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)
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• Biochar Inoculation wi...
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[@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.

[@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...

[@walterpera5697]

@@RichardEnglander Lump charcoal is not the same as charcoal used for biochar.

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@scottbarker3409]

I've just discovered biochar this year I've only been gardening for a few short years I make my own biochar and I presumed I was inoculating it when I put water on it to put the fire out thanks for the very clear and informative video

[@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

[@LZH13067]

Interesting, since everyone else I watch says to do it every three or so years. Have been wanting to use bio char for years, but have yet to give it a try. Thanks for the info...

[@PBarrPrince]

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

[@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.

[@EleanorPamdule]

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

[@NavdeepSingh-ek8vi]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 !

[@oliverclaffey5186]

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

[@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!

[@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.🤯👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@dannyhughes4889]

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

[@vickierickson8497]

Thanks for a great introduction !

[@dougwhite9898]

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

[@PigsDream]

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

[@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

[@duncanmaina7491]

Your exposition is crystal clear. Thank you very much.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidbilich1708]

Hi Professor Scott I want to thank you for your excellent explanation. I am now planning on placing biochar below my straw bale raised beds... My thoughts are this will help catch all the "bleed through" on the conditioning of the straw bales. And should lead to some superb biochar to amend my raised beds when I build my raised beds. I want to thank you in advance for all of the yummy fruits and vegetables I will be harvesting because of this video.

[@GardenerScott]

That is a good idea. Excess nitrogen from the fertilizer should be absorbed by the biochar.

[@Rivenrock]

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

[@jasonbuzzard3127]

What an amazing presentation, thank you for the information. It was eye opening.. the fact that the carbon maintains molecular structure, how interesting the ancient gardens having been found with biochar. I will do this on a large-scale before even starting my garden. The northern Arkansas Ozarks are rocky clay, I'm thinking a few truckloads of compost, sand, and biochar should fix the property right up..Thank you

[@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.

[@l.dschick-inn-palace]

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

[@borracho-joe7255]

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

[@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.

[@phildizzle88]

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

[@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.

[@tranhuutai89]

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

[@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.

[@mannafarm4149]

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

[@ZeroCarbDaddy]

By far the best video to understand biochar and its benefits. The problem is that all biochar is not the same or consistently produced. I will be interested in knowing the differences in bone-char vs different types of wood biochar. If it even makes a difference which one to use for different amending properties

[@GardenerScott]

The properties are similar but bonechar has a higher pH than the wood biochar.

[@pl8596]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Angie-ci1lp]

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

[@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.

[@debrariley2057]

Very informative, very clear and concise. Thank you.

[@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

[@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 😍

[@AlvarezJP5]

I hope you don’t mind me calling you Professor, I’ve learned more from you short videos than I have in hours of research. I just did a quick search on an online retail platform and there are a number of brands and options of Biochar to choose from. Any recommendations you can share on your preferred brands or things to look for? In the video I know you mentioned you’re currently sourcing your locally, but any guidance you can provide would be appreciated. Thank you for all the great videos, please keep them coming.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks! I really don't have any national companies that I prefer or recommend. From what I've found it they are basically the same. I suggest you determine how much you need and then try to find one that doesn't cost a lot. Here's a popular one on Amazon: amzn.to/2YmsIQD

[@honeygurung9962]

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

[@dschott1083]

If you have never taught classes, you missed your calling. This was a very well structured and clearly explained with 'visual aid' teaching presentation. Thank you much!!! What type of charcoal/what is the charcoal that is used to dehumidify a room? I needed some last year in an effort to forever get rid of fleas so as to never have to use pesticide on my cat again.. ie flea applications from a vet. And I too, as also requested below...a how to make bio char video. Realizing that you are also very busy, I will keep watching and hope at some point you have time to do this.

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you. I have taught many classes and will continue to do so in the spring. The charcoal you're referring to is activated charcoal; it's very similar to biochar. I'll be releasing a video in February about how biochar is made by a manufacturer. I hope to do a video on how to make it at home next summer.

