Ash on compost heap?

[fran]

I have just been reading that coal ash cannot be added to the compost bin. Does the same apply to wood ash from the wood burner? Any advice please?

[JillStephens7]

I put wood ash in compost heap and also mix wood ash with compost for tomato seedlings. I'm sure I read somewhere that this is a good idea but can't remember where?

Hopefully someone else can be more helpful

[grahamhobbs]

Can put wood ash on the compost, but little point as it is not going to 'compost', but can be put directly on to the soil around tomatoes, brassicas, blackcurrants, etc.

[fran]

Thank you for that advice. Will put directly on to the tomatoes etc.

[Annpan]

woodash is very good for your compost and you should add it (a little at a time) because it will increase the levels of potash in the compost, which in turn is important for all fruiting plants.

Use it around toms and it is great around the bases of apple trees etc too, but I would be careful about the amount you put in any one place ... too much of a good thing and all that...

Edit to add - coal ash contains very harmful chemicals and should not be used where you want things to grow... but it does make a fine path, just don't put that path anywhere near your house, because I found it stuck to my shoes terribly - I now just bin coal ash.