How to use fireplace ash on the lawn? What are the benefits?

Are you ready to rest by the fire this winter? This is an excellent idea! Because your fireplace is also the ally of your garden, I would take advantage of it, if I were you, to take care of my lawn and anticipate the arrival of spring. Yes, time passes faster than you think. No comment on your age, let’s talk about fireplace ash instead, it’s better for you! Indeed, wood ashes have many properties, often beneficial to the garden. Let’s find out together how to use fireplace ash on the lawn. Don’t thank us, it’s a pleasure!

What are the benefits of fireplace ash on the lawn?

Be aware that hardwood ash is generally richer than the one produced by softwoods. Indeed, it contains a lot of calcium, which makes it an excellent soil improver capable of replacing lime to fight against soil acidity. In addition, because of the very high potassium content, wood ashes are a concentrated potassium fertilizer very favorable to the production of flowers, fruits or vegetables. Similarly, they contain a lot of silica, magnesium, the main component of plant chlorophyll, but little phosphorus.

However, given the high levels of calcium and potassium, ash should be added in moderate amounts. Indeed, an excess could cause a chemical imbalance in the soil and poor plant nutrition. Excess potassium, for example, results in poor assimilation of magnesium and other essential elements. Excess lime causes a blockage of essential trace elements. In addition, it could lead to the destruction of soil humus and the release of nitrogen gas.

In short, wood ashes on the surface of the soil destroy its structure by asphyxiating it. They are good for the garden, but in limited quantities: 70 g to 100 g per m2 and per year. Spread them in the winter once and everything will be fine on the most beautiful of lawns.

Where to put fireplace ash in the garden?

First, allow the wood ashes to cool for several days until they are completely cold. To store them, we advise you to put them in a large closed metal container. Also, always use gloves, as wood ash is caustic. Whatever way your use wood ashes, note that you have to rake the soil a little after spreading them. Also, never use them on young plants.

You can use them to make compost. For this, it is advisable to add a thin layer of wood ashes so as not to interfere with the proper aeration of your compost. As we suggested above, too much wood ash in the compost could slow bacterial activity and thus slow down the decomposition of your compost. This is not a good thing for your future lawn…

As you know, fireplace ash on the lawn also serves to enrich the soil. It helps improving drainage and encourages microbial life such as earthworms. The important thing is not to have a heavy hand! Finally, you can use wood ash to control pests. Make sure to spread it properly, in dry weather, on the soil around your vegetables for example. It should effectively scare away slugs and snails. On the other hand, if your soil is wet from rain, don’t bother with the ashes.

Does fireplace ash kill weeds?

Weeds have invaded your garden? How about using your wood ashes to kill weed? It’s very simple too! Sprinkle them over the unwanted weeds. They will act in particular on the moss, which they will dry out effectively and permanently. Please note that there are a few precautions to take. Keep in mind that while it’s entirely possible remove weeds all year round, spring is best time to do it. In addition, the soil must be moist and loose to ensure that these weeds are not causing trouble.

Finally, a little reminder of the basics of weeding for those who are starting for the first time:

• Avoid weeding in the middle of the day, especially during hot weather.
• Don’t leave roots in the ground.
• Do not use bleach or coarse salt to weed your garden.