Making the ash of the barbecue useful is not only a curiosity, but a small secret capable of giving new life to your garden. What remains between the embers can be transformed, almost by magic, into a precious ally for plants and soil.
Usually you think of ash as a discomfort, a residue to be thrown away quickly. But no: hidden in that gray powder there is a wealth that for centuries has accompanied those who cultivate the earth. With a little attention it becomes a natural fertilizer, a shield against insects and even home remedy for the garden. It is surprising to imagine that the fire, after turning on an evening with friends, continues to give benefits even when it goes out. Is it not fascinating to think that the cycle closes like this, restoring energy to the earth? There are those who tell of more vigorous tomatoes or flowers returned to blossom thanks to a sprinkling of ash. Others swear that suffice a punch in the vases to restore vitality to off plants.
A simple tradition, made of attempts and errors, but always alive. The next time I turn off the barbecue, do not immediately empty the brazier: there is a treasure in there waiting for you.
Ash of the barbecue as a natural fertilizer
Inside the ash of wood Minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium are hidden. There are no major studies to understand how much the soil can help: they make it more fertile, strengthen the roots and improve growth. It is no coincidence that the peasants of the past were spreading it in the gardens, trusting the handed down experience. A acid soil, with a touch of ash, becomes more balanced. But watch out not to overdo it, because too much could ruin the balance making it too basic.
To use it well, it takes little: a thin layer near tomatoes, courgettes or beans is sufficient. There are also those who mix it with compost, enriching the organic material and speeding up the decomposition. A simple, almost instinctive gesture that makes the difference.
An ally against parasites and snails
In addition to nourishing, the ash of the barbecue Become a natural protection. It is not magic but common sense of nature, and this always hits. Remember those tricks of grandparents who work without too many explanations. To think that the remains of a barbecue can defend the plants makes you smile, yet it is just like that. Its fine powder is unwelcome to small parasites that infest vegetable gardens and flowers. In fact, it is surprising how such a trivial gesture can turn into such an effective defense. It is almost reassuring to know that chemicals are not needed to take care of your plants. Just open your eyes and observe what nature already offers. The ash, with its simplicity, teaches that even what seems useless can prove to be indispensable. And it’s nice to imagine that a barbecue with friends leaves behind something useful also for the vegetable garden.
Here are some parasites that cannot stand ash:
- Snails and snails, which avoid crawling on a dry and dusty surface;
- different insects that move away from contact;
- Ants that often attack young roots but remain annoyed by the ash barrier.
Just sprinkle a circle around the plant, creating immediate protection. After the rain, however, the barrier loses strength and must be renewed. However, it remains a natural and respectful remedy, which does not damage bees or ladybugs. And this is perhaps his greatest virtue: to defend without altering the balance of the garden.
Other practical uses of wood ash in the garden
The ash of wood It still surprises. It is not just for fertilizer or protect: loose in the water becomes a cleansing for vases and tools, scattered on the paths avoids winter ice, mixed with the ground reduces smells and improves drainage. It is a simple but effective remedy that denies the idea that expensive and chemical products always serve.
In the end, it turns out that that gray powder is much more than a residue. It is proof that nature already offers solutions at hand. When you turn on the barbecue again, look at the ash with different eyes: it is not an annoying surplus, but a gift.
A small gesture, which combines tradition, respect for the environment and authentic care for your garden.
Photo © Stock.adobe
FOLLOW CASTLI NEWS ON
