There are several "living fertilizers" I use that are all great, but this one is a little different.
Begin with WOOD ASH. If you have a fireplace, wood stove, or fire pit, you have a potent fertilizer in the making and a valiant pest deterrent.
Wood ash will RAISE the pH so do not use it on alkaline soil or acid-loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, or blueberries. Overuse can lead to excessively high soil pH, which can hinder the uptake of certain nutrients. However, fermenting the wood ash reduces its acidity.
Wood ash provides an easily assimilated source of potassium, phosphorus, and other micro-nutrients that strengthen cell walls and roots, and promote strong roots, vibrant foliage, and abundant flowering and fruiting. It contributes to overall plant health and increases disease resistance. Wood ash also helps improve soil structure and make it more porous while improving drainage.
Hardwood (oak, maple, beech) has a higher nutrient content and is preferred over softwood (pine, fir).
Do not use ash from treated lumber such as creosote, arsenic or copper, painted wood, plywood, charcoal briquettes, or wood burned with accelerants.
Do not apply to germinating seeds, and do not mix with any nitrogen fertilizer.
There is a big difference in just spreading wood ash and FERMENTING wood ash. Fermenting breaks down nutrients for better plant absorption and creates a living fertilizer that continues to imbue the soil with life and health.
Use caution when handling, as ash is caustic and can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. When ingested can cause gastrointestinal disruptions.
Begin with 1 part water:4 parts ash. Use rainwater or let chlorinated water sit in the open air for 24 hours.
Put the slurry in a bucket with a lid, then add a tablespoon or two of molasses. This is not a precise recipe; it's not going to fail if your molasses ratio isn't perfect. I use a 5-gallon bucket, adding 1 part ash &4 parts water until the bucket is nearly full. ,Then I add about 2 T molasses. Easy peasy.
Put on the lid and let it steep for 2 to 4 weeks. The hotter it is, the shorter you let it steep. So, if making this in the cooler Spring, let it steep the full 4 weeks. In July or August, 2 weeks will be plenty.
Stir the bucket of slurry every two or three days.
To strain or not to strain: If the ash is very fine, it's ok not to strain, otherwise strain through a cloth into another bucket.
Dilute 1 part wood ash slurry to 10 parts rain water or de-chlorinated tap water and apply every 2 to 4 weeks. Keep an eye on your plants...don't over fertilize! Store your fertilizer in a cool dark place.
