Don’t Throw Out the Ashes from Your Oven, Fireplace, or Campfire After Roasts — It’s the Real Grey Gold!
Most of us finish a cozy night by the fire or a hearty outdoor roast the same way: once the embers cool, we scoop up the ashes and toss them out. But what if that dusty grey powder you’ve been treating as waste is actually one of the most versatile, valuable natural materials around?
Welcome to the world of “Grey Gold.”
Wood ash has been used for centuries in kitchens, gardens, homes, and farms long before modern cleaners and fertilizers existed. Today, as more people move toward sustainable living, these age-old uses are making a comeback — and for good reason. Ash is free, natural, and surprisingly powerful.
Below are some of the best and most practical ways to turn the ashes from your oven, fireplace, or campfire into everyday benefits.
1. A Natural Garden Booster
If you garden, wood ash is practically a treasure. Rich in potassium, calcium, and trace minerals, it’s an excellent natural soil amendment.
Use it to:
- Raise soil pH in acidic areas
- Strengthen plants with extra minerals
- Deter pests like slugs and snails when sprinkled in a ring around vulnerable plants
Tip: Use sparingly and avoid around acid-loving plants like blueberries, rhododendrons, or azaleas.
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