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Killing weeds - coal ash?

Mrs BogsMrs Bogs Posts: 5
in Problem solving

Hello and a Happy New Year to you all.  

I am looking for some advice on weed control.  Last summer I moved to rural Ireland which is absolutely beautiful.  Lots of wildlife, plants, trees, etc all around. Fantastic air quality, no light pollution and peace and quiet.  Our house is surrounded by about 2 acres of garden which has been mainly left to 'go', various outbuildings, lots of trees and areas on different elevations, almost  a microclimate.

We are in the process of planning the garden but due to the fabulous mild climate ( if not quite wet!) any pathways which do or had existed are being held to ransom by weeds.  I have been locally recommended to use weed killer liberally to kill these off.  However, I am really reluctant to do this as I don't want any adverse affects on the abundant and friendly wildlife.  I would also need to wait for good weather for any weed killer to work effectively.

However all this peace and quiet has given me a brain wave and I'm unsure if it can be done so I'm looking for some gardening brains to steer me in the right direction.

Can I use the coal ash from my stove (which I use daily) and scatter this onto the intended/existing paths.  Coal ash is, in the right quantities toxic, to plants.  I am hoping the ash will kill the weeds.  Once I have put the coal ash on the paths, cover this with old sacking or gardeners bedding netting, cover in liberal amounts of gravel.  What do you think?  My only worry is that when it rains the coal ash may become a watery gunge and run, especially on any slopes.

any advice is welcome - many thanks

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,140

    Hello Mrs Bogs and Happy New Year to you too image

    Your spot sounds idyllic - isn't it a shame that conditions that are ideal for garden plants are also favourable for weeds image

    In years gone by garden paths were frequently topped up with sieved cinders from coke fired stoves.  However, I think that ash would, as you say, become a watery gunge. 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Mrs BogsMrs Bogs Posts: 5

    Many thanks Dovefromabove and pansyface for your replies image.  I will leave the coal ash well alone I think and give it to our local council, they seem to recycle it here in some shape or form.  

    I think I should be kind to my local nature and go back to the old drawing board and maybe get down to some hard work of digging out paths and putting down sand and gravel - it will also help a little with the drainage after all this rain.  Next project veg plot and planting fruit trees for small orchard..........

    Many thanks for your replies and happy gardening.image

  • Mrs BogsMrs Bogs Posts: 5

    Thanks for your message Philippa.  Lots of weeds, ranging from various grasses, daisies, dandelions, nettles ( lots and lots never seen such expansive root systems) , thistles.  The garden had been left to amuse itself somewhat.  The weeds in Ireland are certainly tough little things - I have walked on them, used wheelbarrow over them, dug some up but they don't stop coming even with the wet weather - up they pop, teasing me.  I think it's all about the mild climate ( although we've just had a little dusting of snow).  Time is not an issue and I think the weed situation is a work in progress over many years.

  • maureen60maureen60 Posts: 193
    could you lay pieces of cardboard / old carpet where you want the path? as this will stop light, it will also stop the weeds growing?
  • Sally LongSally Long Posts: 11
    I have recently moved to a "garden" I use this word loosely ! The land hasn't been looked after for about 5 years except to have numerous small rubble and cinders mounds deposited. The surface is of nettle weed roots, the like of which I have never see before. The nettles have been sprayed for me, some 2-3 months ago so I have had to curb my patience in wanting to pull them up. They are dying but new sightings are evident!! New grass is growing in tufts.

    I have uncovered paths that were covered by weeds and mud. A huge concrete standing too. All quite exciting albeit hard work, rewarding though. Do I now dig these remaining roots out? I would also like to make a rock garden on one of the rubble mounds that will just defeat me if I try to dig it up. I have brought with me a few rocks. As a token jesture I planted some bulbs last October. I have also sighted 3 clumps of daffodil leaves coming through -yay!!

    Any suggestions for what I should consider planting shrub wise please. I live near Buckingham in a rural position but open on 3 sides by post and rail. One blank canvas, covered with mounds of rubble and cinders, wrapping round the cottage on 2 sides. All help welcomed!!
  • Sally LongSally Long Posts: 11
    Yes, this was suggested but finances don't permit so indeed I am prepared to try first - There are exceptions to most sayings! Will let you have an update in due course!
  • michael mpcmichael mpc Posts: 422

    hi mrs bogs  yes it is a beautiful island    on my allotment my mate used to cultivate nettles????  what I do now when I grow my onions and cabbage sprouts and leeks try some good membrain for weeds surpressant I  have little weeding to do in my allotment so if your membrain has no holes in should work  michael

  • Sally LongSally Long Posts: 11
    Heartening to hear of your nettle root system Mrs Bogs. Probably akin to mine! I have spent many an hour recently pulling them up. Some are indeed shallow rooted, although cover quite an area. It is most rewarding too! A rose and clematis I brought with me are shooting. Over the winter months I have at least had time to reflect what to plant where. So roll on some slightly warmer, drier weather so that we can all start enjoying those gardening hours. How I love them with my trusty Under Gardener, in the guise of my Black Labrador, by my side. Happy Gardening indeed. ????????
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