A handful of ash in the flowerbed can transform the garden into a lush corner and full of life. An ancient trick, but which today really know, capable of giving new strength to the plants.


There is often talk of expensive chemical or fertilizers, but there are those who swear that the ash of wood It is a small natural magic, an ally that works silently in the ground. It is not a legend at all: it contains precious minerals, especially potassium and calcium, which plants love and easily assimilate. There are those who have noticed, after regular use, flowers with more intense colors and vegetables with a richer and more decisive flavor, almost as if they had absorbed new energy. Even the appearance of the soil changes, becoming softer and more fertile, and not rarely we see more robust sprouts appear.
For those who love to see concrete results, just a simple test is enough: to spread a handful of ash well sifted at the foot of the most demanding plants, perhaps after an abundant watering, and observe in the following days as they react, noting more turgid leaves and faster growth.
Because ash is good for the flower beds
The ash of wood not treated is a natural source of nutrients, in particular potassiumwhich stimulates flowering and fruiting, e soccerwhich reinforces the roots. It also contains magnesium and phosphorus in small quantities, useful for the general development of the plant. Interestingly, this remedy works better in acidic soils, because ash has a slightly alkalizing effect. In already calcareous soils, however, it is good not to overdo it so as not to alter the pH too much.
The application is simple: just distribute it evenly and incorporate it slightly into the ground, but avoiding to put it in direct contact with the fresh roots or the seedlings just sprouted, so as not to risk burning them.
How and when to use ash in the flowerbed
Not all plants react in the same way, so it is better to be careful. Some may immediately benefit from this addition, showing new sprouts and more intense colors. Others, however, could take a few weeks to show the first improvements, especially if the soil was poor. In some cases, the effect is seen more during flowering or fruiting. And it should not be forgotten that the quantity and frequency of use can make the difference in the final result. The ash is excellent for:
- Fruit vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and aubergines
- Flower plants such as roses, geraniums and petunias
- Fruit trees, in particular the core ones
Better, however, avoid it with acidophile plants such as azaleas, blue hydrangeas or rhododendrons, which prefer more acidic soils.
The best time to distribute it is between autumn and spring, avoiding too sudden days (the ash tends to fly everywhere) and when the ground is humid but not soups.
An ancient trick that comes back current
It is believed that the use of ash In the garden and garden it was born with the first forms of domestic agriculture. They didn’t need great studies: it was enough to observe that, after a field fire, the herbs grew more green and vigorous. Today, in an era in which we speak so much of sustainability, recovering this simple gesture has a double advantage: it reduces waste and nourishes the ground in a natural way.
One last attention: the ash should never be taken from treated or painted woods, because it could contain harmful substances. Better to use only that of natural wood, coming from domestic stoves or fireplaces, and always sieved to eliminate any coarse residues.
Those who try this trick often no longer go back.
Because, in the end, it is fascinating to discover that a lush garden can also arise from what was thought was only useless dust.
Photo Ai and © Stock.adobe
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