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Farmville, Virginia ([email protected])

I have read that wood ashes from a wood stove placed on your garden area during winter and tilled into the soil is good for pumpkin growth. Anyone know anything about this theory?

Thanks,
Mark

8/7/2005 4:36:18 PM

they provide potash.

8/7/2005 4:45:20 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

They are good if used sparingly. The PH od woodash is about the same as lime and they leach out faster. The type of wood burnt makes a big difference also.

8/7/2005 5:18:05 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

good if you have a mineral deficiency. Don't use pine I hear.

8/7/2005 5:48:06 PM

addison Il

we did the wood ashes thing along with manure and compost all tilled in and will do it next yr too it works for pests too or so i have read just dont get any ashes on your leaves it hurts them but then again im a newbie and this is all things i have read and or done to my own plants lol

8/7/2005 8:14:28 PM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

I have used wood ashes 2 years without a problem. They do raise the PH, so tis year I put on some alfalfa meal to counter-act the Ph.

8/8/2005 8:27:01 AM

Montoursville, PA

I use hardwood ashes but very modestly while keeping an eye on the PH. It will move the PH up. It will not leach out quickly if the humus content, of the soil is there, to hold on to it.

I feel wood ashes are great used moderately. They bring to you many trace elements not found, in lime.

8/8/2005 10:28:55 AM

Butler, Ohio

Wood ashes are good, but like Doc said...MODERATELY. Too much and youll have a hard time getting much of anything to grow.

8/9/2005 8:54:47 PM

Montoursville, PA

So what is moderately? I say a wheelbarrow load, on a thousand square feet, is enough. We burn weenies a couple times a week using wood. One or two shovels full of ashes goes to the patch or compost.

PS: Make sure the suckers are cooled. Hot coals do a better job on pumpkin leaves than the snails. Don't ask me how I know.

8/9/2005 9:24:18 PM