How to Use Biochar in Your Garden (Amazing Benefits)

Biochar improves your soil and helps plants grow better. It's easy to use as long as you understand what it is and how to use it. Gardener Scott explains the properties of biochar and then demonstrates a number of ways to add it to your soil as an amazing, permanent amendment. (Video #103)
"Gardening with Biochar" book: amzn.to/31ZWtXg
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Science behind biochar:
• Biochar: The science ...
• Impacts of Biochar Add...
• Biochar Inoculation wi...
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[@Curare8]

I couldn’t find anywhere to figure out the difference between charcoal and biochar. Thank you this is very easy to understand . You are a good teacher.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Indeed

[@floki2095]

Common sense and any cannabis mangazine since the mid 90s has biochar information

[@terryrobinson1416]

Just buy hardwood lump and not briquettes. Briquettes are compressed sawdust and other nasty stuff from who knows where.

[@LZH13067]

@@terryrobinson1416 was gonna say the same thing. Royal Oak is a good brand to use.

[@BigWesLawns]

Royal oak is not cooked the way biochar is cooked. The temperature isnt as high. I have used both Vermont Castings charcoal, and Royal Oak all natural wood charcoal. I did further research after using the royal oak, however it does work, it just isnt as high in carbon thats all, still very effective as biochar. 25 bucks a bag of Royal Oak vs. 40 for Vermont Castings. My cannabis seeds sprouted 6 of 10 of them in less than 24hrs in my fully charged royal oak char so it definitely works. I mixed it with a little compost i made, and fish hydrolysate, maybe 10-20% compost. The biochar had over 10 inputs in it designed to make cannabis plants happy, including fermented cannabis from last year's crop, lactic acid bacterium serum, liquid calcium acetate i made, coffee grounds, egg shells heavily grinded in a coffee grinder for the worms later, fermented urine, alfalfa meal, and more stuff I forgot. Have fun with it... I added tye last of some soup my wife ,made with ground beef in it, and a dried mushroom cap from an organic snack bag for laughs. My compost has a kitten that died shortly after birth in it, and all the dead rats and mice i catch, they dissapear in a month. I just learned this stuff and it works so far.

[@rlportillo]

You Sir are an excellent teacher...thank you and blessings!

[@cek7940]

I concur:)

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you very much.

[@stephenluna7932]

@@GardenerScott tc6tvb NYC h dr to cry 7th boxing NJ UNFIRED

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Agreed

[@davedaddy101]

I concur.

[@KPaul7]

Gardener Scott this was one of the last videos I very much needed in my research on Biochar. The difference between charcoal and biochar I needed very much. Thank you ❤

[@UrbanGardeningWithD.A.Hanks14]

I've been buying lump charcoal by the 50# bag at Sam's, but it's a huge, backbreaking chore to smash it all down and sift it. Yesterday, I got the bright idea to run it through my electric wood chipper. The result was pieces about 1/4" to 3/8" in size, which is perfect for my tastes. I learned three things: 1) Don't do this if you are sweating. 2) Do this BEFORE you shower. 3) Use clothes you plan on throwing away, or do it naked. I'm also going to have to hose the chipper down, but this only took me 45 minutes, as opposed to 5-8 hours. so it's worth it.

[@fletcherthomas3434]

Try getting the pieces a little bit wet before you throw them in the chipper. It’s helped keep the dust to a minimum in my experience

[@UrbanGardeningWithD.A.Hanks14]

@@fletcherthomas3434 Sounds like a good idea, but since I did that, I tried running some branches through it and they wouldn't move. Checked the blades and they were rounded over. Seems that charcoal is VERY abrasive as well! I won't be doing it again!

[@EvaNichols28]

I hope you were wearing a mask. I’m sure breathing in the dust is not good for your lungs.

[@RichardEnglander]

Probably wear a mask too...

[@phylvalen9991]

What a wonderful journey you have created for newbies to travel along, thank you so much Gardener Scott what a pleasant way to learn everything we need to know. Thanks for your knowledge, time, commitment and thorough teachings. I've watched dozens of your videos and I can feel myself becoming more and more excited!! Thanks again from our garden to yours 💐🌺🌿🌻🍀🍁

[@beatriceyou1950]

Gardener Scott, you are an excellent teacher. You have the ability to clearly and simply explain complex ideas. You are inspirational. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge.

