[Offwego]

I have read a lot about wood ashes being good for the garden does the same apply to coal fire ashes, this would also help my inlaws who are struggling to get rid of them.

[JayG]

Coal ashes are much more likely than wood ash to be contaminated with heavy metal (e.g. mercury, lead) and other residues like arsenic.

Not something you want to be recycling back into the environment.

[snowdrops]

It’s not recommended even for paths for the reasons Jay set out .

[Goosegirl]

I have used mine as a foundation for paving slabs in my ornamental garden and they bed in really well but as said, wouldn't use them near veg areas.

[Offwego]

Thanks all

[rowlandwells]

talking about coal ash I can remember when my Dad worked on the railway  what they called a length man in those days they used to sieve coal ash that presumably came from the old steam trains they used to put it to make paths at the side of the rail track god it was a really dirty job

 I suppose it was a way of getting rid of coal ash together with making a track that in those days the railwaymen used to cycle beside the track to get to work  to a hut beside the railway long gone now I'm afraid except for the ones left on the heritage lines all these little huts had lovely old cast iron stove that burned coal 

[Plot74]

If anyone is interested
I was just reading an old gardening book by Fred Loads
In this he gives advice on using ash and soot in the garden .
The book does cover a lot especially how gardening has changed over the years some for the good and some not so good but in all he has some great tips for all aspects of gardening.