Are Fireplace Ashes Good for My Garden?

Lovers of wood-burning fireplaces sometimes grow tired of tending to ash clean-up. But if you like to grow things, you might ask, are fireplace ashes good for my garden? The answer is yes. More good news is that saving ashes for use in soil may be easier than making sure they are safe for disposal and won’t start a fire. Bonus news is that ashes have several uses around the home.

Disposal of Fireplace Ash

Proper disposal of fireplace ash is important. Many devastating house fires started because the ashes were mishandled. The correct tools and accessories should be gathered in preparing to remove the ashes. For safe ash removal, we recommend leather gloves, a poker, a shovel, and a metal bucket with a lid.

When removing fireplaces ash, prevent burns to your hands or arm by wearing the gloves. The poker can be used to move logs, coal, and embers before shoveling out the ashes. Place the ashes into a metal bucket, but don’t overfill the bucket. With your gloves still on, carry the ash bucket outside and place it at least 10 feet from flammable material. Be sure you do not set the ashes on a combustible surface. Once ashes are cooled, you can discard them safely or reuse them, such as in a compost pile. Fireplace ashes are good for gardens and have other uses, as well.

Fireplace Ashes are Good for Your Garden

Wood ash is a great source of essential plant nutrients, namely, potassium and phosphorus. You may generate more ash in winter than a typical home garden could absorb. To apply ash to the soil, follow these steps:

Before applying fireplace ash for the good of your garden, sift out large chunks. Window screening is too fine for the job. A 1/4” or 1/2″ scrap of hardware cloth should work.
Ash applications should be limited to 10 pounds per 100 square feet per year because fireplace ashes are good for your garden but too much is harmful.
Ash should be added to the soil about 2 weeks before you plant. Note: the ash should not be applied during winter because the phosphorus and potassium are highly soluble and could wash away before the plants absorb them.
If you apply wood ash annually, you should check the pH of the soil. The local Master Gardener group may help. They sometimes offer this service at a clinic or the county office.

Other Uses for Fireplace Ash

Ashes can be sprinkled on gasoline and oil spills. They absorb the odors and liquid and can simply be swept away.
On icy driveways and sidewalks, sprinkle fresh ashes to melt the ice and provide traction.
Mix ashes with a little water to clean glass, shine silver, and scrub stoves.
Filter water through ashes to create lye. Then you can be like the pioneers of old and make lye soap to be used for laundry, dishes, and even bathing. Note: Follow instructions carefully to avoid chemical burns when making lye soap.

Call Hudson Valley Chimney for Reliable Chimney Services

Hudson Valley Chimney has expert chimney technicians to help with all chimney maintenance and repair services. We clean chimneys, provide chimney inspections, and make masonry repairs along with all chimney services. We will also take the time to answer your questions, such as are fireplace ashes good for my garden?

Call today and speak with a helpful professional at (845) 471-1071 or get in touch through our online contact form.