Wood Ash has been used by humankind for centuries.

Wood ash can contain traces of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, boron, copper, zinc, iron and sodium.  Ash made from burning oak and maples trees  is five times richer in nutrients than other timber.  For hundreds of years humans have observed the contribution of wood ash to soil and lifestyle. Therefore  once upon a time wood ash was never discarded. Instead it was used both in the home and on the farm.

BURNING WOOD

The nutrients in the timber is mostly in and/or under the bark.

While burning wood with no bark,  limits nutrients. However the ash is good enough to sweeten soil through reducing its acidity.  

When broken small or medium branches are added to the fire with their bark in tact, the ash quickly becomes rich in nutrients and therefore can be used  in other ways.  Such as a plant healer.

Keep Safe:  when working with  wood ash be sure to wear a dust mask.

WOOD ASH – Soil Balancer

If you have wood ash available seasonally, then there is no need to buy Lime.   Dig some wood ash through the garden soil  and water in. Next day test the PH balance. Wood ash contains up to 70% calcium carbonate.   Lime works slowly. And, wood ash works quickly.  

Store the ash in a clean, dry drum with a secure lid.  Wood ash contains up to 70% calcium carbonate.

PLANT HEALER

Fill half an old pillow case with wood ash. Tie securely. Place an old garbage bin In a shaded place and fill with water.  Immerse the pillow case and leave to steep for seven days.  Discard the pillow case and its contents.  Do not dilute the tea mixture.  It is ready to use.

How to use:  One cup of wood ash tea to fruit trees, vegetables and flowers that are showing signs of potassium deficiency e.g. yellowing leaves, brown spots on leaves, yellowing leaf veins, poor cropping or slow or stunted growth.

In Springtime be armed and ready. Because plants such as  beets, raspberry, currants, apples,  potatoes and  tomatoes are prone to potassium deficiency.

SNAIL AND SLUG REPELLANT

Check that there are no slugs or snails hiding under plant leaves. Then spread a thick layer of wood ash around the perimeter of the garden bed. Don’t let it touch the plant stalk or leaves. 

COMPOST INGREDIENT

Wood ash will contribute nutrients to your compost recipe. The Ash should never make up  more than 25%  of compost ingredients.

Fill up a wheel barrow of wood ash. Layer the Ash as you compile the compost heap. Water in each layer.  

LAWN HEALTH TONIC

To correct yellowing patches in lawn, sprinkle  a fine dusting of  wood ash over the area and gently water in.  The grass and soil will get the tonic it needs to combat soil deficiency, evaporation and bleaching by the sun. 

SEEDLINGS 

Avoid spreading ash around young seedlings as they are susceptible to the sodium in wood ash.   However wood ash added and mixed with soil a few days ahead of planting, provides a quick uptake of nutrients for plant growth and wellbeing.

POTTING OR RE-POTTING LARGE POTTED PLANTS

Put a thin layer of potting mix in the pot. Add one shovel of wood ash. Top with potting mix.  Add the plant and then top up with potting mix.

CHICKEN DUST BATH

To keep the body healthy,  chickens clean themselves in a dust bath.  A therapeutic dust bath is 30% Wood Ash and 70% sand.   It will act as a body scrub. Keeping at bay lice and insect mites as well as exfoliate the skin.     A children’s plastic sand pit container is ideal and inexpensive to use.  Old dust bath contents can be add to compost and or homemade potting mix.

CLEANING OLD SILVER  and CLOUDY GLASS

Mix one cup of wood ash with water to make a firm paste. Apply to item.  Leave for 3 or 5mins. Then wipe off, by rubbing firmly with a piece of towelling.  Buff with a soft cloth.

REMOVE BAD SMELLS BY ABSORPTION

Place a cup of wood ash in a smelly room.  Or spread wood ash over a smelly ditch. Because the ash is alkaline it will absorb bad smells.  If the smell is ongoing you will need to replace the wood ash every two to three days.

CLEAN OIL STAINS ON POROUS SURFACE

Example: concrete and stone

Cover the oil stain or grease spill with wood ash. Let it stand for 5mins. Then sweep off.

Note:  In past centuries,  wood ash rich in nutrients from the burning of oak, birch, maple and woody herbs, was used to make soap,  to heal surface wounds and to treat skin problems.