How does wood ash do in our Idaho soils?

Question

I have heard that left over wood ash is good for composting and for gardens. I have also heard that it isn't good in desert climates. How does wood ash do in our Idaho soils?

Answer

My recommendations is not to add any wood ash to the garden. First of all most articles that you notice about the wood ash comes from east of the Rockies. In this area they burn a different type of wood and have usually a different soil than in the Treasure Valley. Wood ash will add potassium to the soil but will also raise the soil pH. We already have a high pH soil. Also because we burn usually pine in wood stove, there a lot of different compounds that we do not want in our soils that grow edible foods. If your soil is lacking the potassium, I would recommend that you buy a small bag and add it to the soil. Most of the soils in the Treasure Valley are very high in potassium and really do not need any supplement. Compost will have enough potassium to supplement the garden with out adding any harmful compounds.

Mike Stanton
Zamzows Nampa 1518 Caldwell Blvd.
Nampa, Idaho mstanton@zamzows.com