Even wood ash can have many uses for the home and garden, as you will see below, the use of wood ash can help you find practical solutions for the home. See below.
Uses for wood ash.
- Neutralizes odors in pets. Rubbing a handful on his coat, neutralizes the lingering odor.
- Hides stains on paving. By spraying the ashes directly on the ground.
- Enrich the compost. Before the organic compound is applied to the soil, improve its nutrients by spreading a little ash. Adding too much, however, can ruin the mix by stealing nitrogen from the compost.
- Block garden pests. Spread evenly around the garden beds, the ashes repel slugs and snails.
- Melt the ice. Adds traction and thaws without damaging the soil or concrete underneath.
- Control of algae in ponds. One tablespoon per 1,000 gallons adds enough potassium to strengthen other aquatic plants that compete with algae, slowing their growth.
- Accelerates growth in tomatoes. For calcium plant lovers, place 1/4 cup right in the hole when planting.
- Clean the glass doors of the fireplace. A damp ash sponge removes soot residue.
- Make soap. Soaking ash in water makes lye that can be mixed with animal fat and then boiled to produce soap. Salt makes it harden as it cools. It is a good alternative to making homemade soap.
- Brightens the silver. A paste of ash and water and makes a metal polish.
Tips and Warnings.
- Wait until the ashes are completely cool before spreading them around the garden.
- Wood ash raises the pH or alkalinity of soils, so don’t use it if your soil’s pH is higher than 7.0.
- Don’t scatter the ashes when there is wind.
- Don’t leave an ash container in the rain or the nutrients will leach where the container sits.
