Some uses for wood ash:

·      Creates an alkaline area around the plants susceptible to cabbage root maggots.  The maggots (worms) found in the root crops such as: turnips, radish, as well as roots of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and mustard.

·   When growing onions, a layer of wood ash or sand on the soil can discourage onion maggots.

·   Slugs can be deterred with light applications of wood ashes or limestone around the plants.

·   Can be used in place of lime to neutralize acidic soils.  It raises the pH.

·   Adds potassium to the soil.

·   Used to neutralize acidic nitrogen sources, such as coffee grounds, when adding them to compost.  One source suggested mixing a cup of high-quality hardwood ashes into every 10 pounds of coffee grounds BEFORE adding them to the compost pile.  A pH meter would be helpful.

·   Wood ashes contain calcium which helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes and "black heart" in celery.