Is it safe to put ash from a wood burning stove on the borders in garden?

While wood ash is a great source of nutrients for your plants, it is important to use it correctly. Wood ash has a high pH level, so it can raise the pH of your soil. This can be beneficial for plants that prefer alkaline soil, but it can also be harmful to plants that prefer acidic soil. Additionally, wood ash contains salts that can build up in the soil, potentially harming plants. Therefore, it is important to use wood ash in moderation and to test the pH of your soil before applying it.

How to Use Wood Ash Safely in the Garden

- Avoid using ash from treated wood: wood that has been treated with preservatives or other chemicals should not be burned, as the ash may contain harmful substances.

- Test your soil pH: before applying wood ash, test the pH of your soil to determine if it is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Wood ash should only be applied to soils with a pH below 7 (acidic). If your soil has a pH above 7, adding wood ash can raise the pH too high, potentially harming plants.

- Apply wood ash in the fall or winter: this will give the ash time to break down and release nutrients into the soil before plants begin to grow in the spring.

- Apply wood ash sparingly: a little goes a long way. If you apply too much wood ash, it can increase the pH of your soil too much and damage your plants. As a general rule, don’t apply more than 2 cups of wood ash per 100 square feet of garden space.

Benefits of Using Wood Ash in the Garden

Wood ash contains several beneficial nutrients for plants, including:

- Potassium: potassium helps plants to produce healthy roots, stems, and leaves. It also helps plants to resist disease.

- Calcium: calcium helps plants to build strong cell walls and to absorb other nutrients.

- Magnesium: magnesium helps plants to produce chlorophyll, the green pigment that is essential for photosynthesis.

- Phosphorus: phosphorus helps plants to produce flowers, fruits, and seeds.

By using wood ash in your garden, you can help to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. Just remember to use it sparingly and to test your soil pH before applying it.