Gardening Benefits

Gardeners have long been aware of the benefits of charcoal as an organic soil conditioner:

* Holds and delivers nutrients to the soil.
* Perfect for hanging baskets & pot plants.
* Retains moisture in light soils.
* Conditions heavy soils.
* Prevents water stagnation in ponds etc.
* Excellent mulch or top dressing.
* Absorbs inpurities from the soil.

Horticultural Charcoal, also known as Biochar consists of the smaller particles or fines of English hardwood species. High in potash with a PH value of 8 or 9 the charcoal should be used one part to every 15 of soil approximately.

 

"Charcoal is a commodity of the greatest value in connection with the improvement of soil"
The Vegetable Growers Handbook-Arthur J Simons.

"It is of great benefit to plants growing in pots for it helps to keep the soil `sweet` and moist"
The Popular Encyclopaedia of Gardening-The Almagamated Press Ltd.

"If the plants are to stay for a year or so in single pots without repotting (as in the case of palms), charcoal is a distinct advantage, not only because of the better drainage it affords, but also because it prevents the soil from souring."
The Complete book of Composting-JI Rodale

"I have also used it as a buffer against the effects of sporadic watering. Most of us will have killed plants in the past from over-watering, but as it can take up to three days for the charcoal to become completely saturated, it slowly absorbs excess water, opening up the valuable air spaces between the particles in the medium. It then slowly gives the moisture back to the compost slowing the drying rate. Sandy soils can be encouraged to retain water if charcoal is added and clay soils can be improved as the charcoal particles create a more porous structure"
Charcoal for the Future-Henry Doubleday Research Association News, No.154.

Either mixed with potting soil, compost or peat moss, charcoal is useful in lightening the soil and bringing out all its benefits.

Terrariums - Due to its absorbing properties, charcoal is used as a water reservoir, an odour absorbent and at in the same time prevents rotting of the roots. Charcoal is usually deposited on top of small rocks in order to help drainage.

Orchids - All orchids lovers around the world have discovered the virtues of charcoal through most soil mixes.

African violets - It has been used by many African violet lovers since carbon is useful for this particular plant. A fine granular size is added to the soilless mix in order to stabilize the humidity level and prevent it from fluctuating.

Lawn - Fine charcoal powder used on lawns (golf) absorbs and eliminates excess amounts of fertilizer and chemicals present in the soil.

Transplanting trees - Before transplanting a tree, you may place a few charcoal pieces at bottom of hole. It will absorb and purify stagnant water.