Question
ash from a solid fuel burning stove has for some time been
dumped on land where I would like to grow vegetables. I always thought that ash was good for the garden, but lots of people are shaking there heads and telling me otherwise. can you help please?

Answer
Hi Carole Anne, As long as the ashes are from firewood, no treated lumber or artificial fireplace logs, a light coating of ashes spread on the ground is fine. If you till it in, you could spread an inch or so on the ground. I would not apply more than that in a season. I'd have a soil sample tested if ashes have been added for many years just to check your nutrient levels.  Jim