[@PBarrPrince]

I love your calm style. Thank you for being such a great teacher.

[@debrariley2057]

Very informative, very clear and concise. Thank you.

[@oliverclaffey5186]

One of the best explanations of biochar out there. Thank you.

[@dougwhite9898]

I always learn something from your videos but today I learned something completely new. THANKS

[@pl8596]

Thank for this Gardener Scott. The very best presentation I have seen on biochar. You are great teacher.

[@tranhuutai89]

You are a real deal, sir. I just love the way you explain anything, so simple and perfect. Thank you!

[@duncanmaina7491]

Your exposition is crystal clear. Thank you very much.

[@mannafarm4149]

You are a very effective communicator / teacher. Thanks for the learnings.

[@kentallen5656]

Thank you, Gardener Scott! This is the very best explanation of how biochar is made and its uses I've learned from anywhere else on the internet! Thanks again!

[@deanc8077]

A wealth of common sense information. Much appreciated that you take the time to explain this effectively and detailed. I'm definitely going to be applying this post harvest.

[@vickierickson8497]

Thanks for a great introduction !

[@yutimclean108]

Thank you Scott this is wonderfully informative and I have just been using some bio char in my raised beds and am so happy to hear your clarity of all the benefits.

[@phildizzle88]

Incredibly informative. I was on the fence about buying compost mixed with biochar, but this video helped convince me. Thank you!

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Gardener Scott, That was very interesting. Great video and info.

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Very! Very interesting 🙋🏾‍♀️I ordered Bio Char for my house plants…… now my container garden! Wow! Great teaching 👏🏽❤️❤️❤️

[@davedaddy101]

Scott, I’ve been applying much of what I’ve learned from you into my garden this year. I’m having great results. In particular with the yield I’ve seen already, and the deep rich colors in my fruits and veggies, and with far less effort than prior growing seasons. Thank you for all you do sir. Your influence has made a huge difference in my gardening.

[@jaylovealways8616]

So have I love this channel the best

[@nancydockter4093]

Top quality video. Not much chit-chat -- focuses on information people need to understand the topic. Most videos I turn on captions and scroll through to not waste time but this one I watched the whole video minute by minute because it was so informative. Thank you!

[@Rivenrock]

Gardener Scott, I took ag classes in the 70's and I wish I'd had a teacher like you!

[@budmccaff550]

Thank you very much for this informative video on bio char. Amazing.

[@hearcamir7810]

Best explanation I’ve heard! 👏 👏 bravo!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@borracho-joe7255]

Thanks for the great breakdown. I feel like I should prep for a final now.

[@mirandacouch5264]

Fantastic information! Thank you so much for this

[@EC4400]

Very informative. I really enjoyed learning about soil enrichment. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks.

[@RenewedHomestead]

Thank you so much for all of your great information. We really like your channel and appreciate the great information you provided, cause you’re not only provide the how you should do it but the way you should do it. Thanks again for helping us be better gardeners. 🙂

[@NavdeepSingh-ek8vi]

Now this is called an explanation. Brilliant teaching Sir. The way you conveyed the idea to understand it was simply Kudos😊

[@tomascoppinger8537]

Brilliant video. Thank you

[@kathleenreynolds6492]

Another excellent video- and timely for me. Thank you.

[@jennkuenzler4979]

This is incredibly helpful and educational. Thank you.

[@kelleymcbride4633]

Excellent video thanks!

[@RADCOMJ1]

One of the best descriptions and explanations of Biochar i've watched. I had to send it to my sisters and a friend immediately 😉 Funnily enough i have just bought my first bag from the creator of the hotbin. Along with your vermicasting videos this is a great tutorial. We are blessed that you took he time out to share this.

[@MegaGingahNinja]

I really enjoy watching, and ingesting your videos. You are such a fantastic teacher, I hope that someday I’ll run into you around town; and be able to thank you in person.

