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Garden Gate:  Ash in the soil  |
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Laura Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
419 Posts
Laura
Rancho Cordova
California
USA
419 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 22 2008 : 08:05:14 AM
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Ok so I need some advice. I know that ask is good for the soil but what about ash from carcol that has been used for a bbq? I'm worried because there are chemicals in the charcoal to get it to lite easier and then if you use lighter fluid on top of that. Could I put it in my compost pile? Or should I just discard it all together. I feel that I wouldn't want to because it has chemicals in it. My boyfriend says that a friend told him it was good. I have a selection of several things in my container garden. Vegetables, flowers and foliege. Any advice, suggestions. What would you girls do?
Laura Marie #369
lauramariedesign.com
"It's not the size of the farm but the size of your heart!" |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 07:44:38 AM
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I never heard of using charcoal in the garden. But I have heard of using stove/campfire ash; which I do every year. I empty the ash pan from our wood stoves out into the gardens and into the compost pile. Irises seem to really like it as mine have grown bigger and lusher than in years before I started dumping ash in their beds. I really haven't noticed much difference in any other plants, though.
I don't think it would be a good idea to use charcoal from the bbq because of the chemicals, too.
Farmgirl Sister #35
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 3:00:56 PM
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I wanted the reader to see this info that was contained in the article I posted, but wanted them to be aware of more than just the bbq charcoal:
"Barbecue charcoal has binders added that are reportedly sufficiently toxic to plants that barbecue ashes are not recommended for composts or garden soil enrichment. So I would presume it would have the same problems crushed for potting soils."
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
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Edited by - Tina Michelle on Nov 23 2008 3:08:57 PM |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 3:03:45 PM
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it mentions more than just the aquarium charcoal and horticultural charcoal.
Anyhow..the point being..I too would not recommend bbq charcoal as it has chemicals added to it when you pour the lighter fluid onto it.
wood ash would be a bit better but in limited quantity.
I would first of all recommend having the soil tested with a ph tester to see specifically where the soil has a lack and then go from there. To add something that may not be necessary can throw the ph balance off on your soil.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
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and at www.stliving.net
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 4:11:06 PM
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a bit more info I came across:
What to Compost
In addition to your lawn and garden clippings, a large supply of your household waste can be composted, including bread, eggshells and fruit and vegetable rinds. Basically any plant-based kitchen leftovers may be added, as can paper products, including cardboard rolls, tissues, paper towels, coffee filters and newer biodegradable, starch-based plastics.
Don't compost animal or meat byproducts, such as dairy, grease, lard, oils and fish waste, which can create odor problems and attract rodents and other pests. Compost containing meat byproducts can also make dogs and other pets sick if eaten.
You can compost pet fur, but don't compost pet wastes such as feces and litter, which may contain parasites, bacteria, pathogens and viruses that are harmful to humans.
While wood ash can be composted in modest amounts, excessive amounts can raise alkalinity and result in nitrogen loss in your soil. Some barbeque charcoal and briquettes contain substances such as borax that can be harmful to plants.
Don't compost any yard trimmings that have been treated with chemical pesticides, since residues could kill beneficial composting organisms.
For a thorough list of what you should and should not compost, visit the EPA's composting fact sheet at www.epa.gov/compost.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
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and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
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Laura Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
419 Posts
Laura
Rancho Cordova
California
USA
419 Posts |
Posted - Nov 23 2008 : 7:25:53 PM
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Thank you ladies. My boyfriend kept asking and I was saying I don't think so because of the chemicals. He thinks it is all burnt off after we are done, but it's a chemical ash afterwords. I told him if it is actual wood then yes. A friend of his uses ash from his cigars, that is different as well, and I don't think I will be using that either. Anyways. I thank you all for your imput. I learned a lot this weekend!
Happy Holidays!
Laura Marie #369
lauramariedesign.com
"It's not the size of the farm but the size of your heart!" |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
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Laura Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
419 Posts
Laura
Rancho Cordova
California
USA
419 Posts |
Posted - Nov 26 2008 : 10:30:56 AM
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Thank You Lisa! I had a feeling and I haven't done it at all before this. I'm thinking that his friend who does this, does it just because of what he thinks. I live in the city and my boyfriend is a city boy. He is doing his best to put up with his country girl but he just doesn't get it yet. I still love him though!
I'm just going to stick to using soil I bought and I am working on my first compost pile. We will see how it goes! My front patio is turning into something fun right now!
Laura Marie #369
lauramariedesign.com
"It's not the size of the farm but the size of your heart!" |
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Garden Gate: Ash in the soil |
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Ash in the soil
