ashes

[tinkertontom]

over the weekend we had a bonfire of old tree branches and our old shed ,will it be ok to mix the ashes in with the soil or will it not be good for growing vegetables next year

[Clanad]

Sure... the ashes contain almost all of the nutrients contained in the wood which was burned. Ashes contain a fairly high amount of potassium (the nitrogen was eliminated, however, through the burning process). Your application should be limited though, since a heavy application can cause leeching of the salts remaining and increase the salinity and decrease the acidity of the soil. About once per year and no heavier than about 1/4 inch on freshly tilled soil. If you use them with existing plants, don't let any of the ash settle on leaves since it can, under the right circumstances, burn the leaves...

[tinkertontom]

thankyou for your replys as the old shed had been treated on several ocasions I think it's best if I dont put it on the veggie plot, thanks for your help anyway

[codger66]

It would be brilliant for onions.

[cy marven]

If you have treated the wood keep well away. Dispose at your local dump. It may or may not affect growth but would you really want to eat those chemicals? I reckon DIY veg may as well be organic else what is the point.
Cy Marven