Home > Question >

Can ash from a coal fire be used as fertiliser?

Our Advice:

Coal ash contains very little plant food (only small amounts of sulphur) but is often added to the garden to help improve a heavy clay soil by 'opening' the soil so it will drain more freely. However, it can contain heavy metals which can build up in the soil and cause some toxicity if the ash is applied to the same area for many years.

Here are some related questions:

Not what you are looking for?

If you can't find what you are looking for on the website then you can ask one of our experts. To get in touch with us Click Here

We will try to get back to you with an answer as soon as we can.

Here is some more information for you:

Did you find this answer useful? Subscribe to our newsletter for gardeing news, projects, special offers and competitions.

Ask another gardening question:

Learn More About Pests and Diseases

Gardening Projects for October

---

How to care for your Greenhouse

How to protect bulbs in the garden

How to keep Containers Well-Drained

How to lift Dahlias

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How to Grow Orchids

How can I get rid of a red ant nest in my lawn?

How to Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs

Growing Geraniums

Planting a Spring Flowering Container

When is the best time to prune my bottle brush plant?

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Pukekura Park
New Plymouth, New Zealand

RHS Harlow Carr
Harrogate, United Kingdom

Humble Administrator's Garden
Suzhou, China

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Pamplemousses, Mauritius