Yard and Garden: Soil pH and Testing AMES, Iowa -- Early spring
is a great time for amending the garden soil, and getting it
prepared for the upcoming growing season. Horticulturists with
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach talk about changes
to soil pH when adding ashes and lime to gardens, soil core
aerification and soil testing. To have additional plant and
garden questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at
515-294-3108 or firstname.lastname@example.org. Can I dispose of
my wood ashes in the garden? Wood ashes contain small amounts of
several plant nutrients. The nutrient content of wood ashes
depends on the type of wood burned, the thoroughness of its
burning and other factors. Generally, wood ashes contain 5 to 7
percent potash, 1 percent phosphate and small amounts of other
elements. However, the largest component of wood ashes is
calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is a liming material.
Liming materials raise the soil pH. The soil pH is important
because it affects the availability of ess