The following ideas are from Mothering.com thread re: wood ash:If you have chickens, toss cold ashes in the pen for dust baths and pest control
Compost away! I wouldn't do a ton all at one time (ashes are alkaline), but they're rich in potassium
You can make lye from them before putting them into the compost also
(or make soap directly - L)Ashes are also useful for
slippery sidewalks and stairs in the winter!
From Thriftyfun.comA fertilizer for the yard and garden. Wood ash contains 10-25% calcium, 1-4% magnesium, 5-15% potassium and 1-3% phosphorus.
As a glass cleaner. Wood ash is a key ingredient in lye soap. It can be mixed with a bit of water (or dabbed on a damp sponge) and used to clean dirty fireplace doors.
As an insect repellant. Sprinkle small amounts around the perimeter of your garden to deter slugs and snails.
As a spot remover on wood furniture. Mix it in with a small amount of water until you create a paste. Rub over rings left by water glasses or hot beverages, and follow up with a furniture polish. Test on a small area first.
From ThisOldHouse.comDe-skunk pets. A handful rubbed on Fido's coat neutralizes the lingering odor.
Hide stains on paving. This Old House technical editor Mark Powers absorbs wet paint spatters on cement by sprinkling ash directly on the spot; it blends in with a scuff of his boot,
Control pond algae. One tablespoon per 1,000 gallons adds enough potassiumm to strengthen other aquatic plants that compete with algae, slowing its growth.
Pump up tomatoes. For the calcium-loving plants, McGrath places 1/4 cup right in the hole when planting,
Shine silver. A paste of ash and water makes a dandy nontoxic metal polisher.
A study on Wood Ash Use In Soil AmendmentFor Cement-Based ConstructionThe State of NH's Use on Wood AshLabels: Conserve, recycle, reuse, wood ash
