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Wood ash contains nutrients needed for plant life. When burning wood, sulfur, nitrogen and change out the gas, and calcium, potassium and magnesium in trace amounts remain in the ash. The ash is useful to liming the soil, raising the pH and preventing the over-acidification. If you have acidic soil with a deficiency of potassium, use of wood ash. But if you want to grow plants acidophilic plants such as blueberries, cranberries, rhododendrons and azaleas, wood ash is not going to be your best option. Wood ash quickly and completely decomposes in the ground, thanks to his old coffee grain. For most soils in the garden of 10 kg (approximately 20 l) of ash can be safely used each year in the area of ​​1000 square meters. It is the same as is applied 6kg of calcium in the same area. The best time to apply wood ash is spring when the soil is dry and not cultivated. The amount of ash depends on the type of wood burned. The hardwood produced three times more ash than conifers. It is applied to wood ash composter because it creates an ideal environment for the development of soil microorganisms. This is especially good if compost oak leaves or pine needles. Wood ash can also be used to control snails. Ash deprives water snails. It should sprinkle the base of plants. Unfortunately, the rain, it loses its properties. The ash is beneficial to the plants, but it must be dosed carefully. Too much ash in the soil may dangerously increase the pH and lead to accumulation of salts in the soil, which may be harmful to plants. The ash should be stored in a container with a tight lid. This will prevent accidental fire and leaching of nutrients through the water. Do not use the ash obtained by burning trash, cardboard and colored wood. These materials contain potential chemicals that may be harmful to plants, and even stop their growth. From the ashes, be careful because it is a strongly alkaline. Use gloves, goggles and dust masks. Do not spray on windy days the ash. Do not mix the ash with any fertilizer, since they lose their properties. In case of ash on the lawn, wait a month before the application of nitrogenous fertilizers. Never use ash in the form of pellets, which can accumulate salt and create unfavorable environment for plant growth. It is worth to use wood ash in the garden, because it is one of organic agricultural practices. But remember the prudent use of this method, since the excess and incompetent administration may do more harm than good. Cotton Eye Joe tips: a] I use the most greyish looking and fine powder from my furnace, b] I suppose you could use it inside,but you would have to get the ratio right, c] Outside I noramlly bring a sandwich bag full for each hole and spread it around each hole,at least every 2-3 weeks in flowering.