Best use for wood ashes

Ectophile

It's the time of year when I'm using the wood burner, and my ashes bucket is filling up with a mixture of wood ash and bits of charcoal.

I understand that wood ash is high in potash, and charcoal is a good soil improver.  But if I tip it around the plants at this time of year, the potash will leach away before the plants start growing again in spring.

I have heard of people adding it to the compost bin.  Alternatively I could try bagging it up until the spring.

Does anybody have any suggestions for the best use of it?

twopenny

I'd bag it up now and then use it in the compost (not too much and mix it in every so often) after Christmas.
Then put it around the plants about February.
Not too thick at once or it will turn into a lump in the rain.

I used to use it every year around fruiting plants and trees. Then flowering plants. 
What we used to do with bonfire ash before everyone started paying good money for it in bottles 😁 

You could probably put it in a container with water and other plant materials for a summer feed.

And if you are burning logs save the soot when the chimney is swept.
Put soot around newly planted veg plants to stop slugs getting them. 
It's also a feed. Nitrogen I think.
Win,win.