[Michael D]

Hi all    is it safe to use wood ash  with   some coal mixed in with it.

[aelf]

I take it the coal is cinders? Can't see that being a problem but also not sure what the benefit would be. I do know that we should avoid wood ash from treated timber as it can have nasty chemicals in it.

[Dantheman]

i would like to know the answer to this also as i'm still constucting my raised beds and are burning waste, i've been saving the ash. i did hear that it help break down the soil if needed not sure of the truth in it. 

[TerryB]

Wood ash wouldn't be a problem, in fact it contains some potash when dry but coal ash contains sulpha (I think) so you souldn't added that to your soil.

[JayG]

Coal ash can contain traces of heavy metals and potentially carcinogenic residues from only partly-burnt particles of coal - depends partly on the type of coal and how it was burnt.

I'm sure it used to be widely chucked on the garden but many people are easily put off by knowing a bit more about such things these days.

On a similar subject I think soot is still used by some people but I wouldn't - part of its use in deterring slugs and possibly black spot on roses is probably due to its toxicity, and if you leave it for 6 months as recommended to "weather" first you've got little other than black carbon left (and where did the contaminants go?)  

Wood ash is a much safer proposition, unless you were also burning things like old plastics, or the wood was very old and painted with lead paint................

[solway cropper]

Wood ash is fine but keep in mind that it's alkaline and should also be used fresh and when needed. Much of its nutrient value is very soluble and easily washed out by the rain so if you apply it too early you'll get very little benefit from it apart from raising the alkalinity of your soil.

[Dantheman]

thanks for the reply i think i will give it a miss using it .