Wood Ash to Sweeten your Soil
never use hot wood ash.... |
Now that winter is coming to a close you can utilize a valuable soil amendment from your fireplace: Wood ashes.
They are rich in Potash which “sweetens” the soil by raising the pH (more alkaline).
Sweet soil is the balm of lilacs and other flowering shrubs. If your lilacs produce too few flowers, Potash can help.
Apply regular wood-ash applications on soil beneath your shrubs in fall, winter and early spring.
You cannot apply too much; rain and snow dilute the concentration of Potash considerably. Empty thoroughly cooled fireplace ashes into a large container and then pour a large amount in a wide circle beneath the drip line of mature lilac shrubs. For small ornamental, herb and vegetable plants, pour about a cupful beneath them.
wood ashes |
Here are plants that prefer sweet soil:
Ornamentals:
Clematis, Gypsophila, Japanese anemones, Lilacs, Madonna Lily, Nasturtium, Passionflower, Peonies, Phlox, Sweet Peas, Virginia Creeper
Clematis, Gypsophila, Japanese anemones, Lilacs, Madonna Lily, Nasturtium, Passionflower, Peonies, Phlox, Sweet Peas, Virginia Creeper
Herbs:
Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme
Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme
Vegetables:
Beets, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Leeks, Melons, Onions, Parsnips, Spinach
Beets, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Leeks, Melons, Onions, Parsnips, Spinach
In the Eastern USA, this is good. In the Southwest, our soil is already too alkaline!
ReplyDeletevery good point!
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