Anyway, more sticks have accumulated this spring (since the spring equinox fire). I already have two five-gallon buckets full of kindling and another of quick-burning sunflower stalks from last year. I don't need any more fire starter material. I just kept tossing sticks into the firepit, even stomping them down to fit more, but it was time to make room.
I made a drink, got out the lawn chair, and prepared with the fire screen and poker. (There is at least one fire extinguisher inside the garage door.) I used the garden torch to set it alight in a few places. I thought I might have to keep using it, but once it got started it went up pretty quickly, as you can see here.
I did clean out the fire pit after that last fire, so I'm not worried about too many ashes or anything. But I'm glad I had that fire screen handy once it got going. When I first put it on it was sitting just above the fire pit on the pile of sticks, settling down quickly as they burned. It didn't take long for it to burn down, and about 20 or 30 minutes later I started putting things away and came in to continue watching the Brewer game. Not a true fire pit night, but now it's ready for the next time.
Next weekend Sunday is the summer solstice, so I intend to have a fire to commemorate the occasion, as I do. Sunday evening is not ideal fire pit time for me, so maybe Friday or Saturday to compensate, but weather will likely be a deciding factor.
4 comments:
Do you use the ashes on the garden afterwards? It's a great source of potash (actually the original source of potassium fertiliser)?
Our weather is currently cold, wet and windy, and only 8 or 9 C at night. Here's hoping it improves soon - it's not midsummer for sure!
- BW
- BW
I have put them in with the compost before, but not usually as there are normally lots of chunks of charcoal that linger in the soil for years. So maybe more often if I could strain those out.
We seem to have moderated here, not too cold and not too hot. High temps about 24-26ºC in the foreseeable forecast.
Ah, but, the charcoal is great for the garden... don't throw away the goodness... ask the Google AI... "Yes, charcoal is excellent for soil. It increases water retention, improves aeration, prevents root rot, and provides a porous habitat for beneficial microbes to thrive. It also acts as a sponge for essential nutrients, preventing them from washing away."
If you don't like the look of the lumps, bash them with a hammer before spreading them. It's a waste putting it on the compost pile, put them directly on the garden. Particularly good around fruit plants, fruit bushes and trees.
- BW
The lumps are big sometimes, so I have thought about using garden cloth, a large wire mesh to sort out the large ones. You've convinced me though it didn't take much. But much easier when the ashes are dry, but usually damp and compacted when I clean it out.
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