Handy hack helps to fertilise the soil in your garden – it works great if you have a firepit

Scottish Sun

09-05-2025

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THE season for gardening is well and truly here and if you're still in search of a way to get your flowerbeds flourishing, look no further.
Save your money on pricey fertiliser as a handy DIY hack gives you the same results.
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Green-fingered enthusiasts can level up their flowerbeds with this simple gardening hack (stock image)
Credit: Getty
Whether you're getting a late start on your flowerbeds or are struggling to get your plants looking as healthy as your neighbours', this hack can help.
Adding an unexpected item to your soil can help to add vital nutrients to your plants.
And the secret weapon is one you'd never expect.
According to the experts at the Big Blog Of Gardening, ash from your fire is the key to thriving flowers.
"It turns out ashes are rich in nutrients like potassium and calcium, which can give plants a boost," the green-fingered pros explained.
"When I sprinkle a bit of ash into the soil, it helps balance any excess acidity that might be hanging around."
However, the gardening enthusiasts warned against "overdoing" it with this trick.
"Too much ash isn't good for the soil," the experts continued.
"Mixing it in a ratio of about one part ash to ten parts soil seems to work best."
And of course, recycling your fireplace ash seems like the best solution.
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However, with the warm weather you're likely not building a fire each night.
This is when a garden fire pit comes in handy, providing an eco-friendly way to dispose of your ashes.
Adding fire ash to your lawn can even help to promote healthy green grass.
Ash helps to break up heavy clay soils and improves texture as well as promoting better drainage and nutrient absorption.
It also increases the pH level of soil with a liming effect due to the calcium carbonate it contains.
You can also throw charcoal into your garden's soil as it is said to give you "cleaner healthier soil".
"This nifty material can absorb pesticides and other unwanted chemicals," the expert said.
"I've discovered that it helps create a more balanced environment for plants, allowing them to thrive with less interference from toxins."
It also works well as a "flower preserver", helping to extend the lifespan of cut flowers.
Adding a small piece of charcoal to a vase of fresh flowers helps to keep the water cleaner, reducing bacteria growth and odour.