Can I use wood ash in soil?

*Dearly Depotted* · 09-20-2020, 09:55 PM

Hi! Can I use wood ash or not? I would either mix it in the soil or even just sprinkle some on top of soil. Will doing this give me any positive results at all? Could it be dangerous to use? Thanks!

Mikemooreflorida · 09-21-2020, 11:15 AM

Yes, within reason it will be much enjoyed by banana plants. as with any soil addition don't go overboard with the quantities.
mats i've used it on showed no negative effects and produced quality fruits.
actually reminds me to go clean out the firepit and add it to more mats around the property

wstrickland1 · 09-21-2020, 12:38 PM

How about ash from a charcoal grill> My Weber kettle is an excellent source!!

*Dearly Depotted* · 09-21-2020, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikemooreflorida

Yes, within reason it will be much enjoyed by banana plants. as with any soil addition don't go overboard with the quantities.
mats i've used it on showed no negative effects and produced quality fruits.
actually reminds me to go clean out the firepit and add it to more mats around the property

Thanks! Very good to know! Will be doing that this year then! I am glad to know someone else used and nothing bad happened! I think I might have to have more campfires....

*Dearly Depotted* · 09-21-2020, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikemooreflorida

actually reminds me to go clean out the firepit and add it to more mats around the property

Funny! Good luck!

Checker55 · 09-21-2020, 09:42 PM

I would not use wood ash unless it was from unpainted and untreated lumber. Some wood was painted with lead paint and some lumber has been chemically treated. Not all charcoal is the same as well.

*Dearly Depotted* · 09-21-2020, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Checker55

I would not use wood ash unless it was from unpainted and untreated lumber. Some wood was painted with lead paint and some lumber has been chemically treated. Not all charcoal is the same as well.

Thanks for the info as well! It does make sense about not using treated or painted wood. Very interesting. As far as I know the firewood I used is okay! So I’m good then! Yeah!

AaronTT · 09-23-2020, 09:25 PM

Here is a little info about charcoal and wood ash. As long as its not pine, most wood ash contains a decent amount of potassium, as well other minerals some not so good. Reason, is ash contains a good amount of bicarbonate which is highly alkaline. So too much wood ash can make the soil too alkaline. If it's too alkaline, certain minerals cannot be taken up by the plant, resulting in deficiencies and thus poor growth. What I discovered is that years back a patent was created because a man discovered that potassium in wood ash could be concentrated in water, since it's highly water soluble. So the solution to getting the benefits without getting the sodium bicarbonates is to soak the wood ash in water over night mixing it well. The good stuff will mix with the water, and the bicarbonates usually sink to the bottom. So pour off the liquid, and leave the stuff that does not mix. That liquid is really good for bananas since they need a good amount of potassium. You can use the ash directly, but bear in mind its effects on soil ph, and use sparingly.

*Dearly Depotted* · 09-24-2020, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronTT

Here is a little info about charcoal and wood ash. As long as its not pine, most wood ash contains a decent amount of potassium, as well other minerals some not so good. Reason, is ash contains a good amount of bicarbonate which is highly alkaline. So too much wood ash can make the soil too alkaline. If it's too alkaline, certain minerals cannot be taken up by the plant, resulting in deficiencies and thus poor growth. What I discovered is that years back a patent was created because a man discovered that potassium in wood ash could be concentrated in water, since it's highly water soluble. So the solution to getting the benefits without getting the sodium bicarbonates is to soak the wood ash in water over night mixing it well. The good stuff will mix with the water, and the bicarbonates usually sink to the bottom. So pour off the liquid, and leave the stuff that does not mix. That liquid is really good for bananas since they need a good amount of potassium. You can use the ash directly, but bear in mind its effects on soil ph, and use sparingly.

Hey thanks! I really appreciate you explaining about how the wood ash works. Good to know about the soil ph as well. I honestly did not know all that! Who would’ve thought to add water to the wood ash! Never heard of that. Isn’t it funny how I would have thought by adding water it would ruin the ash!

Very interesting! I am going to try that tomorrow!

smeash · 09-25-2020, 03:41 AM

Ive used it with no ill effects, but as Aaron said, it can raise soil PH, which my sandy soil is already around 7 or so. I use potassium sulphate instead, but will still throw on some ash now and again just because I have a burn pit going often.

*Dearly Depotted* · 09-25-2020, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeash

Ive used it with no ill effects, but as Aaron said, it can raise soil PH, which my sandy soil is already around 7 or so. I use potassium sulphate instead, but will still throw on some ash now and again just because I have a burn pit going often.

