Biochar: The Gardener's Guide
Frequently asked questions

Is Biochar safe for your garden?
Yes! There is no evidence that, despite its long history as a soil amendment, biochar is hazardous to humans, animals or plants. Remember though, when working with any type of gardening product, it’s always a good idea to use the relevant safety equipment. Our products can be safely applied in gardens with animals and children. Some pets may be attracted to some of the ingredients in our products – you can dig in the products to reduce the temptation – but it will not be harmful to them.
How does biochar affect soil?
Organic matter in soil is a vital part of how it functions, however in most cases when organic material breaks down in soil it can cause a number of problems such as loss of nutrients, loss of water retention and compacted soil.
Biochar has many benefits because it is so rich in carbon and does not break down in the soil. When added to soil it acts like a sponge holding onto nutrients and water, until they are needed. The biochar also aids beneficial soil microbes in the soil that help plants grow.
Do I need to soak or activate Carbon Gold Biochar?
No. Carbon Gold Biochar is ready to use right away as we have done the hard work for you. Carbon Gold biochar products are pre-packaged with all of the required nutrients and natural biology. That’s simple, isn’t it?
However, not all types of biochar are ready for use in this way. Most biochar products such as raw biochar or pure biochar do need to be ‘charged’. The big difference with Carbon Gold’s biochar products is that we have a ready to use biochar mix which is ready to use straight out of the box with no detrimental effects.
During storage, organic materials may develop a type of white mould on the surface, this is completely natural and harmless and is the natural biology in the product, and will disappear when the surface of product is agitated.
What type of plants benefit from biochar?
Generally, any plant can benefit from biochar in the soil around the root zone.. Our biochar has a pH of around 8 and thus is slightly alkaline. Acid loving plants may not favour a more alkaline soil although if you are trying to adjust your soil pH it is always best to test the soil in order to get the most accurate readings.


Is biochar a fertiliser?
Pure biochar is a material that helps trap carbon. It is not really a fertiliser, but some people do use it as a high nutrient supplement. Usually, you should think of biochar as an organic matter amendment for your garden, which means it will help add nutrients to the soil.
Our Soil Association approved Biochar Fertiliser has natural biology and NPK added, so you can use straight out of the box!
Is biochar better than compost?
When you put compost and biochar in a bucket, they look very different. But how do they work in soil?
Biochar is made from organic material by cooking it without oxygen. The process can be done by burning biomass such as wood to produce the charcoal-like substance that has many beneficial uses in the garden.
Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials into a rich soil amendment that boosts plant growth through improved nutrient levels and water retention.
Biochar does however help improve the compaction, fertility and water-holding capacity of soil, making it great for growing vegetables, trees, shrubs and plants. It can also be mixed into potting mixtures to provide additional benefits when growing houseplants or seedlings.
Where can I purchase biochar in the UK?
Carbon Gold Biochar products are available directly from this website, or from one of our valued stockists.
For more information on how biochar can be used in your garden or business, contact us today

Which biochar products do I need?
Biochar works by improving plant health, naturally providing a wide range of applications and benefits.
Biochar products to enhance every garden
Biochar Mixed Bundle
Our new Biochar Mixed Bundle give you everything you need to reinvigorate your old compost,…
Biochar Allotment Bundle
Do you want to revitalise the soil in your allotment but don't know what to…
Biochar Tree Bundle
Are you planting new trees or wanting to give your existing trees a boost? This…
Natural Biology Bundle
Do you want to add a natural boost to your raised beds, container plants, allotment,…
1L Biochar Houseplant Booster
Are your houseplants looking a bit tired, and in need of some love? Our Houseplant…
1L Biochar Compost Rejuvenator
Do you have old "spent" compost that you don't know what to do with? Don't…
3 Tub Pick and Mix Tub Bundle
2 new products added to this bundle - Biochar Compost Rejuvenator & Biochar Houseplant Booster!…
£26.97
Biochar Outdoor Planting Bundle
An all-round eco-gardening bundle containing all of our main products with 15% OFF and FREE…
Biochar Essentials Bundle
This Biochar Essentials Bundle is the perfect starter pack, containing our Biochar All Purpose…
20L Biochar Compost Pick and Mix
Choose any combination of 3 of our 20L All Purpose and Seed Compost bags and…
£38.97
2 Box Pick and Mix Bundle
Easy, convenient and flexible; our Pick & Mix bundles are designed to give you the…
£39.98
6 Box Pick and Mix Bundle
Easy, convenient and flexible; our Pick & Mix bundles are designed to give you the…
£119.94 £95.95
4 Box Pick and Mix Bundle
Easy, convenient and flexible; our Pick & Mix bundles are designed to give you the…
£79.96 £71.96
10L Biochar Compost Pick and Mix
Choose any combination of 6 of our 10L All Purpose and Seed Compost bags and…
£59.94 £47.20
Biochar Seed Compost
Carbon Gold's Biochar Seed Compost is a coir based compost that is 100% peat and…
Biochar All Purpose Compost
Carbon Gold's Biochar All Purpose Compost is a coir based compost that is 100% peat…
6 Tub Pick and Mix Bundle
Easy, convenient and flexible; our Pick & Mix bundles are designed to give you the…
£59.94 £47.95
4 Tub Pick and Mix Bundle
Easy, convenient and flexible; our Pick & Mix bundles are designed to give you the…
£39.96 £35.96
Biochar Biology Blend
The Professional grower’s best kept secret! Originally only available to our trade customers, Biochar Biology…
Biochar Fertiliser
Using Carbon Gold Biochar Fertiliser will give you superb results with no chemical or GM…
Biochar Soil Improver
Biochar Soil Improver is a soil additive that promotes root development and soil structure and…
Biochar Lawn Improver
Carbon Gold Biochar Lawn Improver is perfect whether you are planning to give your existing…
Biochar Tree Soil Improver
Carbon Gold Biochar Tree Soil Improver is ideal for transplanting or revitalising new and established…
£5 - £50 Gift Vouchers
Are your friends and family keen gardeners and you are stuck for ideas for a…
Tree Fertiliser
Biochar Tree Fertiliser enriched with potassium phosphate to grow resilient, healthy plants in the harshest…