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Activated Biochar

Activated Biochar

$29.00 CAD
$29.00 CAD
Sale Sold out

Simply speaking, throwing a few lumps of charcoal onto the ground will not produce the famously fertile Terra Preta, but properly made Activated Biochar offers much more.

This product is made from reclaimed local woody materials, processed in small batches, then drenchedwith liquid kelp and sea minerals, compost tea, and EM, and finally mixed with high-quality compost.

The result is a stable crystalline form of carbon that resists decay in the soil and is packed with life and nutrition. With its large, highly porous surface area, biochar serves as habitat for microorganisms, and stores and supplies large amounts of nutrients, as well as air and water. This is the power of biologically active biochar.

Its variable particle size accommodates a broad diversity of microbes and soil organisms, with small pieces easily sinking into the soil, and larger chunks persisting until natural weathering processes reduce their size over time.

Made locally in Powell River, BC, by urban farmer Ron Berezan, under the brand name The Good Earth. While the large scale biochar industry is not without controversy over deforestation or monocultures for feedstock, Ron’s small scale operation is something I can get behind.

Application

How much do you need? Use this Biochar in seeding mixes and potting soils at a rate of 10% to maximum 20% of the total soil volume.

In the garden, sprinkle a layer 1/4” to 1/2” thick and work gently into the topsoil surface. One 4L bag covers approximately 20 square feet.

Biochar also makes an excellent addition to planting holes. Use one 4L bag per tree, half a bag per shrub, and a handful per perennial. Mix evenly with backfill.

No need to repeat — one single application is enough.

How long does it keep? Store Biochar like you would store compost: In a cool dark place with sufficient air and humidity. Protect from heat and sun. Properly stored, Biochar’s shelf life is at least one year.

The outer bag is 100% paper and fully compostable. Please open the inner plastic bag upon arrival so the microorganisms in the product can breathe.

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FAQ

Shipping & Local Pick-Up

FLAT RATE SHIPPING + LOCAL PICK UP

Flat Rate Shipping across Canada with either Canada Post, Purolator or UPS

Purchase ($) Shipping ($)
<55 15
55-74 20
75-124 25
125-199 30
200-399 40
400-699 55
700+ 70

 

LOCAL PICK UP, VICTORIA BC

If you prefer to pick up your order in Victoria, BC, just choose the ‘Pick Up’ option during checkout.

Online order pickups are now at Gardener’s Kit at 169 Langford Street — very close to my old shop in Vic West!

You will receive a pick up confirmation when your order is ready. Click Here for driving directions + Gardener's Kit store hours

Ideally, please allow one business day for order processing. If you need something the same day, or you’d like to meet and chat, give me a quick call or send a text before coming over (250-216-3733) and I will try my best to be ready for you.

What’s the difference between EM and Activated EM? Can I keep re-activating my Activated EM?

I wish! Sadly EM is a bit different from yogurt or sourdough making. The first activation will turn out very closely similar to the mother culture, but with subsequent activations the intricate balance of microbe species and numbers will start to shift, and the effectiveness will decrease. I only ever use fresh mother culture when activating.

EM mother culture can be used the same way as Activated EM, but for economic reasons most people buy it to make their own activation. If you’re new to gardening with EM and you just want to try it out, or if you don’t want to spend the time and effort of activating, then go for the already activated product.

What’s the difference between EM/AEM and Compost Tea?

While EM, AEM, and Compost Tea are made differently, they have similar benefits and compliment each other beautifully. For a comparative summary of these products, see the March 2011 Newsletter.

Can I combine products for easy, all-in-one application?

Yes, almost all products are compatible. The only exception is with fish and sea minerals, which are better applied separately. Keep in mind that dilution rates are different for each product, and try to apply right away after mixing.

Do I need a sprayer?

For soil and compost application, or treating small lawns, a watering can is just fine. For application to foliage, finer droplets are advantageous. You can use a spray bottle, a hose-end sprayer, or a hand-held or backpack sprayer. The wand of a sprayer will help greatly with getting to the underside of leaves. Whatever container you use, be sure it never held any pesticides or liquid synthetic fertilizer.

How do I store the products, and how long do they keep?

Store all products at a cool room temperature, with the lid on tight, and out of direct light. Store pure and undiluted – once products are mixed or diluted with water, they go off quickly. EM mother culture keeps up to two years, activated EM six months or longer. Mycorrhizal fungi, liquid fish, liquid kelp, and sea minerals are good for about a year. Humic acids and molasses can be stored almost indefinitely.

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