Using wood ash to protect plants: correct application technique
Spring is a crucial period for gardeners as they work hard to prepare the soil for a bountiful summer harvest. In addition to soaking and disinfecting seeds, watering seedlings, and timely fertilizer application, one valuable resource often overlooked is wood ash. SSPDaily noted that its diverse composition, containing vital nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese, not only helps deoxidize the soil and improve its structure but also acts as a protective shield against pests.
Using ash as a fertilizer involves adding approximately 8-10 grams, or 1.5 tablespoons, to each planting hole when transplanting seedlings. Additionally, plants can be fed with a diluted solution consisting of 300-500 grams in water.
For fruiting trees and shrubs, optimal results can be achieved by applying 100-150 grams per square meter of garden area together with peat in the spring. This method not only nourishes the soil but also enhances its deoxidizing properties.
When it comes to vegetable crops, the recommended dose is 100-150 grams per square meter, while potatoes benefit from 60-100 grams. Legumes, on the other hand, may require a slightly higher amount of fertilizer - 150-200 grams.
As for using ash for pest control and plant protection, there are two methods: dusting crops or using a solution for spraying. To combat gray rot in strawberries, spraying 10-15 grams of ash per plant is effective. Gradually repeating this process two to three times can lead to complete eradication of gray rot.
Alternatively, creating a solution by dissolving 300 grams of wood ash in 2-3 liters of water, boiling for half an hour, and infusing for about 4-6 hours can also yield successful results. Adding 30 grams of grated laundry soap, straining the solution, and reaching a final volume of 10 liters provides optimal effectiveness. The prepared solution is an effective remedy against powdery mildew, which affects cucumbers, gooseberries, and currants.