Is it possible to sprinkle ash under onions: advantages and features of application

Many gardeners ask themselves: is it possible to sprinkle ash under onions?

On the one hand, ash is considered an excellent fertilizer, rich in potassium and microelements.

Anastasia Kovrizhnykh , an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", an agronomist and landscape designer, told how to act in such a situation.

On the other hand, improper use can negatively affect plant growth. How to properly use ash for onion feeding and what results can be expected?

Benefits of Ash for Onions

Ash is a valuable organic fertilizer that can significantly improve the condition of the soil and, accordingly, the quality of the onion crop.

The main advantage of ash is its rich mineral composition. It contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and many microelements necessary for plant growth.

Potassium plays a key role in the development of onions, helping to form strong and juicy bulbs.

Calcium improves the soil structure, making it looser and more able to retain moisture, which is especially important for onions, which need stable moisture. Magnesium and phosphorus promote photosynthesis and metabolism in plants, which has a positive effect on overall health and yield.

Rules for the use of ash

When using ash to feed onions, it is important to follow certain rules. The ash must be dry and carefully sifted to avoid large coals and other residues.

The best time to apply ash is early spring, before planting onions, or autumn, after harvesting.

Ash is evenly distributed over the soil surface and then incorporated to a depth of 10-15 cm. This allows nutrients to penetrate to the plant roots more quickly.

When planting onions, ash can also be added to the holes, mixing it with the soil.

It is important to remember that ash should not be mixed with nitrogen fertilizers, as this can lead to the formation of compounds that are not available to plants.

Benefits of Using Ash

Using ash as a fertilizer for onions has several significant advantages. Firstly, ash is an environmentally friendly and natural product, which makes it safe for use in organic farming. Secondly, ash helps regulate the acidity of the soil, making it more suitable for growing onions.

Ash also has antiseptic properties, which helps fight various diseases and pests.

It prevents the development of fungal infections and repels pests such as onion flies and nematodes, reducing the need for chemical plant protection products.

Possible risks and limitations

Despite its many advantages, the use of ash has its limitations. First of all, excess ash can lead to increased soil alkalinity, which negatively affects the growth of onions.

To prevent this, it is recommended not to exceed the dosage: 100-150 grams of ash per square meter of soil is sufficient.

It should also be taken into account that ash does not contain nitrogen, which is necessary for active plant growth. Therefore, in addition to ash, nitrogen fertilizers should be used, but at different times. Otherwise, a lack of nitrogen can lead to slower growth and reduced yields.

Experience of successful gardeners

Many experienced gardeners successfully use ash to feed onions and share positive results.

For example, it has been proven in practice that onions fertilized with ash become more resistant to diseases and pests. The bulbs are denser and have a better taste.

Gardeners also note that ash helps improve the structure of the soil, making it more fertile and suitable for growing other vegetable crops. This is especially important for those who strive for maximum efficiency and environmental friendliness of their garden.

Tips for optimal use of ash

For best results, it is recommended to combine ash with other organic fertilizers such as compost or rotted manure.

This will create a balanced diet for onions and other vegetable crops. It is important to observe moderation and not oversaturate the soil with nutrients.

Regular soil analysis will help determine its current composition and adjust the dosage of fertilizers. This will help avoid negative consequences and provide plants with optimal conditions for growth.

Earlier we told you how to feed onions so that the heads grow twice as big .