What are the benefits of wood ash in the garden?  

• Wood ash is very good for the soil. Indeed, it is rich in minerals such as phosphorus, silica, but also in trace elements, calcium and potassium. 
• It favours the bloom of fruit trees, so it can be spread at the foot of them and bedding plants in the spring or at the foot of citrus trees in autumn to support the bloom and enhance fruit yields.
• Wood ash also helps to correct acidity of the soil. This is why wood ash is not recommended for soils with a very basic pH (such as limestone), or for plants that like acidic soil (for example, raspberry, rhubarb, blueberries and potato).
• Wood ash is compostable in small quantities. Because of its high limestone content, it could hinder the bacterial activity of the compost and slow down the decomposition of the discarded peelings. 

What wood ash to use in the garden?  

• You must use ashes from burning plants or untreated, unpainted and unvarnished wood. 
• However, it cannot be used if you have used chemical fire starters, painted or varnished small wood, plywood scraps to start your fire.  
• If this is the case, you risk contaminating your garden with toxic substances which will be reflected in your plate when eating fruits or vegetables. 

How to use wood ash in the garden?  

• First, make sure that the ashes are completely cooled down and sift them to remove the big pieces.  
• To store them, we advise you to put them in waterproof bags in a dry and sheltered place. If they get wet, they will become unusable.  
• Spread 2 big handfuls of ashes per m² per year. Beyond that, you risk unbalancing your soil and to asphyxiate it! 

Where to spread the ashes?  

• Spread the ashes on the lawn.  

• Spread the ashes in the vegetable garden on bulb vegetables (such as, onions, garlic and shallots), around tomatoes, beans, peas and between vegetables. 

• Spread the ashes in flower beds, it’s great for flowers, such as, roses and peonies!