[@aruproychoudhury2847]

Awesome video, Gardener Scott, one I have referred back to a few times. I bought some fully charged biochar last year and indeed had amazing results. Thanks for your tutoring! Best wishes, Roy from London, UK 🇬🇧

[@pelumethiopia9920]

Thank you I got good lesson from your video

[@budmccaff550]

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

[@jerry.williams9163]

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

[@chriswalter6793]

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

[@youcefarchi7547]

Thank u for this best information about amazing trėsor Biochar

[@EC4400]

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

[@GardenerScott]

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.

[@unevolvedliving]

Great information. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@mirandacouch5264]

Fantastic information! Thank you so much for this

[@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.

[@elberthardy961]

What you say makes sense. I wonder how the worms will like it. Also, I have a small pond with a bacteria laden bottom. Maybe I can harvest some and mix it with biochar. It's worth a try. Thanks Scott!

[@elberthardy961]

No-Dig Garden Well, I found them eating long pieces of grass by the end. So the either have teeth or powerful stomach acid to dissolve and absorb rough, tough grass. When I bought an aerobic digesting water filter, it contained hundreds of small corrugated black plastic cylinders for the same reason you used with wiggle balls. There must be something to this. Thanks again.

[@elberthardy961]

Wiggle!

[@elberthardy961]

WIFFLE

[@silkee1922]

I accidentally discovered this secret because my neighbor, a former water treatment specialist in the military, taught me that I could create my own water filtration the way they would have to do it in a military scenario instead of using vitamin C as I was doing to neutralize the chlorine in our tap water. The Vitamin C trick works, but the biochar I learned to use helps to fix any plant that is not healthy and promotes lots of fruit production, and I only sprinkled the biochar into the top layer of soil. I have yet to truly use it as an amendment to the soil as you have shown. My soil/s already has the worm friendly stuff you mentioned so I look forward to seeing the results of expanded use.

[@nickp.2432]

Every video is full of great material..

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks, Nick.

[@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.

[@thereseavelis1372]

Thank you, Scott! A very thorough, understandable explanation. Would you be able to share the ratios of biochar, soil, compost and water/tea that was mixed in the bucket? Keep posting the great content. Cheers!

[@GardenerScott]

They weren't exact measurements. I filled with biochar and a cup or so of compost and soil and filled with water to cover.

[@jeffcrist2977]

Great explanation.

[@tomascoppinger8537]

Brilliant video. Thank you

[@cherylandrews3195]

excellent explanation and how to!

[@hulkamania5071]

charcoal and biocar are the same thing but made in slightly different ways for different uses....charcoal is also made from pyrolysis when using a retort.

[@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.

[@kelleymcbride4633]

Excellent video thanks!

[@billbanta7189]

I used activated charcoal to treat my garden spot for herbicide damage that I got from horse manure compost. It worked great! What i used was in powdered form, just sold as activated charcoal.

[@michaelmarchione3408]

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

[@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

[@lazylonewolf]

Carbonized rice hull seem to be cheap and plenty over here in the Philippines. Seems like a good substitute after inoculating them?

[@CJFarm]

Hi Scott, I've been making DIY charcoal making sure the fire is intensely hot and then doused with water at the point when pyrolysis has burned up the gases and water in the wood rendering it into charcoal. I burn various wood chunks this point, but I'd like to burn bones at some point. I shovel the charcoal into a metal wheelbarrow and hose it down. There are just enough small holes in the wheelbarrow so the water runs out. It's fascinating! No Smoke, rather there's a lot of steam coming off those coals. Then when the charcoal is cooled down, I put the chunks into old chicken feed bags with the top open. I collect urine and pour it into each bag to inoculate it. I learned about this from John Kohler (YT: Growing Your Greens). I've also added it to my compost as I amend my raised beds. I've heard that too much biochar is harmful, so I'm pleased to hear you give amount to use. However, when you say, "...the biochar must be wet..." You mean "inoculated," right? In other words, in your field study you found that "dry biochar" was least productive. I wonder if what you mean by "dry" is charcoal that has not been inoculated? Another note: What I find most difficult about DIY Biochar is the crushing of it after the charcoal has cooled down. I've used a sledge hammer, and I've also driven the car back and forth over half-filled bags with the charcoal (or biochar if I've already inoculated it). Either way, crushing the charcoal is quite tedious! How do you crush it?

