Wood Ash Uses in the Garden

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Reusing what you have is the core behind homesteading, so this guide on wood ash uses in the garden checks all the boxes.

Get tips on how to reuse this common item in a way that will bring health and growth to your backyard garden setup.

Keep this list of tips in your Gardening 101 binder and refer to it anytime your plants or soil needs a healthy organic boost.

Wood Ash Uses in the Garden

Wood ash is one of those things that tends to get overlooked as something valuable and useful. Where we live, the winters are pretty cold and brutal, and that means we need to supplement our home’s heat with wood. And now, even wood is expensive to come by, so just tossing out all that ash is not an option for us.

If you are looking for a beginner’s list of how to use wood ash on the homestead, you can read our guide and print out that checklist.

This guide, however, is a bit more focused. We will look at specific ways you can use wood ash in your garden, fruit grove, and flower beds, giving a healthy and much-needed boost to your soil and plants.

Can wood ash be used for all types of plants in the garden?

While wood ash can be beneficial to many types of plants, it is not suitable for all. Plants that thrive in acidic soil conditions—such as blueberries, rhododendrons, and certain types of potatoes—might not benefit from wood ash, as it can raise the soil’s pH.

Before applying wood ash, it’s recommended to test your soil’s pH and ensure that it aligns with the needs of your specific plants.

a hand with a pink glove holding soil in a garden

What ash is not safe to use with plants?

Ash from treated wood, painted wood, or any materials that contain chemicals or preservatives should not be used on plants. These ashes may contain toxic substances that could harm the plants and potentially contaminate any food harvested.

Also, ash from materials like coal or charcoal briquettes can contain harmful residues and should be avoided.

Wood Ash Uses in the Garden

There are three common uses for wood ash, and each comes with benefits that can bring up the quality of your garden.

1. Fertilizer

Wood ash contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are beneficial for plants’ growth and development. Ash also has some trace elements that plants need to grow.

How to use:

  1. Sprinkle a thin layer of wood ash around your plants.
  2. Scatter ash down rows in your garden.
  3. Put ash in your compost pile over winter and add that compost to your garden in the spring.

What to avoid:

  1. Be sure not to overdo it, as too much ash can raise the soil’s pH levels, making it less suitable for acid-loving plants.

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2. Pest Control

Wood ash has been known to repel certain pests like slugs, snails, and other insects due to its abrasive texture. It can also deter larger pests like deer and rabbits from munching on your garden plants.

How to use:

  1. Apply a ring of wood ash around the base of your plants to create a barrier that pests will avoid.
  2. If the ash gets wet, you will need to reapply it, as the water will remove the salt.

What to Avoid

  1. Do not put ash directly on your plants or the leaves because the abrasiveness can cause damage to the delicate surfaces.
a gloved hand adding wood ash to a garden from a black bucket

3. Soil Amendment

Since wood ash raises the pH of the soil, it can help to neutralize soil that is acidic. It can also help improve drainage, which is common with heavy clay soils. Adding ash can make it easier for your plants to grow and the roots to thrive.

You can use wood ash instead of lime, but it is less effective. A good ratio to use is 2 ounces of ash for every square yard of your garden.

How to use:

  1. Test the pH of your soil so you know where you stand.
  2. Apply a thin layer to the soil and work it into the ground.
  3. You can sprinkle water over the ash to make tilling it into the ground easier.
  4. If you do not have a rototiller, you can use a rake to work the ash into the soil.

What to avoid:

  1. Do not spread ash on windy days, as it can become pretty dusty.

During the winter months, you can add ash to your compost area that you can then add to your garden come spring.

Plants that love wood ash :

Certain plants thrive with wood ash primarily due to its effect on soil pH levels.

Produce Plants:

  1. Tomatoes
  2. Peppers
  3. Broccoli
  4. Garlic
  5. Onions
  6. Carrots
  7. Apples
  8. Blueberries

Herb Plants:

  1. Basil
  2. Rosemary
  3. Lavender
  4. Oregano
  5. Thyme
  6. Sage

Ornamental Plants:

  1. Roses
  2. Lilacs
  3. Hydrangeas
  4. Marigolds
  5. Calendula

Using wood ash in your garden is a great example of homestead resourcefulness. Keep this list in your gardening binder so you can use any leftover ash in the best and healthiest way.

Remember to only use untreated wood ash and in moderation around your garden and in the soil where you grow. If you are unsure, you can always add the ash to your compost pile, giving you a great material that you can use throughout your growing areas.

Get more tips on how to use wood ash on the homestead.

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