Don't waste your (or other people's) used lump wood charcoal from a cookout
By Michael Smith (Veshengro)
Many people don't give a second thought as to used charcoal – and when I talk here about charcoal I mean the real stuff, the lump wood stuff, and not the briquettes which are pressed sawdust – and thoughtlessly toss the stuff out, often while still alight into the countryside.
If you have a garden and a compost heap or composter (what you mean you haven't got a compost heap? Get one!) then this is a great addition to the heap. You can also crunch it up fine and sprinkle it directly onto the plant beds.
While used lump wood charcoal may not exactly be biochar it has, basically, whatever claims to the contrary, the same properties and effects.
Charcoal, lump wood charcoal, adds carbon to the soil in a similar fashion to biochar and also acts as a moisture control, in the same way. Added to the compost heap or composter, as is, also adds carbon and helps make a real great compost soil and your plants will thank you for it.
It is for that very reason that such charcoal, even from instant barbecue grills, is way too valuable a resource and material to waste and throw out.
From what I have seen in the soil of flower and vegetable beds of some of the big houses in Britain it was common practice for a great number of their gardeners in time gone by to add charcoal from the kitchen grill and, maybe even specially produced charcoal for this purpose and from the forges, to the soil as a conditioner.
I am sure those old gardeners knew something and I am happy to follow their lead. The only problem I am finding this year is that my beans do not have the right pollinators flying about. Am contemplating getting a hive.
Don't waste your charcoal. Use it in your garden.
© 2011
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