[666]

I have read a number of times about putting ash on the garden but not sure if I can put ash from a BBQ on to the soil?  What kind of ash is it?  Will it do any harm to put ash from fire bowl (using briquetts) on my, as of yet, unused heavy clay soil that will be my courgette patch?
 :blink:

[cAnAry53]

I believe it usually refers to wood ash which is good around the base of fruit trees and bushes,but it will help to break up clay soil.

[peapod]

I would imagine briquettes have chemicals in them (maybe to help them burn longer) that wouldnt be healthy for the soil

[666]

oh dear wood only then I guess!  Never mind

[andreadon]

quote from http://www.enotes.com/how-products-encyclopedia/charcoal-briquette:
Charcoal briquettes are made of two primary ingredients (comprising about 90% of the final product) and several minor ones. One of the primary ingredients, known as char, is basically the traditional charcoal, as described above. It is responsible for the briquette's ability to light easily and to produce the desired wood-smoke flavor. The most desirable raw material for this component is hardwoods such as beech, birch, hard maple, hickory, and oak. Some manufacturers also use softwoods like pine, or other organic materials like fruit pits and nut shells.

The other primary ingredient, used to produce a high-temperature, long-lasting fire, is coal. Various types of coal may be used, ranging from sub-bituminous lignite to anthracite.

so, because they're 10% coal that would definitely rule them out.
can't see any reason why you couldn't use lumpwood charcoal, though: especially if you found the stuff that is made using "traditional methods".

[Oliver]

quote from http://www.enotes.com/how-products-encyclopedia/charcoal-briquette:
Charcoal briquettes are made of two primary ingredients (comprising about 90% of the final product) and several minor ones. One of the primary ingredients, known as char, is basically the traditional charcoal, as described above. It is responsible for the briquette's ability to light easily and to produce the desired wood-smoke flavor. The most desirable raw material for this component is hardwoods such as beech, birch, hard maple, hickory, and oak. Some manufacturers also use softwoods like pine, or other organic materials like fruit pits and nut shells.

The other primary ingredient, used to produce a high-temperature, long-lasting fire, is coal. Various types of coal may be used, ranging from sub-bituminous lignite to anthracite.

so, because they're 10% coal that would definitely rule them out.
can't see any reason why you couldn't use lumpwood charcoal, though: especially if you found the stuff that is made using "traditional methods".

Brilliant and to the point. Thanks!
O