Page 44 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 156

44 Issue #156 January 2026 www.sportsenergynews.com

Let it Grow – Free and Natural – Ash

By Marion Dalley with calcium - which helps build
strong plant ‘bones’ (cell walls) -
n these present, mindful times, and potassium, often called ‘potash,’
Imany home gardeners are looking which is vital for colourful flowers
for natural ways to nourish their and high-quality fruit. In addition to
plants, and wood ash is often at the these main ingredients, ash contains
top of the list as a ‘free’ fertilizer. small amounts of magnesium,
While it can be a powerful ally for phosphorus, and other trace minerals
your soil, it also has the potential to do like iron and zinc.
real harm if you aren’t careful, so its Another major benefit is its ability
important to understand its benefits to ‘sweeten’ the soil. Most soils
and drawbacks. Here are some first
naturally become acidic (sour) over
steps toward using it effectively.
time due to rainfall and fertilizer
Always test your soil prior to use. Wood ash acts like a fast-acting
applying too much of any natural or version of garden lime, raising
manufactured fertilizer. the pH level to make the soil more
The Benefits neutral. This is especially helpful for
A Natural Nutrient Boost vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, Beyond feeding plants, dry ash To get the most out of your fireplace
The biggest advantage of wood and broccoli, which struggle in serves as a barrier against pests. remains, follow these common-sense
ash is its nutrient content. It is packed acidic conditions. Its dusty, abrasive texture is highly rules:
irritating to slugs and snails, • Only use untreated wood. Never
During Extreme Cold deterring them from crossing. Since use ash from painted wood, pressure-
I tried coffee grounds to deter slugs,
treated lumber, (just as you wouldn’t
and that didn’t work in my gardens, I
s winter temperatures drop, the Please note that for safety will be hoping for better results with burn this type of wood in your
firepit,) or charcoal briquettes, as
ACity of Cornwall is committed reasons, pets are not permitted at ash. these contain toxic chemicals and
to ensuring that everyone who themwarming centre. The Drawbacks heavy metals.
is cold finds a safe, welcoming Too Much of a Good Thing
place to warm up. Continuing our Daytime Warming Locations The greatest risk of wood ash is its • Do not mix with synthetic
partnership with the Agape Centre For those looking for a warm high alkalinity. If your soil is already fertilizers. Mixing wood ash with
from last winter, the City will place to warm up during the day, neutral or alkaline, adding ash can nitrogen-rich fertilizers can create
again provide overnight warming several City facilities are available. push it into a range where nutrients dangerous ammonia gas.
options for residents in need, along The Cornwall Public Library,
become ‘locked up,’ meaning they • Apply sparingly. A good rule of
with daytime warming locations at community centres (such as the are in the soil, but the plants can’t thumb is no more than 10 kg per 100
public facilities. Aquatic Centre, Benson Centre absorb them. This often shows up as square meters each year. (Meaning
Overnight Warming and Cornwall Civic Complex), and yellowing leaves (chlorosis). Do not you do not need very much for small

Centre at Agape Centre administrative buildings are open add to soil with a pH 7.0 or higher, beds.)
throughout daytime hours. this is already alkaline.
During periods of extreme cold, • Wear protection. Ash is caustic
when temperatures reach -15°C How to Get Help Something to be aware of however, and very fine; always wear gloves
(5°F) or colder, an overnight If you need assistance or wish to some plants absolutely ‘hate’ wood and a dust mask when spreading it to
warming centre will be available be added to the By-Name List, you ash. Acid-loving plants - such as avoid skin and lung irritation.
at the Agape Centre, located at 40 can contact Housing Services by blueberries, azaleas, rhododendrons, By using wood ash in moderation
Fifth Street West. Free WiFi and phone at 613-933-6282 ext. 3148 and raspberries - require sour soil to and keeping it away from acid-loving
refreshments will be available. or email humanservices@cornwall. thrive. Adding ash to these plants plants, you can recycle some winter

The centre operates from 11:00 ca. You may also request to be can be fatal. Similarly, you should waste into a thriving summer garden.
PM to 7:00 AM and is open to all added in person at either Housing never use ash where you plan to Happy 2026, let’s wish for an
grow potatoes, as it encourages a
who need to warm up, with priority Services at 340 Pitt Street or the
given to those unhoused individuals Agape Centre at 40 Fifth Street disease called ‘potato scab’ that ruins abundance of snow so that our
gardens are in prime condition in the
the skin of the tubers.
who are on the By-Name List. West.
Safety and Usage Tips spring.