As the mercury drops, wood-burning heaters – like the classic kaggel – are getting fired up. You’ll be pleased to know that wood ash can be added to your YOLO Compost Tumbler.
According to this post on Gardening Know How, wood ash can help to maintain the neutral condition of compost. As some decomposing materials in compost can increase the acidity, wood ash, which is alkaline, can offset this. It is better to add wood ash to compost instead of putting it directly on your plants.
Wood ash compost improves soil health and when placed around plants, it may repel garden pests like slugs and snails.
In addition, wood ash counts as a ‘brown’ and it contributes potassium, phosphorus and other trace minerals to compost. Just remember not to burn painted or treated wood, which can be toxic, and be sure to remove nails before burning so that these do not end up in your compost.
Store an abundance of wood ash created during winter to use in your compost mix throughout the year.
Ash from coal and briquettes, usually used for braais (barbeques), is a compost no-no. They contain heavy-metal or chemical toxins that should not be placed in your compost or garden.