would putting ash from a coal fire onto the compost heap be a good or bad idea?

Answer 1

If its wood based ash - yes you can, but if its ash from Coal DO NOT.

Wood based ash provides your compost with extra potassium and can help buffer low pH soils.

Coal base ash is iffy unless you know the source - My concern with Coal ash is the amount of metals that go into the compost and soil (not good for Children). But in saying this there is research that coal ash benefits compost by adding trace nutrients and raising pH. This is good in the Mid-west and Eastern U.S. but not in So California- not a good thing. The research also says that the weathering effect of the compost process actually minimizes pH effects of coal ash.

I wouldn't take the chance - I'd stick with Wood Ash only - let the municipalities process the coal ash.

Here's a list of what's good and not good for compost - http://www.organicgardeninfo.com/organic-gardening-compost.html

Answer 2

Good, plants love it.

It has trace minerals and carbon. Carbon has the property of locking nutrients into the soil rather than it leaching out (like in a carbon filter). It's known as black gold in the Amazon, where it's been used in this way for centuries. They've done experiments there putting fire ash onto infertile soils & found it to improve the fertility.

Make sure it's cold, though!

Answer 3

I rake piles of leaves in my yard where i want to build up the soil and put cold ashes and top soil on it and it works fine when you plant the grass back it grows well. It has the moisture underneath. Using straw is good to for the bottom as well . I would put it in my compose but right now it is going on the yard. I used to put the ashes on the garden.

Answer 4

The ash will raise the ph of your compost but depending on what you plan to use it on may be good for the plant.

Answer 5

particular you are able to upload wood ash on your compost. There are some issues to evaluate however; be sure you haven't any longer burnt any painted wood. do no longer upload too a lot ash or it may desire to tend to clog the "heap" and not permit adequate air in.

Answer 6

A good idea with ashes is to work it into the soil. It is espescially good for root crops. ie, potatoes, carrots, radishes.

Answer 7

I don't think anything that is of nature made,will hurt it. Just dont put ashes from those ,"presto logs" in it .There all wax and cardboard!

Answer 8

Your better off putting it on your flowerbeds. It is good for the garden.