[@loriclark6881]

Thanks for another great video!

[@honeygurung9962]

Your explanation is sophisticated, very helpful Thank you sir 🙏 and eagerly waiting for such type of information

[@cherylandrews3195]

excellent explanation and how to!

[@AatosStarfire]

Great video. Thanks for this!!

[@shadyman6346]

As always, a great information based video; usable advice. Thanks!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@pelumethiopia9920]

Thank you I got good lesson from your video

[@unevolvedliving]

Great information. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@apocalypse9347]

Thanks! Great information. I was just watching an interview with Graham Hancock, where he discusses that research is showing that the whole amazon rainforest was apparently a man made endeavor in which biochar was created by a civilization thousands of years ago to enrich the soil to sustain vegetation. It’s called terra preta. Considering the amazon rainforest is about the size of India, this was quite a large project for an ancient civilization.

[@GardenerScott]

I mentioned Terra Preta in my video. It was what got many people interested in biochar.

[@serenemountain6769]

Great information, to lower the PH i always add Limestone !

[@nickp.2432]

Every video is full of great material..

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Nick.

[@dannyhughes4889]

Great presentation, full of info, no fuss, no background Hollywood dramatics .......just what the Doctor ordered.!!!!!

[@D.A.Hanks14]

This is some really good stuff; thanks! I just run my char through the blender and mix it with urine to activate it. What I was really looking for and you provided, was how much to mix into my soil. The answer was much more than I realized, so this will give me an excuse to burn even more yard waste! Now, I have to add this: From my perspective as an actor and a public speaker, you do an excellent job of conveying your information. Very few KZbinrs are as professional as you are. I truly appreciate your delivery, thanks.

[@paulvr3158]

Love your work!

[@lannied4687]

I've been watching lots of videos and this is a very good, simple explanation. I really like the added info regarding animal bones. So glad you added the inoculation/energizing stage. Excellent!

[@charlescoker7752]

From the documentary. They said the Terra Preta contains bones. But I don't know if they were burned.

[@lannied4687]

Also have listened to some great information in Professor David R Montgomery's books Growing a revolution, Hidden half of life and Dirt. I haven't watched the documentary so I'll search that out. Thanks

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Leanne.

[@stevelirette5421]

I was very informed after listening to this video! Thank you

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Steve.

[@medalichacpi189]

An amazing video, in few days I’m going to inoculate my biochar with different microbes, like Trichoderma, Bacillus, Lactobacillus, etc.. for my stevia plants. Your video motivated me 😍

[@homesteadpilgrim]

Great video! learned a lot

[@jeffcrist2977]

Great explanation.

[@deathatsix]

From a blacksmiths perspective there is little difference between "biochar" charcoal and lump charcoal or open pit charcoal when using it to forge with. All natural charcoal is "bio"char. There IS a big difference between those and charcoal briquettes. Neither forging or for gardening should briquettes be used, unless just in the grill to cook. Any Lump charcoal is better for that too. Anyway, I can see possibly how pyrolysed charcoal could be better for gardening than open pit charcoal from your explination. Pyrolysed charcoal is not hard to make. Basically you have the wood in a metal container with some holes in the lid and place it in a bigger metal container with a fire inside to basically cook or bake the inner container to change it to charcoal. There are many good videos on this and it can be a small or large operation depending on your tooling or skills and resources. You could even rout the exhaust of the inner container to vent wood gas into the flame to take over the burner flame to recycle and use all the resources and make it more efficient. Same deal as gardening for cheap and or free or going all out. The same applies to blacksmithing really. Funny how different trades or hobbies cross over in ways. Love your insight and videos. Always get me or others thinking.

[@cathysteele924]

This is exactly what I was hoping to learn… Can we make bio char ourselves for our own gardens? I priced it on Amazon, and it’s pretty steep, for me anyway.

[@KJRico93]

Morw or less exactly what I was going to say. Why buy when you can make. It's the exact same method outdoorsman and survivalists have used to make char-cloth for centuries.

