A dash of tree ash is good for veg bed

We cut down a cherry tree recently and burned some of the branches. Is it okay to dig the ash into our vegetable bed? Derick, via email DAVID: Wood ash is full of nutrients and good for soil, but it is quite alkaline – so use it sparingly as too much ash will harm your plants.

The best way is to mix a little into some compost until you can’t see the ash any more, then dig it into your vegetable bed.