On Dec 8, 1:39 pm, Nate Nagel wrote:
No, subject line is not a euphamism...

just wanted to know if wood ashes are any good for mixing with soil or
if I should just make a dump run in the AM. Am in the process of
cleaning out the bottom of my chimney; apparently the PO's of the house
figured out what the ash hatch in the fireplace was for but not the
cleanout door in the basement. Have removed maybe 50 gallons of ashes
(?!?!?!?!) and finally the level of ash in the pit is about level with
the bottom of the cleanout door.

I'm sure those nice damp ashes probably weren't much good for the
masonry... this is actually what prompted me to look inside (fireplace
hasn't been used in a while; there's a wood stove in the fireplace now)
as the bottom of the chimney was showing evidence of being damp
(yellowed paint on brick, etc.)

nate

(someday I will have a clean house, honestly.)
--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel

As others have said, dump 'em on the lawn or garden in normal
cleanouts. I think I would dump your collection if it is damp as it
won't spread well. They contain potash but not a whole bunch - would
take a lot in any one spot to really change Ph much. I have been
puttin mine on the lawn/garden for 30 years and have seen no negative
indicators. I make no attempt to get an even spread, just take the
ash pan and 'sling' it. Spreads it good enogh that way but can drop a
heavier cover in spots. No problem except the ash cloud that forms
when the mower goes through.

Harry K