How to manage costs for gardening - making potash or potash alternative

You may have heard that due to increasing tariffs, fertilizers from Canada will cost as much as 25% more with a possible for an increase. Whether those prices will increase temporarily or permanently, this is a perfect time to know how to make your own potash to enrich your government.

PIcture of hands holding dirt

Potassium Alternatives

Alternatives that you can use in the garden that increase potassium are banana peels, pure wood ash or seaweed.

With banana peels you can bury the pieces of the peel directly. Make sure to bury deeply to prevent pests from digging up the peel. You can also dehydrate the banana peel and sprinkle in the dirt when planting or if you sprinkle on top be sure to water it in. Lastly you can place the banana peel in a gallon jug and soak for a couple of days and pour the water directly on your plant.

Another option is kelp or seawood which can come in liquid form to pour over your plant.

Potash is also another source of potassium.

What exactly is Potash?

Simply put, is potassium in powdered form. There are essential minerals and elements that all plants need in order to grow and produce a healthy harvest and potassium is one of them.

Ways that potassium enrich plants are:

Helps plants grow more strongly

Plants produce more flowers that are fertilized to make fruit

Helps carry water, nutrients and carbohydrates throughout the plant

Bananas

You can sprinkle potash directly on your garden. Be sure not to pour a large amount as it can affect the balance of your plants.

You can also make a potash liquid mix. Take ashes from wood that has not been processed such as pressure treated wood that will have chemicals that can leech into your garden.

Mix the ash with water in a boiling water in an old container boil for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. Let cool and drain the mix into a colander to separate. The water will drain off and the potash will remain. Store the potash in a dry container that is sealed an away from moisture. Here is an alternative recipe to try as well.

Creating a regular schedule will help with tracking fertilizer using a biweekly schedule alternating with nitrogen, compost and potassium allows for your plants to grow steadily and strongly.