Advice

[1888andybhoy]

Hi all,
I have a veg bed at the moment which i have been burning alot of wood on is this bed ruined or what do i do ? Any advice please .

Many thanks
Andrew

[DavidT]

As long as it was only wood and no plastics or rubber, it will be fine.

[airconednightmare]

aye, wood ash is not only ok but good for veg

dig it into the soil with your other additives of choice and 'bobs your uncle'

[DavidT]

Originally Posted by airconednightmare

aye, wood ash is not only ok but good for veg

dig it into the soil with your other additives of choice and 'bobs your uncle'

How is it good for the veg, apart from helping to open up the soil?

[airconednightmare]

Originally Posted by DavidT

How is it good for the veg, apart from helping to open up the soil?

given your stamp collecting answer, do you really want to know?

basically burning things (IIRC my chemistry correctly) is roughly speaking the process of adding O2 molecules to other elements in an exothermic reaction. given that air is only 16% O2 (give or take depending on altitude) the process leaves behind large amounts of elements present in wood - the ash. hence is is made of the building blocks of organic life. in much the same way burning petrol (carbon and hydrogen) in an internal combustion engine always leaves deposits of unburned carbon

[DavidT]

Now explain for non scientists.

[airconednightmare]

Originally Posted by DavidT

Now explain for non scientists.

i'm actually a history and philosophy student

you need advice on phenomenology then i'm your man

[Shetty]

Originally Posted by airconednightmare

given your stamp collecting answer, do you really want to know?

basically burning things (IIRC my chemistry correctly) is roughly speaking the process of adding O2 molecules to other elements in an exothermic reaction. given that air is only 16% O2 (give or take depending on altitude) the process leaves behind large amounts of elements present in wood - the ash. hence is is made of the building blocks of organic life. in much the same way burning petrol (carbon and hydrogen) in an internal combustion engine always leaves deposits of unburned carbon

Isn't it an endothermic reaction, because you have to apply energy (burning) to start of the oxidation

[airconednightmare]

Originally Posted by Shetty

Isn't it an endothermic reaction, because you have to apply energy (burning) to start of the oxidation

making it happen requries energy but the recation itself produces more energy

the total energy out is more than you put in...

edit: if you click the link, fast forward to about 15 mins in then you get a nice explanation of this

BBC iPlayer - Bang Goes the Theory: Series 2: Episode 4

[1888andybhoy]

Would i be best to riddle out the ash pile of ask and get rid of big lumps ?
Andrew

[airconednightmare]

it depends what the soil is being used for. seeds and cutting probably won't appreciate the lumps whereas most mature plants will be fine.

[1888andybhoy]

It will be Main Crop Potatos and Carrots and Leeks that will be grown in this area so what do you advise ?

Andrew

[airconednightmare]

leeks and tatties should be fine with lumps, carrots (if your fussy about shape) need fine, loose soil