[Kajazy]

I've got a fair bit of it from our woodburner - but not masses - what would be the most efficient way of using it on my plot? And how and when?
Many thanks!

[Trillium]

I store mine dry somewhere and come spring, I sprinkle it out.

[arugula]

Or sprinkle it ad lib, or add it to the compost heap, especially if you feel it might be a bit wet.

[olde9856]

Round the currant bushes, they love it

Edited to correct spelling of "currant" for search purposes.

[gavinjconway]

Onions also love a sprinkling of it..

[JayG]

Wood ashes can contain "up to" 70% lime so will tend to raise the soil pH (handy if you want to do that, but don't put it on blueberries, and probably not a good idea for spuds either.)

[Kajazy]

Brilliant, thank you - our soil's pretty acid, so I don't think a bit of lime will hurt. Will target the currant bushes and the alliums then...

[Lizziechick]

We got a tip from someone ages ago that wood ash is really good keeping slugs off your spuds. You have to leave it in a heap or a bag to 'season' for a year, then you put a handful into the trough around your spud when you plant it. We do this and it does seem to work, we dont get much slug damage. But I saw what JayG said... maybe I'll do a row with and a row without and see what happens!

[gavinjconway]

If you go to the "growing Help" link John recommends some wood ash on spuds...

 ... http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/potato/potato-fertilizer-programme.php     

[JayG]

I think I'll just suggest reading the advice about wood ash use elsewhere on the web and then extricate myself from this uncomfortable position between a rock and a hard place and let you decide for yourselves!   

[Kajazy]

I've got lots of comfrey, so that should hopefully sort out the spuds, at least as far as potash goes! And thanks to the warm winter (up till now), there's already new growth appearing, so there will be plenty in time for planting

[Yorkie]

We got a tip from someone ages ago that wood ash is really good keeping slugs off your spuds. You have to leave it in a heap or a bag to 'season' for a year, then you put a handful into the trough around your spud when you plant it. We do this and it does seem to work, we dont get much slug damage. But I saw what JayG said... maybe I'll do a row with and a row without and see what happens!

As previously advised, it is not a good idea to use wood ash on spuds.  It is alkaline and will therefore cause the spuds to have scab.

[gavinjconway]

We got a tip from someone ages ago that wood ash is really good keeping slugs off your spuds. You have to leave it in a heap or a bag to 'season' for a year, then you put a handful into the trough around your spud when you plant it. We do this and it does seem to work, we dont get much slug damage. But I saw what JayG said... maybe I'll do a row with and a row without and see what happens!

As previously advised, it is not a good idea to use wood ash on spuds.  It is alkaline and will therefore cause the spuds to have scab.

I surrender  ... there's always a difference of opinion - I merely added a link to some info.. 

[arugula]

Don't worry gavin, you'll always get 12 different answers from 10 gardeners.

[gavinjconway]

I know...  I have big shoulders (and belly) so no probs..