Topic: soot

[the_plotter]

Have managed to get a supply of old soot. What can it be used for on the allotment? and is it safe to use?
       the plotter

[legless]

can i ask where you acquire soot? no idea if its any good for the lottie but considering the fuss made over the use of soot from a power station on newcastle allotments a few years ago i'd probably steer clear....

[Hugh_Jones]

Soot (provided it is from burning the traditional coal, coke or wood) is a useful soil additive in that it:-

(a) Improves heavy clay soils, and darkens light soils, helping them to retain heat

(b) Supplies nitrogen in the form of ammonia

(c) Deters slugs and several other creepy crawlies

It MUST, however, be weathered for several months before use or it will burn plants and roots.

It is best applied immediately after digging over and allowed to work in, or it can be used (with care) as a side dressing among growing plants

[teresa]

Hi Hugh,
I remember mother in law years ago putting it in a tin bath of water but cannot remember what she used it on. Mind you she used to go in to the fields and collect sheeps dropping and put that in water for her carnations and she could grow carnations. Teresa

[Hugh_Jones]

P.S. for legless - If you live in the country you have your chimneys swept.  If you live in the town you have to make friends with a chimney sweep.

[Hugh_Jones]

Hi Teresa.  The trouble with putting the soot in water is that it goes all sludgey and horrible.  I always left mine in heaps, which never seemed to get really wet whatever the weather (soot`s like that) and sprinkle it either side of my carrot rows - but that was before carrot root fly was invented.

The best way to use fresh sheep droppings (or horse droppings or cowpats) is to put them in an old sack and hang it in a butt of water (with a lid on) for a week.  The resulting brew is a powerful pick-me-up for laggards in the veg. patch.

[teresa]

Hi Hugh

thanks for the info nice to see you here.
My lottie is next to a horse field nice people have to go and visit with my bucket for some free poo.
No date for the cow manure from the farm. Teresa

[the_plotter]

the soot comes from the local sweep (60 a day man ha ha}. i was told today it kills new zealand flat worms within seconds of coming in contact of it, and as they are slowly spreading over our allotments that will come in handy
   the plotter