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ROACH REPELLENT
Sprinkling some ash in dark areas of your home or beneath appliances can deter cockroaches. Their tough exoskeletons don’t fare well against wood ash, making it an effective barrier.
ODOR ABSORBER
Much like baking soda, wood ash can help eliminate unpleasant smells in your home. Placing a small jar in the fridge can work wonders, especially if there are bits of charcoal mixed in with the ashes.
HUMIDITY ABSORBER
Wood ash is useful for soaking up moisture and can help stop mold from forming in damp areas. Just put a cup of wood ashes in a musty cupboard or basement, and the leftover charcoal pieces will enhance its effectiveness.
GARDEN FERTILIZER
Rich in trace minerals from the wood, wood ash is beneficial for plant health. While it lacks carbon and nitrogen, those nutrients can easily be sourced from compost. According to the University of Vermont, about 5 gallons of wood ash is recommended for every 1,000 square feet of garden space. However, be cautious, as it raises soil pH and isn’t suitable for acid-loving plants like blueberries or potatoes.
ENHANCE COMPOST
Adding a small amount of wood ash can give your compost pile a helpful boost. While birds may enjoy the compost, in rural areas, it can attract bears. Sprinkling some wood ash on top can deter these large animals from rummaging through your scraps. Many have found that since they began incorporating wood ash into their compost, they’ve noticed a significant improvement in its health. Digging into the center reveals a handful of active worms diligently breaking everything down.
MANAGING POND ALGAE
Wood ash is rich in micronutrients essential for plant growth, which can also enhance the health of aquatic plants. The potassium found in wood ash can help rooted aquatic plants in a pond thrive, allowing them to better compete with algae. This competition can effectively slow down algae growth in the pond. Just be cautious not to overdo it.
AVOIDING FROST DAMAGE TO PLANTS
Sprinkling wood ash on plants before a light frost can help shield them from frost damage. This is because the mineral salts in wood ash can lower the freezing point of water without harming the plant tissues, unlike some other salts.
COMBATING CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN TOMATOES
Those unsightly black spots on tomatoes are often due to a lack of calcium. While eggshells and bone meal are commonly added to tomato planting holes for calcium, wood ash can serve the same purpose. Simply mix about 1/4 cup of wood ash into each tomato planting hole before placing the transplants.
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