Thanks! Interesting about the potassium sulfate! I don’t know what my soil ph level is here! Guess that’s something I should check out!

Snarkie · 05-24-2021, 12:51 PM

Wood ash is an awesome amendment to your garden soil, but there are a few things to know before using it. As has been stated, it raises the pH significantly, so unless you are growing 9 volt batteries, you will need to tame it down. I mix sulfur in with it, which helps to counteract the alkalinity of the potash. It also adds the element to your garden which is needed by most plants. Except onions. They have enough already! Also, if a little charcoal happens to mix in with the ashes, it will help after it's activated itself.

Keep in mind that wood ash is only good until the first time it rains, at which point all of the nutrients will leach into the soil and be lost. If you are going to add ashes to your garden, use ashes from the fireplace, wood stove or a fresh burn.

Snarkie · 05-24-2021, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstrickland1

How about ash from a charcoal grill> My Weber kettle is an excellent source!!

Not unless you're using actual chunk charcoal. If you are using briquettes, they are loaded with coal dust, which is why you get that sulfur smell as they are burning, and it will be acidic as hell, which is why everyone's Weber gets holes eaten through the bottom; it turns into sulfuric acid when it gets wet. It would be good for blueberries or redwoods though, as they have a pH requirement of 4.5.

*Dearly Depotted* · 05-24-2021, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkie

Wood ash is an awesome amendment to your garden soil, but there are a few things to know before using it. As has been stated, it raises the pH significantly, so unless you are growing 9 volt batteries, you will need to tame it down. I mix sulfur in with it, which helps to counteract the alkalinity of the potash. It also adds the element to your garden which is needed by most plants. Except onions. They have enough already! Also, if a little charcoal happens to mix in with the ashes, it will help after it's activated itself.

Keep in mind that wood ash is only good until the first time it rains, at which point all of the nutrients will leach into the soil and be lost. If you are going to add ashes to your garden, use ashes from the fireplace, wood stove or a fresh burn.

Hey Snarkie! Great info on the wood ash! I wouldn’t have thought about using sulfur in it either! Plus I genuinely never thought that the rain washes it away! Makes sense but it’s still kind of a bummer though! Oh, okay I guess I’ll just throw away last years ashes I saved! Now I know what to add to it and only use fresh from a campfire then! Thanks as always Snarkie! You !

Snarkie · 05-24-2021, 01:23 PM

Hey Mary, it's good to see you back on here.

I mean, it won't wash EVERYTHING away - you can still use it - but the potash will be gone. There's still good stuff in it; it just won't be as beneficial. However, if you need more soil for the garden, it's all in the ground underneath your firepit. Dig that dirt up and use it. It will have activated biochar in it as well, if it's been in the ground a few seasons. It should be easy to dig, and blackish.

09-20-2020, 09:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dearly Depotted Find me on the map! Zone: 6A Name: Mary Join Date: Sep 2020 Posts: 646 BananaBucks : 110,513 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 607 Times Was Thanked 442 Times in 301 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 8 Times	Can I use wood ash in soil? Hi! Can I use wood ash or not? I would either mix it in the soil or even just sprinkle some on top of soil. Will doing this give me any positive results at all? Could it be dangerous to use? Thanks! __________________ It’s long been a dream of mine to be able to grow real bananas off my own plants! So, please wish me luck on my quest to fulfill that dream!

09-21-2020, 11:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mikemooreflorida Location: Charlotte County FL Zone: 10 Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 342 BananaBucks : 12,353 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 6 Times Was Thanked 279 Times in 130 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Can I use wood ash in soil? Yes, within reason it will be much enjoyed by banana plants. as with any soil addition don't go overboard with the quantities. mats i've used it on showed no negative effects and produced quality fruits. actually reminds me to go clean out the firepit and add it to more mats around the property __________________ Current varieties: Dwarf Cavendish Fruited , Apple Mansano TC unconfirmed, Rajapuri TC Fruited, Gold Finger TC unconfirmed, Dwarf Namwa TC Fruited, Dwarf Orinoco TC Fruited, Sweetheart FHIA-03 Fruited, Tall Red banana Fruited, Blue Java Fruited, Tall Namwa Fruited, Pisang Raja Fruited, Hua Moa TC Stunted, Dwarf Brazilian Fruited, High Gate unconfirmed, Tall Brazilian Fruited, Kokopo unconfirmed, FHIA-17 Fruited, Dwarf Plantain Fruited.

