RE: fireplace ash
I have been using wood ashes for at least 4-5 years. I store it in a 20 gal. drum, and when near full, carry it back to one of my plots. And yes, it does help. Earlier this winter I had enough for just one end of a small plot. A week later you could see the difference comparing it to the half that didn't get the ash. The next drum will go on the other half. I'll look up the list I have of all the nutrients in wood ash. I posted it a while back, but I will try and post it again.
Russ