How to Put Wood Ashes to Good Use

Those ashes from your wood stove or fireplace can be put to good use in your landscape. Ash contains many nutrients needed for plant growth, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, according to Dan Sullivan, a soil scientist for the Oregon State University Extension. Hardwoods like oak provide about five times the nutrients of softwoods like fir. Wood ash also can neutralize acidic soils, so don't use it around acid-loving plants like rhododendrons. Place the ashes in a metal container outdoors, away from buildings; when they've cooled completely, they're ready to use.

Eye protection

Dust mask

Work gloves

Shovel

Rake

Put on your eye protection, dust mask and gloves. Shovel small amounts of wood ash into your compost pile. Turn the pile with the shovel as you add the ash. Don't add too much, or the ash can rob nitrogen from the pile, according to the University of Minnesota Extension.

Sprinkle your vegetable garden and flower beds with a garden hose to moisten the soil. Spread wood ashes lightly over the gardens, making sure to wear gloves, goggles and dust mask. Rake lightly to mix in the ash. You can also spread ash under shrubs that are not acid-lovers. Don't apply ash to newly seeded areas, or where you plan to sow potatoes -- it can promote potato scab.

Spread wood ash over your lawn if it's in need of lime and potassium, again wearing your protective gear. Use no more than 10 to 15 lbs. of ash per 1,000 square feet of lawn, recommends the Oregon State University Extension.

One important thing do not leave wood ashes out in the rain in their container, their nutrients will be quickly leached out all over where they set.

Wait until the ashes are thoroughly cooled before spreading them in the landscape.

Wood ash raises the pH or alkalinity of the soil, so don't use it if your soil pH is greater than 7.0.

Do not scatter ashes when it's windy.

Don't leave a container of ashes out in the rain, or the nutrients will leach out where the container sits.