Welcome to this comprehensive guide for gardeners, where we explore an often overlooked topic: plants that hate wood ash. If you’re an avid gardener, you probably know that wood ash can be an excellent soil improver.
However, not all plants react positively to wood ash. Indeed, some may even suffer. So how can we tell which plants love ash and which hate it? What are the signs of a bad reaction? How can you use wood ash correctly in your garden? These are just some of the questions we aim to answer in this article.
Wood ash: a natural fertilizer to be used with care
An inevitable by-product of wood combustion, wood ash is often thrown away without a second thought. And yet.., it can be used as fertilizer or compost to enrich your garden soil. These residues contain essential nutrients for certain plants.
However, it’s important to note that not all plants will tolerate this nutrient input. Wood ashes are mainly composed of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus.
It also contains silica, alumina, iron and manganeseas well as traces of zinc, nickel or chromium. Their composition may vary according to the type of wood burned and the additives present in it.
Acid-loving plants and their aversion to wood ash
It is crucial to know that not all plants benefit from wood ash. In particular, acidophilic plants, which thrive in conditions of high acidity, may suffer from excess potassium or calcium.
The use of ashes can considerably reduce soil aciditywhich is detrimental to these plants. These include rhododendron, azalea, camellia, parsley, holly, piperis and certain fruit trees such as apple, peach and pear.
Other examples include ericas, hydrangeas, orchids and even roses in small quantities. Vegetables such as potatoes, sweetcorn, peppers, eggplants, rhubarb and sweet potatoes are also affected.
The benefits of wood ash for lawns and vegetable gardens
While some plants are resistant to wood ash, others benefit greatly from it. Your lawnfor example, pcould be fed by these combustion residues. Although they do not directly stimulate grass growth, ashes enrich the soil and boost its microbial activity.
It also promotes good drainage and prevent the appearance of moss. In the vegetable garden vegetables and fruit such as tomatoes, eggplants, cucumbers and beans, particularly appreciate this nutrient boost. Visit flowering vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli or artichokes also benefit from this natural fertilization. So, before you throw your ashes away, think about using them wisely to improve the health of your garden.
