How to Add Ashes to Soil

It has been known for thousands of years that adding ashes to soil improves its capacity to grow plant life. The ancient Romans first discovered the benefits of adding ash to soil, and generations of gardeners ever since have been putting this knowledge into practice. Wood ash is high in nitrogen, which is what makes it beneficial to growing plant life. You can improve the soil in your yard or garden by following a step-by-step procedure for adding ash.

Things You'll Need

• Soil test kit
• Wood ash
• 5 gallon bucket
• Rototiller or hoe

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Test the soil to be treated with a soil test kit. Check the pH level of the soil. Wood ash will raise the pH in the soil and should not be used if the pH is above 7.0.

   • 2

     Spread the wood ash in the fall or early spring. Use 20 pounds, which is a 5 gallon bucket full, for every 1,000 square feet of area.

   • 3

     Use a rototiller or hoe to till the ash into the soil.

   • 4

     Apply wood ash around bushes and shrubs once a year at a rate of 1/2 pound per bush and work it into the soil.