Using Wood ash in the garden

Having some pretty grotty days, with storms coming over the Island, I thought that it was a good idea to stop using up the electricity bill with heating costs and start lighting the fire, which hopefully is cheaper.

So I googled Wood Ash Recycle and came up with the following information from gardenwiseonline.ca

If you intend to recycle ash from these sources, burn only plain paper or newsprint and wood; do not include glossy paper, staples, nails, charcoal or bones.

Wood ash is a rich source of potash, with an average N-P-K rating of 0-1.2-2. It provides calcium and many trace minerals and will raise the pH of the soil, commonly referred to as sweetening the soil.

You can also compost ashes - just be sure it doesn't make up more than five per cent of your total compost pile.

For established plants, sprinkle 1⁄4 cup (50 mL) within the drip line every two years.

Ornamental plants that prefer sweet soil:
- lilacs
- clematis
- Virginia creeper
- Passionflower
- sweet peas
- Japanese anemones
- Nasturtium
- Zinnia
- Peonies
- Phlox

Herbs that prefer sweet soil:
- lavender
- thyme
- rosemary

Vegetables that prefer sweet soil:
- Beets
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Swiss chard
- Leeks
- Melons
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Spinach