have a fireplace or access to wood ash, save it to spread in your garden or composter. Any ash from a wood fire such as an outdoor camp fire, wood burning stove, or fireplace can be used as an additive. The nutrient value of the ash will vary according to the type of wood, with hard woods producing more ash than soft woods.

It is a natural source of potassium and trace elements and can help raise the pH of the soil if it is overly acidic. For this reason you should not apply to acid loving plants.

Spread ashes as evenly as possible and never on newly germinated seeds. If you have a safe outdoor area for a fire, you can also burn any diseased plants and weeds and have the satisfaction of eradicating these from your garden

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