[@GardenerScott]

While inoculated biochar is best, I found that biochar that had just soaked in water before adding it to soil still had some benefits compared to dry biochar. Crushing homemade charcoal can be hard by hand. Making biochar in a retort that reaches high temperature and allows the volatile gases, resins, and oils to burn off results in a much more brittle biochar. That biochar can be more easily crushed.

[@oekrocrafter2760]

Hi Joyce, what really works well for me is crushing with a blade shredder (small one for home gardeners). I have been doing this for a year now and I find it very effective if the following conditions are met: 1. The biochar has to be near-dry with a little bit of moisture left to prevent ending up in a big cloud of dust. You will get the hang of it after some time. Having a spray bottle with water ready lets you adjust if too dry. In doubt go for more moisture than less since breathing the dust certainly is not healthy at all. 2. The shredder has to have a quick opening system. After about 2 gallons the shredder will get clogged. Unplug, open, remove the clumped wet char dust with a small hand shovel / screwdriver, close, plug in and go again. My shredder has one screw with a big plastic grip; it can be opened and closed within about 15-20 seconds. 3. PROTECT YOUR EYES (better your face) since there will be pieces of char shooting up. You should also have a dust respirator the first times in case it gets too dusty. With some experience you won't need it. 4. If the shredder has been used before for biochar it will have dry remains in it. Before using it again open it and spray a bit of water on the mechanical parts to minimize dusting. Turn on for a second, then off; take some steps back and let the dust settle. Then take a deep breath, turn on and put in a shovel of biochar that has some extra moisture; that will stop the dusting. If the bin has been used for biochar before, spray it as well before beginning to minimize dusting. With this method I get about 15 gallons of biochar broken down in about 15-20 minutes. HTH Alex

[@CJFarm]

@@oekrocrafter2760 Wow! Alex! Thanks for your most detailed and helpful reply! I was just catching up on some of my favorite Homesteading videos and I had the thought... 'since I'm not a YT'er myself, I don't have the same opportunity to build a helpful community...' and I've always been more of a introvert/recluse. Rural living intensifies those qualities. Then I see your wonderfully thoughtful reply! Thanks, Alex! I live north of Boulder in rural Berthoud. My scientist husband and I (retired) have 2.5 acres. Flat land. 28 chickens (a'la Justin Rhodes Chick shaw etc) and a small pasture that we've started rotationally grazing with a neighbors 2 steers. Where are you located"

[@oekrocrafter2760]

@@CJFarm Hi Joyce, I'm afraid we aren't even close to being neighbours...I'm from near Cologne, Germany. Glad I could be of help. Usually I don't do commenting, but a year ago I was looking for an effective and cheap way of crushing biochar myself. I didn't really find a satisfying answer, so I felt with you ;-) I saw a YT-Video where someone crushed biochar with a bladeshredder, always with dust mask and giant dust clouds. Not possible for me for I have neighbours. Then (by coincidence) I got this blade shredder for free and it has this tool-free quick opening system. I wanted this to work so I got the idea of using slightly moist biochar. I didn't find my way of doing it online so far. Usually they advise you not to to use blade shredders because of the dust. As far as I know there is no other effective and cheap way for home users. The resulting size of the particles is nice as well. It's fine but not dusty; even when really dry you don't need a dust mask handling it. I hope you get it to work well. Regards Alex

[@Meowonamission]

I use a meat grinder I found at a thrift store...works perfect. Turns to dust

[@hearcamir7810]

Best explanation I’ve heard! 👏 👏 bravo!

[@GardenerScott]

Thank you.

[@christianerardt3705]

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

[@loriclark6881]

Thanks for another great video!

[@Naturesheritagenetwork]

Excellent video

[@mazheruddinmohammed4237]

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

[@GardenerScott]

So nice of you

[@robertshorthill4153]

I've used a product of organic compost for several years here in Montana called Glacier Gold. It is very black and full of chips and chunks of what look like wood fillers. Not sure if they put more wood into their blend than in past years, but there is no mention of biochar on the bag. It would be expensive to make, I would also assume. I should ask the folks at my local organic supply outlet about biochar and see what their opinion might be. Thanks for the video -- always informative. Bob

[@AngryPeasants]

Wow, so much information. Thank you sir.

[@rasserfrasser]

Mr. Scott, I've been researching rock dust, bio char and other things to amend my soil for next year and this is thoroughly the best video I've seen on the subject. Thank you so much for posting the aspects and processes of the substance. One question, with regards to yearly cycles, in your opinion how often does it need to be re-introduced? My understanding is the lasting power of this stuff is quote significant.

