How to use Biochar

For free application advice tailored to your individual needs and situation, please call Julian or Lauren on 07548881934 or email us info@demeterbiochar.co.uk

Compost Boost

Use enough Biochar to make up 5% of your total compost volume. If your composter contains excessive nitrogenous matter (green material), increase this percentage to 10%.

You can add Biochar either as you add material to your composter, or as you turn your compost. Distribute evenly throughout the entirety of your compost material. 

Adding to Beds

Mix Biochar into the top 15cm of soil.
For general application, one 10L bag of Demeter Biochar will treat a 1x1m area. 
Soils suffering from severe compaction or intense nutrient deficiency will benefit from a doubled application rate. Similarly, to significantly increase the moisture retention of very dry free draining soils, a doubled application rate is advised. 

When seeking to improve your soil in any way, information about your skills composition, pH and drainage is always beneficial. For free help understanding how this information affects how you should use Biochar, please get in touch. 

Adding to Containers

Evenly mix Biochar equal to 5-10% of the container’s volume. A higher percentage of Biochar will result in greater moisture retention. Consider the situation of your container and the needs of contained plants when adding between 5% and 10% relative to total volume. 

Repotting Houseplants

Mix Biochar into your houseplant potting mix in a volume equal to 10-20% of the total material. 10% is ideal for most houseplant species, however species that require damper soils and greater moisture retention (eg peace lilies, calathea) will benefit from a 20% mix. 
Plants that require very free draining soil (such as cacti and succulents) will benefit from a light addition of 5% relative Biochar to their soil.

Creating Terraria

Use 2-3cm of Biochar between your bottom drainage layer and terrarium soil, in addition to mixing Biochar into the soil at a volume equal to 10-15% of the material

 

Pet Litter and Substrate

Litter trays:

Scatter Biochar generously across the surface of clean litter after filling the tray, then mix evenly. 

Substrate:

When cleaning out your pet’s enclosure, mix Biochar into clean substrate at a volume equal to 5-10% of the total material. 
For bioactive set ups, use 10%-15% relative Biochar.  

Do not add Biochar to any pet nesting materials. It is entirely non-toxic and harmless,  but will be unlikely to have any benefit in an area most pets prefer to keep clean and cosy, and may discourage them from using the materials.