[chickenboy]

I am sure I have heard that ashes from garden fires (in my allotment, mainly wood and weeds get burned) can be used to make paths. Would I need to have anything laid under the ash (for weed suppression etc), and are there any problems with ash paths in allotments?

All tips/ thoughts/suggestions gratefully received!!!

Chickenboy.

[joyfull]

here are instructions for a cinder path:-

http://www.plant-care.com/path-construction-and-maintenance.html

[mumofstig]

it's ash and cinders from coal fires that you make into paths

Wood ash is Potash..a good fertiliser the K part of NPK.
It's good for tomatoes, fruit and for milder onions

Although, like all plants, onions require potash, the more potash they have available the less sulphur they absorb. Using low potash fertilisers will result in smaller, but stronger tasting onions. There is information on potash in the fertilizers section.

from John's How to Grow Onions & Shallots page  

[Trillium]

I once visited  a large home garden on a tour, and they'd laid a cinder path with cinders from the local rail yard that had a mountain they wanted rid of. It was certainly different, and one I wouldn't want to fall on or walk barefoot (as I often do) as the cinders were quite sharp. Youngsters would have a hard time walking on them. And you'd definitely need several layers of weed suppressant below. I find that the poly bags that animal feed comes in works well.

If you're thinking actual powdery ash from the woodburner, I wouldn't recommend it. If it doesn't blow away first, it'll stick to your shoes/boots every time it rains. And as said, its great stuff for the gardens.

[mobilekat]

I tend to chuck the ash form the barbecue onto the garden once it is cool (but when still hot does kill weeds quite well!)
I have noticed that the local blackbird regards fresh cold ashes and as wonderful place to peck, and soon mixes them into the soil!
But as Trillum says is hideous to walk on an stains carpets if its on your shoes.... (whoops!)