[@GardenerScott]

It may never need to be re-introduced. It doesn't decompose and can be expected to remain in the soil indefinitely. Organic matter does break down and soil levels can fall in raised beds, so if more soil is added some additional biochar may be appropriate.

[@rasserfrasser]

@@GardenerScott Thank you for the response. I am a container grower, so I'll be sure to take account 1st generation and after so I don't crowd the soil over time. Thanks again!

[@elliestell2696]

Thank you !

[@dennisthegrower]

Hello was just watching your dog chase squirrel and the you talked about fish poop and did not mention dog poop. Last time I looked dog food as made from vegetables. I feed the dogs extra bones and eggs , shell an all. Give them cardboard boxes to sleep in and they like to shred them up over time. I burn brush and trees and the remains I will mix in to soil in garden. To start a five or larger pot this is what I will use all this. The soil after I grow in it first year will bring inside with a soil drench of sns 203. it is ready for indoor grow or house plants. I like your videos and good advice.

[@GardenerScott]

Dog and cat poop is not recommended in the garden. Even with a plant-based diet there are still potentially harmful pathogens.

[@dennisthegrower]

@@GardenerScott Yes I have heard that before. Been using it and have no problems. I spring when I make big pots put it in on layer of soil and mulch and cover. I do not over do it. Also I will just broad cast the poop in to garden when no pots to fill. I payed for the dog food and now I am getting it back. I would not use the cat litter box, that would be pathogens on steroids. lol. Really enjoy your channel good advice

[@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. 🙂

[@wayneleathem8429]

Thanks for the quick reply. I spreaded it over all four beds but was not able to add the top layer of compost,Peet moos,vermiculite. So hope it will be okay untill I can get back out Marc h or so as it has turned very cold here, Using your Hugocultuer method as well.

[@michjlee81]

Hey Scott, I wanted to thank you for providing all this amazing info for us gardeners out here, I love your videos and refer to them often. I'm setting up a new raised bed garden this fall and purchased biochar to amend the soil along with compost, worm castings, chicken manure, etc. Being that it's now October and I'm not planting anything until the spring, I wanted to ask you if I should inoculate the biochar prior to adding it to the raised bed soil or if mixing dry biochar straight into the soil now is acceptable as it will hopefully inoculate "naturally" while it sits for the next 5-6 months. Thanks so much!

[@GardenerScott]

You're welcome, Michelle. When the biochar will be in the soil for months before planting, it isn't necessary to inoculate it. The microbes in the soil will do that naturally in time.

[@jakemccall8855]

Next year I will be building a raised bed mix, bacterial dominated compost, fungal dominated compost, peat, loam, minerals, and biochar. I can mix about 4 yards of material at a time in my mixer, its fantastic for mixing custom soils for customers.

[@GardenerScott]

That sounds great.

[@seattledanr5363]

Wow. One of the most useful and new gardening tips I've seen for a while! Thank you so much! I've always wondered if wood stove charcoal and ash is as good as biochar and you answered that in the first 3 minutes! HEAVY mulching has improved my soil and harvest significantly this year (one of your other videos...thank you). Now I'm going to try biochar in my worm bins. Hmmm...can I make it myself...?

[@Rivenrock]

it's kind of tough as Scott says. To do it best you need two metal containers so one can burn and the other is inside not able to burn, but the gasses escaping from the bottom of the barrel to be ignited and burn on the outside of the inner barrel. It's an interesting thing. I think the Natives would have use the water quench method he talks about and that I've used. If you get thing all tinkly sounding when they drop together they're right. But it's hard to get the wood inside to dry, so the outside is biochar, inside it's more wood.

[@krisyallowega5487]

I agree with putting biochar in the front end of the compost process (thanks Hugh McLaughlin) as it inoculates, conditions and charges the biochar. Dr McLaughlin had mentioned 1/3 by volume of biochar to compost and at the end of the process you will have a 50:50 blend. I could never make that amount of biochar but every bit helps.

[@GardenerScott]

That is a lot of biochar, but I agree every bit helps. Thanks.

[@7ceasers]

Excellent explanation of biochar!