Ashes and Toxicity
Its isn't that well known... ashes are actually not good for the environment or plant growth.
Find out why and how we overcome this.
What are ashes made up of?
Cremated remains are high in sodium, calcium, and potassium, all of which form positively charged ions when dissolved in water. When they are introduced to your soil these ions bind to negatively charged binding sites on plant roots.
​
The cremated remains also change the pH of the soil, making it much more alkaline than normal.
​
In simple terms, the cremated remains block the roots from taking up water and other essential elements and a high pH also reduces the nutrients available and is likely to stunt growth.
How does this affect plant growth?
These binding sites are used by plants for the take-up of nutrients, but the high levels of sodium and calcium ions prevent this. The plant then becomes deficient in essential nutrients which impairs growth.
Simply, sodium and calcium in the levels present in cremated remains stop the uptake of other essential nutrients.
The three conditions cause plant roots to actively avoid soil containing cremated remains. Where they can’t, such as when planted in a pot, the plant will be unable to grow normally and will struggle to grow or will die.
(Taken from www.livingmemorial.co.uk)
How do we mitigate these effects?
At Scattered Blooms we work with Living Memorial, who produce a specially formulated soil that negates the ashes toxicity by reducing the high levels of sodium and pH levels, releasing nutrients that allow plant life to flourish.
​
In all of our products that are made with ashes, the correct ratio of ashes to soil will be used. To assure you that the ashes will not have a negative impact.
​
In our products where ashes are not included but could be scattered separately, additional bags of Living memorial compound can be purchased.
​
Find out more information at www.livingmemorial.co.uk