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Ash is a valuable garden fertilizer that contains many useful trace elements: potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. It can improve soil structure, increase soil fertility, and protect plants from certain diseases and pests.

Ash is best used on acidic soils because it has an alkaline reaction. Experts advise taking ash from woody species such as birch or apple trees. But ash from conifers is not suitable, as it may contain resinous substances. OBOZ.UA tells you how to use this organic fertilizer.

Why you should use ash for fertilizing

Ash is a valuable mineral residue formed during the combustion of organic materials. Its unique composition makes it an effective fertilizer for different types of soils and crops. Ash contains a large amount of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and other trace elements necessary for plants.

Benefits of using this fertilizer:

1. Ash enriches the soil with nutrients that promote plant growth and development.
2. Improves soil structure, helps to loosen heavy soils and improves their water permeability.
3. Protects plants from diseases – ash is particularly effective against fungal infections
4. Does not contain chlorine – which makes it ideal for crops sensitive to this element (potatoes, grapes, cucumbers, peppers).

How to properly apply ash to the soil

Ashes should be applied in a scattered manner for digging the soil, but can also be applied to furrows, holes, etc. After application, the effect of ash lasts from 2 to 4 years.

Ash can be used on all types of soils, but the method of application depends on the structure of the soil:

• on heavy clay soils – apply in the fall for digging;
• on light sandy and peaty soils, add in the spring before planting.

Application rates are an average of 10 kg of ash per hundred square meters.

What garden crops can be fertilized with ash

Ash is a universal natural fertilizer suitable for all types of soils and most vegetable crops. Its main advantage as a source of potassium is the absence of chlorine, which makes it ideal for crops such as potatoes, peppers, beets, cucumbers, eggplants, as well as berry bushes and fruit trees such as strawberries, grapes, currants, raspberries, plums, and gooseberries.

In particular, the use of wood ash significantly improves potato yields and increases the starch content of tubers. Its absorption by plants is more efficient than when using synthetic potash fertilizers. For best results, add two tablespoons of ash to each hole during planting, mixing it with the soil. Subsequently, during the first hilling, another 1-2 tablespoons are added under each plant, and at the budding stage – up to half a glass of ash per bush.

Ash also helps protect cabbage from diseases such as keel and blackleg. It is useful for cucumbers, zucchini, and squash. It is enough to add 1-2 tablespoons of ash to the hole when planting seedlings or distribute a glass of ash per square meter when digging the garden.

To fertilize tomatoes, bell peppers and eggplants, add three tablespoons of ash to the planting hole, mixing it thoroughly with the ground. When digging up the area, it is recommended to use three cups of ash per square meter.

How to prepare the liquid infusion

To help nutrients be better absorbed, you can prepare a liquid fertilizer:

• Pour 1 tablespoon of ash with 1 liter of boiling water.
• Insist for 7 days, stirring occasionally.

The resulting infusion should be used to fertilize seedlings or beds every two weeks.

Important cautions

• Ashes lose potassium when wet, so they should be stored in a dry place.
• Do not mix ash with organic fertilizers such as manure.
• The composition of the ash depends on the material being burned. The most valuable is wood ash (especially birch).
• Ash from burning plastic or household waste is not suitable for gardening.