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Test Soil Before Using Fireplace Ashes in the Garden
AUBURN, Jan. 5---During
the winter, homeowners with fireplaces accumulate lots of ashes.
Some of those ashes can be recycled and used in gardens or flower
beds, says Dr. Dave Williams, Extension horticulturist with the
Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
However, test the soil
for pH and potassium before using wood ashes in the yard or garden.
Without a soil test, don't use more than 5 pounds of wood ashes per
100 square feet within a year.
Dry wood ashes applied
to a garden or flower bed raise the soil pH. A pH of 6 to 6.5 is
good for growing most vegetables and flowers.
Wood ashes contain from
1 to 10 percent potash, which is good for plant growth unless the
soil's potassium level is already too high.
Wood ashes can cause
problems where blueberries are growing or in the landscape where
azaleas or other acid-loving plants are grown.
SOURCE; Dr. Dave
Williams, (jdwillia@aces.edu)
, Extension Horticulturist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System,
(334) 844-3032
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