Soil biology • long-term fertility
Making your own Biochar
Learn to make Biochar easily, quickly, AND FOR FREE with materials you already have around your home!
Biochar basics
Turning your Charcoal into Biochar!
Until you transform your charcoal to biochar, you have just that— Charcoal!
Here’s a partial list of materials we make biochar from:
Acorns
Anything once alive
(plant or animal)
Bones
Cardboard & Egg Cartons
(no glossy)
Clothing 100% cotton or wool
Corn Cobs
Eggshells
Feathers
Food Waste
Fruit Pits
Grass Clippings
Hair
Horse Hoof Trimmings
Leaves (and leaf bags)
Manure (animal or human)
Meat and Fat (spoiled)
Nut Shells
Paper, Brown and White
(no glossy)
Paper Towel & Toilet Paper Rolls
Pinecones
Plant Stalks, Stems, & Leaves
Saw Dust
Scrap Lumber
(no painted or pressure-treated)
Seashells
Seaweed
Seedy Weeds
Small Dead Animals
Stale Bread
Straw or Hay
Weeds
Wood Chips
Wood Shavings
Biochar FAQ
Quick answers to the questions gardeners ask most.
Do I need to charge biochar?
Yes— Charging fills pores with nutrients and biology so the biochar feeds your biology instead of temporarily tying up available nutrients.
Can I add biochar directly to beds?
You can, but it’s best mixed with compost or another nutrient source first. If you apply it raw, keep the rate low and place it only ON TOP of the soil without mixing.
How much should I use?
Start with small amounts blended into compost or potting mixes. Build gradually over seasons as you learn how your soil responds.
Is biochar the same as charcoal briquettes?
No. Briquettes often contain binders and additives. Use clean, additive-free biochar intended for soil use.
Does biochar replace compost?
No—compost brings nutrients and living biology. Biochar is a long-term structure and habitat that works best alongside compost and mulch.
Will biochar change my soil pH?
It can, depending on the feedstock and how it was made. If you’re unsure, test a small area first and keep an eye on pH-sensitive crops.
Keep learning
Building long-term fertility with biochar-best practices
Want step-by-step demos on making, charging, and applying biochar—plus composting and soil microscopy? Follow along with us on YouTube and start improving your soil this season.