Many gardeners have already started spring work, and some have already begun to sow or plant. Fertilizer prices in stores are increasing, so gardeners are looking for opportunities to use natural fertilizers that can be made at home. Wood ash is undoubtedly one of the best fertilizers that can be used to plant potatoes.
Wood ash is a natural and particularly effective remedy that experienced gardeners are increasingly choosing to improve their potato harvest. This organic fertilizer not only enriches the soil with the necessary minerals, but also helps to reduce the risk of potato disease. If you have never used this simple but effective method – now is the time to try. Find out why wood ash should be in your garden this spring.
Such fertilizers are rich in a variety of minerals and organic substances and contain high levels of potassium and calcium, so potatoes can absorb more substances.
Wood ash not only nourishes plants, but also performs a protective function. These fertilizers boost plant immunity and can increase yields by up to 15%. Wood ash can provide more potato starch, making these vegetables tastier.
Before planting, it can be sprinkled with potatoes with ash (1 kg of ash 25 kg of potato bag). If the seed potatoes are cut into smaller pieces, sprinkle with wood ash, as they will disinfect the “wound” and speed up its healing.
The ashes are alkaline and are therefore used in acidic soil. If the soil is neutral or alkaline, wood ash is not the best fertilizer.
It is best to use ash that is formed by burning wood. You can also put manure in the plowed ground before filling the ashes. Apply the ash with a thin layer and then apply it to the ground. Make sure that after sowing the potato tubers do not contact the manure.
How to use wood ash?
- 1 m² of soil should be 100 – 150 g of ash.
- If you are planting potatoes in a small area, you can mix 30 g of ash with the ground and pour into the planting pit.
- As we mentioned earlier, it is very important to check the pH of the soil before planting (optimal pH is 5.4 – 6.5).
- Pour the ash into the potato pits and cover them with a thin layer of earth.
- That’s it, now you can plant the potatoes at the desired distance.
Although wood ash has many benefits, in some cases they can damage potatoes. Do not use wood ash along with fertilizers rich in nitrogen, as the potatoes will not absorb the necessary substances.
The most important information to remember:
- Wood ash should not be used in soils with a pH of more than 7.
- It is important to use only wood ash (preferably willow and birch as it will provide the highest amount of minerals and other materials).
- The lowest soil temperature should be 6-8 ° C during planting.
- If the air temperature is -1-2 ° C, the potatoes may freeze.
- The optimum potato growth temperature is 17-20 ° C. If the temperature is higher, the potatoes may not germinate.
- For planting potatoes, fluffy, permeable and rich in mineral and organic matter are most suitable.
Photo @canva
I am Jovita, one of the authors of Hitas.lt articles. From an early age, I like to cook and I am glad that my mother allowed me to experiment in the kitchen. Favorite dishes are undoubtedly desserts. I also like to “spin” at home, so I try to give readers not only fun recipes, but also useful tips for housework.
