As gardeners, about this time of year, we’re all asking ourselves, “What do I do in this weather?”
It’s not easy being a gardener in winter. I spend a lot of my time thinking about how I’ll garden better next summer.
But there are things we can be doing now, or dreams we can be dreaming, that can help us come spring.
For instance, what do you do with your wood ash? Perhaps you enjoy toasting your toes near your woodstove or fireplace. But what do you do with all those filthy ashes that billow out every time you open the door?
Did you know that wood ash contains most of the 13 nutrients essential for proper growing conditions, including calcium, potassium and magnesium? And the carbonates and oxides that remain act as liming agents to raise your soil’s pH, effectively neutralizing acidic soils.
Obviously, there are some plants that would not appreciate that, such as blueberries, rhododendrons and azaleas. But others, such as lilac, bearded iris and lobelia, thrive in alkaline soil.
Since wood ash is made up of such small particles, it reacts quickly and thoroughly in the soil with a 0-1-3 (N-P-K) equivalent on average. Store it in a covered metal container until early spring – the best time to add the ash to your garden.
Apply when the soil is dry and before you till. Or use it in your compost pile to encourage the microorganisms that break down the rough materials. Sprinkle wood ash on each layer of compost.
If you use it directly in the garden, be careful not to use to much or to leave it in piles because high levels of salts can accumulate, which can be harmful to many plants.
When applying wood ash, wait for a windless day and protect yourself by wearing gloves, eye protection and a dust mask. And do not use ashes that have resulted from burning cardboard, coal, or trash; or from burning painted, stained or pressure-treated wood because they could contain dangerous chemicals.
Another winter dream for summer gardening success is a compost pile. I know – I’ve talked about them before. Well, I’m talking about them again. Whether you build the walls yourself or buy a manufactured container, whether you practice intensive composting – turning daily and adding special mixtures to speed up the process – or simply heap on the kitchen waste, leaves and grass clippings, a compost pile will give you rich organic amendments for your soil at little or no cost. What could be better?
If you’re interested, the town of Raymond is once again selling compost bins to encourage recycling. These 80-gallon, snap-together bins are made from recycled plastic and carry a 10-year warranty. They have both a covered top access and a door at the bottom of one side for easy access to load scraps or to reach finished compost. And at 33 by 35 inches, they don’t take up much room.
These bins are for sale to anyone – not just Raymond residents – for $36.50 at Raymond Town Hall. With a retail value of up to $80, that price sounds like a good deal. You must order by March 20 and they will be available May 1. If interested, contact Louise Lester, town clerk, at 655-4742, extension 21.
Hopefully, I’ve provided you with some dirty winter dreaming – wood ash and compost – to help make your summer gardening dreams come true.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
