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FIREPLACE WOOD ASHES HAVE A PLACE IN THE GARDEN During the winter it is heating season and this means, among other things, that there may be a lot of wood ashes accumulating at your house. Why not put them to good use? Wood ashes can be used as a supplement to manure and other plant food to help improve soil conditions in the garden. The analysis of wood ashes will vary depending on the type of wood.  However, here are some general estimates. For example, ashes contain about 45% calcium carbonate, a form of  lime which is really needed in many Alaskan soils.  Ashes also contain between 5 and 10% potash and about 2% phosphorus, both essential nutrients. The wood ashes must be stored in a dry place. If they are piled outdoors and exposed to the weather they will lose much of their nutrient value to leaching before they get to the garden. Ashes should be considered as a supplement to your plant food program and not a substitute. They are valuable but have a low nutrient value.