In the summer, sprinkling ash around the border of your garden may deter slugs and fungi from settling in. You can also use small amounts of wood ash in your compost. According to Danielle Buklis of the Composting Council of Canada, ash is high in carbon, which is essential for effective composting. The ash should be added sparingly to your compost (use no more than a dusting on each layer) and is also effective in reducing smell. For those cottagers who prefer not to compost on site, note that some municipalities ask you not to put wood ash in your recyclable compost. Check before you haul it home.

Kevin Mercer, executive director at RiverSides, a Toronto-based environmental group, says that in winter, ash is an environmentally friendly de-icer. Simply sprinkle the ash on ice in moderate amounts - roughly a cupped handful per square metre. This will help with traction and assist the sun in melting ice. Don't use the ashes from store-bought fire logs, paper, or combustibles containing chemicals; they aren't appropriate for use outdoors. Once cooled, wood ash should be stored out of the elements in a closed container - a metal garbage bin works well - to maintain its beneficial qualities.