[@fletcherthomas3434]

@@cathysteele924 it’s very simple. Prepare a lot of sticks or very small logs; you’ll need a lot of material. This process works best with dry, small sticks, but you can burn fresh material with a hot enough, big enough fire. Start a fire in a contained area. I use a Weber grill. As the sticks burn and begin to ash, add more sticks on top to begin to cut off the oxygen from the bottom layers. Keep adding your material until you have a big pile of coals. Let the coals burn until 95% of the flames are gone. Don’t worry about the ash forming on top, the coals buried in the pile are what we care about. Once you feel like most of the gases (flames) have burned away, pour water on the coals until it cool to the touch. Voila! A pile of biochar! It’s ready to be used as described in this video. To see a video of this, the channels Cody’s lab, David the good, skillcult, and red gardens all have good videos on the process.

[@sethmoking]

When I empty my wood burning stove's ash, I get a ton of little charcoal pieces in it. If I innoculate those pieces is that considered gardening biochar? I'm thinking if a coal got snuffed out in a bed of ash, that it's the same as pyrolysis, Thoughts?

[@deathatsix]

​@@cathysteele924 I don't see why you couldn't make it yourself. Pyrolysis is just the burning process. How they do it may be a little different but basically they have a bin burning the wood inside then starving itof oxygen but it shill smolders to a quality charcoal. I see it as the small chunks and inoculation he mentions as the more important part of its usefulness. I think any lump charcoal would work if in small bits. He does mention that what he buys is a better product. Not that your home made charcoal wouldn't work.

[@user-mo5po7pc7m]

I've just bought my biochar here in Malawi want to try it on my bean garden . Thanks for the lessons

[@soniamarshall9293]

What a great idea to add it to my container where I throw my kitchen scrap that I then cover with dirt to make compose now I can add my burnt wood charcoal to it. Thanks.

[@AngryPeasants]

Wow, so much information. Thank you sir.

[@jerry.williams9163]

This is very good knowledge. Thanks for posting .🇺🇸😎🇺🇸

[@shanmacpherson1603]

Great video, thanks. I've been using biochar for about five years and find that every addition improves production. I use it in the garden compost and also in the composting chicken poop, making a kind of lasagna of poop and char. in the compost box After producing a 34lb kohlrabi, I knew I was onto an amazing technique - and it was good all the way through. Having a kon-tiki biochar kiln helps a lot.

[@youcefarchi7547]

Thank u for this best information about amazing trėsor Biochar

[@kathygobble1073]

VERY informative!

[@anneg8319]

WOW! Facts from the man involved in TWO field trials. Accurate info regarding what TRUE/REAL bio-char is. Thank you for setting things straight.

[@shirleybercume7772]

ty for all your knowledge

[@elliestell2696]

Thank you !

[@7ceasers]

Excellent explanation of biochar!

[@arthurwagar88]

Great vidio. I've been making biocharr kilns for customers. Now I understand how good biocharr is and can promote it. I'll be sharing your vidio. Thanks very much. I've passed your vidio to 25+ people.

[@l.dschick-inn-palacecrafts6174]

I can't even begin to explain my excitement for your video. I found it because I went to a gardening class today and this was talked about. You explain non and inoculation so very wonderful thanks. I'll be adding it to my lasagna compost for now on. I'm thankful I dont have to inoculate it first as I'm doing my cold composting ❤ thanks again Scott

[@theroostergardenandcityhom9323]

Hello. I really thank you for the info. I have heard of biochar. but have not done any studying on it. You have helped me understand more about it.

[@GardenerScott]

Glad to help.

[@SuperPussyFinger]

Exquisite overview, and for my money, the most cogent and persuasive argument for biochar on the Internet. I don’t know who you are, but I know genius when I see it.

[@mehranbarahouei2346]

Excellent teacher

[@brianbower30]

Thank you man this was very informative

[@crossing3790]

thanks for sharing

[@serenemountain6769]

i have no doubt you are a master of your trade : )

[@heshamsha6048]

Thank you for this information, I charged biochar I made, with compost tea but I added humic acid, great results especially in citrus trees Nice job

[@MrSeney1]

Hesham Sha by having biochar in the vermicompost bin , you have your homemade humic acid

[@chriswalter6793]

Great explanation👍 This would work wonders on my sandy soil I think, adding more nutrient and water retention.

