fireplace ash.......now what??

**sinopa27** · 09-22-2011, 11:56 PM

Any ideas of what to do with all the ash collected from a fireplace?

**pollypurebred39** · 09-23-2011, 12:01 AM

You can make lye to make soap.

**sinopa27** · 09-23-2011, 12:08 AM

I guess I can store it in buckets until I learn how to make lye soap.

**Debbie-cat** · 09-23-2011, 02:46 AM

It is good for the garden or compost pile.

**zakity** · 09-23-2011, 03:39 AM

That is was I was going to suggest! We sprinkle it around the garden and sprinkle it on the compost pile.

You could save it for soap, but you need to burn hardwoods only to use it for soap.

**sinopa27** · 09-23-2011, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by Debbie-cat

It is good for the garden or compost pile.

I have a composter. I can dump some of it in there. I guess I can dig a hole and pour it in the ground. That will be good into the ground freezes.

**sinopa27** · 09-23-2011, 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by zakity

That is was I was going to suggest! We sprinkle it around the garden and sprinkle it on the compost pile.

You could save it for soap, but you need to burn hardwoods only to use it for soap.

oh.....Ok....I can just sprinkle it on the ground, especially where I am going to plant next year.

**Russ** · 09-23-2011, 07:17 AM

Wood ash will raise the Ph in your garden so you might want to test it and make sure your garden actually needs it.

**lparker** · 09-23-2011, 07:28 AM

That would depend on the Ph of your soil - wood ashes will raise your pH - if it's already alkaline (too sweet) not good - good for acid soil though. You can get a cheap pH tester at a garden store.

**monkeywrangler71** · 09-23-2011, 07:47 AM

Also depends on what you are planting, some things like it acidic and would not appreciate the ashes.

We use them on the driveway in the winter, to melt the ice. I saved a little bit to put on the asparagus, but generally couldn't produce ash fast enough to keep the driveway clear.

I wouldn't bother saving them for making lye. That is a very involved, messy, unpredictable process, and the soap you make from it is probably going to be harsh and unpleasant. That's why they invented lye flakes.

**saver** · 09-23-2011, 08:05 PM

Safety tip: Store ashes in a metal bucket outside and well away from any building structure for at least 5 days after collecting.

Safety of Ashes in the Fireplace | eHow.com

**Winkie** · 09-24-2011, 09:16 AM

If you have Iris, add the ashes to the iris bed. They will enjoy it.

**frugalfranny** · 09-24-2011, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by sinopa27

Any ideas of what to do with all the ash collected from a fireplace?

If your garden can tolerate it............it repels slugs and snails.
Mine is already too akaline..............usually. (though I have been working on them)

10 Uses for Wood Ashes | Fireplace | This Old House - 1

**sinopa27** · 09-28-2011, 03:19 AM

Originally Posted by lparker

That would depend on the Ph of your soil - wood ashes will raise your pH - if it's already alkaline (too sweet) not good - good for acid soil though. You can get a cheap pH tester at a garden store.

ok.....I will get a pH tester. thank you!

**sinopa27** · 09-28-2011, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

Also depends on what you are planting, some things like it acidic and would not appreciate the ashes.

We use them on the driveway in the winter, to melt the ice. I saved a little bit to put on the asparagus, but generally couldn't produce ash fast enough to keep the driveway clear.

I wouldn't bother saving them for making lye. That is a very involved, messy, unpredictable process, and the soap you make from it is probably going to be harsh and unpleasant. That's why they invented lye flakes.

I already have a lot of ash from last year. So I probably could use it to melt the ice. Thanks!