09-21-2020, 12:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
wstrickland1 Location: Charleston, SC Zone: 8-B Join Date: Jun 2020 Posts: 966 BananaBucks : 58,185 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 306 Times Was Thanked 1,426 Times in 594 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 2 Times	Re: Can I use wood ash in soil? How about ash from a charcoal grill> My Weber kettle is an excellent source!!

09-21-2020, 09:42 PM	#6 (permalink)
Checker55 Location: North Hollywood CA. U S A Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 68 BananaBucks : 6,640 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 176 Times Was Thanked 70 Times in 40 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 160 Times	Re: Can I use wood ash in soil? I would not use wood ash unless it was from unpainted and untreated lumber. Some wood was painted with lead paint and some lumber has been chemically treated. Not all charcoal is the same as well.

09-23-2020, 09:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
AaronTT Location: Geneva, Florida Zone: 9B, 10 Name: Aaron Join Date: Jul 2020 Posts: 329 BananaBucks : 15,735 Feedback: 3 / 100% Said "Thanks" 232 Times Was Thanked 334 Times in 167 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 46 Times	Re: Can I use wood ash in soil? Here is a little info about charcoal and wood ash. As long as its not pine, most wood ash contains a decent amount of potassium, as well other minerals some not so good. Reason, is ash contains a good amount of bicarbonate which is highly alkaline. So too much wood ash can make the soil too alkaline. If it's too alkaline, certain minerals cannot be taken up by the plant, resulting in deficiencies and thus poor growth. What I discovered is that years back a patent was created because a man discovered that potassium in wood ash could be concentrated in water, since it's highly water soluble. So the solution to getting the benefits without getting the sodium bicarbonates is to soak the wood ash in water over night mixing it well. The good stuff will mix with the water, and the bicarbonates usually sink to the bottom. So pour off the liquid, and leave the stuff that does not mix. That liquid is really good for bananas since they need a good amount of potassium. You can use the ash directly, but bear in mind its effects on soil ph, and use sparingly. Last edited by AaronTT : 09-23-2020 at 09:32 PM.

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09-25-2020, 03:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
smeash Location: Ft Walton Beach FL Find me on the map! Zone: 9a Join Date: Feb 2020 Posts: 666 BananaBucks : 22,500 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 385 Times Was Thanked 873 Times in 443 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 67 Times	Re: Can I use wood ash in soil? Ive used it with no ill effects, but as Aaron said, it can raise soil PH, which my sandy soil is already around 7 or so. I use potassium sulphate instead, but will still throw on some ash now and again just because I have a burn pit going often.

05-24-2021, 12:51 PM	#12 (permalink)
Snarkie The Cat Whisperer Location: Charlotte, NC Zone: 8b, pushing 9a Name: D.A. Hänks Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 2,119 BananaBucks : 162,086 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,218 Times Was Thanked 1,976 Times in 1,145 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,049 Times	Re: Can I use wood ash in soil? Wood ash is an awesome amendment to your garden soil, but there are a few things to know before using it. As has been stated, it raises the pH significantly, so unless you are growing 9 volt batteries, you will need to tame it down. I mix sulfur in with it, which helps to counteract the alkalinity of the potash. It also adds the element to your garden which is needed by most plants. Except onions. They have enough already! Also, if a little charcoal happens to mix in with the ashes, it will help after it's activated itself. Keep in mind that wood ash is only good until the first time it rains, at which point all of the nutrients will leach into the soil and be lost. If you are going to add ashes to your garden, use ashes from the fireplace, wood stove or a fresh burn. __________________ Doug (D.A. Hänks) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2955582/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 The Only Eastern Redwood Forest in America "Nuke my 'nanners, will you?!"

05-24-2021, 01:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
Snarkie The Cat Whisperer Location: Charlotte, NC Zone: 8b, pushing 9a Name: D.A. Hänks Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 2,119 BananaBucks : 162,086 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,218 Times Was Thanked 1,976 Times in 1,145 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,049 Times	Re: Can I use wood ash in soil? Hey Mary, it's good to see you back on here. I mean, it won't wash EVERYTHING away - you can still use it - but the potash will be gone. There's still good stuff in it; it just won't be as beneficial. However, if you need more soil for the garden, it's all in the ground underneath your firepit. Dig that dirt up and use it. It will have activated biochar in it as well, if it's been in the ground a few seasons. It should be easy to dig, and blackish. __________________ Doug (D.A. Hänks) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2955582/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 The Only Eastern Redwood Forest in America "Nuke my 'nanners, will you?!"

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