[@rufia75]

I'm going to be building a couple raised beds and considering 18-24'' height. My strategy so far was going to be hugelkultur and more native soil on the bottom and then mel's mix for the top half. Then mulch on top. Now I'm considering adding a thin layer of biochar at root depth as you suggest. Very interesting! I think biochar layer would really compliment mel's mix very well since that mix is supposed to last a very long time as well, beyond having to regular add organic.

[@nickthegardener.1120]

I love your dog! It wants a front row seat! Great video and information!👍 I got forest leaf mould and comfrey tea to infuse my bio char before I added it to my compost bin with red wrigglers in.🤯👍

[@richardofsylmar]

Thank you Gardner Scott.

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome, Richard.

[@emgeespeaks8397]

Great video

[@feltingme]

Thank you fos such a detailed videp. I ahve hard time believing, that it wouldn't break down in a few years.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Biochar is inorganic so there is nothing to decompose or break down.

[@johnarmlovesguam]

Good job.

[@ElaineAustin-xl3wy]

Thank you !!

[@Naturesheritagenetwork]

Excellent video

[@ramboollie8115]

Love the beds they look great

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@pabloluna7881]

Yes thank you very much you are very clear

[@PigsDream]

Thanks for sharing this video! I’m working on incorporating bio char into my no dig veganic garden.

[@frenchiegirlintheusa]

You are so wise.

[@DanRich01]

I've watched many videos on bio-char and you make a very good explanation of the benefits of bio-char.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

That's r

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

That's right

[@raghunathanranganathan7441]

Thanks for the information.

[@GardenerScott]

My pleasure!

[@noneavailable760]

I've definitely saved this video for next year, I'm most probably going to use it!

[@GardenerScott]

That's great, Andres. Enjoy using biochar.

[@nishabansal613]

Really wonderful

[@nishabansal613]

Sir I have started from last 2month plz guide me for sadhabhar

[@nishabansal613]

How can we avoid pollution created after burning of wood for making bio char

[@carolynblack1060]

Now l know why my new Raised Garden didn’t do very well last year, l certainly will be doing this this spring. Thank you for such clear and concise info.

[@MrJeffnoga]

Thank you for the clarification between charcoal and biochar because I had the idea I could save time and one by picking up a bag of lump charcoal and grinding it up. I won't be dong that!

[@christianerardt3705]

Biochar is really an amazing stuff. You can use sauerkraut juice for activating the microbes as well. 😉

[@heidigib01]

I water my plants with pond water regularly. I bought a small bag of biochar and added it to my worm compost that goes on top of soil with azomite. And microrizomes

[@bobbrawley2612]

I have access to pond water as well with cattails that generate black ooze down by it's roots stir up the black ooze in the pond and you got instant compost tea.i figure

[@Enrique_Calero]

The perfect combination!

[@dubs3400]

Thanks for this video. Over the last 50 years, I have added the ashes from our wood stoves and fireplaces, as well as leaves and burned leaves too. Additionally, I have added compost. Our family garden always yields fabulous produce and flowers without the need for fertilizer. However, I do add 10-10-10 fertilizer to our compost to aid the decomposition. Thank you for enlightening us!

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome, Warren.

[@mazheruddinmohammed4237]

I have seen dazon of videos on biochar but your video is excellent thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

So nice of you

[@nelsmanigo8073]

Thank you sir, for your info. I'm keeping a veggie garden and raising chickens in my backyard (here in Mindanao, Philippines). The biochar has proved to be very effective in eliminating foul odor of ammonia that may threaten the health of newly hatched chicks. It also improves soil fertility and moisture. This black absorber of moisture and detoxifier makes the environment for both garden plants and birds healthy -- and happy.

[@ladonnawoodley5279]

You are an excellent educator. I have a background in adult training/education and was trained by the best Air Force in the world. You my friend are superb.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you, LaDonna. I appreciate that.

[@cmasailor]

Awesome video