Rules used to be that it was OK to have a bonfire after 4pm in winter and 7pm in summer.  Now the rules have changed.  It's perfectly all right to have at bonfire at any time so long as it doesn't annoy those around you.


It's not really the act of burning rubbish that creates trouble but the volume of smoke that bonfires generate, which is usually the result of attempting to burn damp vegetation and grass.  Firing up has often led to confrontation between neighbouring gardeners.  So it's important to ensure that what is burnt is as dry as possible and to preferably contain the confirm in a basket or dustbin brazier, or similar.

The brazier can be stocked up with all manner of unwanted rubbish, such as diseased material, perennials weeds and their rootstock and spent garden twine. If lit when tinder dry, the result is a fire with very little smoke.  Another great advantage of the brazier is space is kept to a minimum and the ashes to not blow about in windy weather.  



Bonfire ash has long been highly valued as a source of potash. Woody vegetation is considered to be particularly good for producing ash residue with probably the Moors of the eastern Mediterranean being first gardeners to recognise the value of plant ashes as a fertiliser.


What's more, bonfires are considered to be one of the few activities which men can do without being invaded by women, so I say let's leave them to it! - and get on with the weeding ... which unfortunately still seems to be a mainly female activity.