[Fat Hen]

When I were a kid a lot of the ashes from our coal fire went in the garden.  We grew all sorts of veg, n friut (raspberries, gooseberries & blackberries).  And of course rhubarb ( well living in rhubarb triangle what do you expect).

The garden was very productive (pretty much self sufficient).

Probably a lot depends on where you live and your particular soil type.  Are you alkaling or acid, clay or peaty etc etc.