Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material made by heating biomass, such as wood, in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. Biochar has a highly porous structure that can help improve soil structure, moisture retention, nutrient retention, aeration and microbial activity. Unlike compost, which gradually breaks down, biochar is a long-lasting material that can remain in the soil for many years.

Charged Biochar is biochar that has already been loaded with nutrients and beneficial microorganisms before it is added to your soil. Bio Bloom Charged Biochar is infused with a plant-based nutrient solution and biological activity, meaning it is ready to use straight from the bag. Because it has already been charged, you do not need to soak, compost or prepare it before applying it to your garden, pots, raised beds or growing media.

Raw Biochar is untreated biochar that has not yet been loaded with nutrients or biological activity. Raw biochar is highly porous and can be used by gardeners and growers who want to charge it themselves using materials such as compost, manure, liquid fertiliser, wood vinegar or other nutrient-rich solutions.

The main difference is preparation. Raw Biochar is untreated and should ideally be charged before being incorporated into soil. Charged Biochar has already been loaded with nutrients and beneficial biology, so it can be used immediately. If you want the simplest option with no preparation, choose Charged Biochar. If you prefer to prepare your own biochar using your own compost, nutrients or soil inputs, Raw Biochar gives you more flexibility.

Yes. We recommend charging Raw Biochar before mixing it directly into soil. Raw biochar is highly porous and can absorb nutrients from its surroundings. Charging it first helps ensure that the biochar is already loaded with nutrients and biology rather than competing with your soil for available nutrients. You can charge raw biochar using compost, liquid fertiliser, manure tea, wood vinegar or other suitable nutrient-rich materials.

Mix your Raw Biochar with a nutrient-rich material such as compost, liquid fertiliser, manure tea, wood vinegar or seaweed extract. Allow the biochar to absorb the nutrients for approximately 7–14 days before incorporating it into your soil or growing medium. The aim is to fill the porous structure of the biochar with nutrients and beneficial biology before it goes into the soil.

For general soil improvement, Bio Bloom recommends using approximately 5–10% biochar by volume in soil, compost or growing media. The exact amount can vary depending on the soil, growing system and intended use. For established beds, pots and raised beds, it is usually best to mix the biochar evenly through the growing medium rather than applying an excessively thick layer in one place.

Biochar is a long-lasting soil amendment, so it does not need to be applied as frequently as products such as liquid fertilisers or compost. Once incorporated into the soil, biochar can remain there for many years. You can add more biochar when creating new growing areas, refreshing containers or improving soil as part of your normal gardening routine.

Yes. Charged Biochar can be used in pots, containers and other growing systems. Mix it evenly through your existing growing medium at approximately 5–10% by volume. Biochar can help improve moisture retention, nutrient retention, aeration and the growing environment around plant roots.

Yes. Biochar is particularly suitable for raised beds. Mix Charged Biochar evenly through the growing medium at approximately 5–10% by volume. It can be incorporated when creating a new raised bed or added to an existing bed. Biochar can help improve soil structure, water retention, nutrient retention and microbial activity.

Yes. Biochar can be incorporated into vegetable beds and growing media. Charged Biochar can be mixed into the soil when preparing a vegetable bed or added when planting vegetables. It can also be mixed with compost or other growing media. Because Bio Bloom Charged Biochar is already prepared, there is no need to charge it before using it around your vegetables.

Yes. Biochar and compost work very well together. Biochar can be mixed into compost or added to composting systems. Its porous structure provides a surface that can hold nutrients and support microbial activity. Charged Biochar can be added directly, while Raw Biochar can be charged using compost or other nutrient-rich materials before being incorporated into soil.

Yes. Biochar can be mixed into potting compost and other growing media. For general use, Bio Bloom recommends approximately 5–10% biochar by volume. Mix it evenly through the growing medium rather than leaving it concentrated in one area.

Yes. Biochar can be useful in heavy clay soils. Its porous structure can help improve soil structure and aeration, while supporting better movement of air and water through the soil. For clay soil, mix Charged Biochar into the soil rather than simply leaving it on the surface.

Yes. Biochar can also be beneficial in lighter, sandy soils. Its porous structure can help the soil hold onto moisture and nutrients that might otherwise move through the soil quickly. Combining biochar with compost and other sources of organic matter can provide a useful approach to improving sandy growing conditions.

Biochar can help improve the water-holding capacity of soil because its porous structure provides spaces that can hold moisture. The effect will depend on the type of biochar, soil type, particle size and how much biochar is incorporated.

Yes. One of the key benefits of biochar is its ability to retain nutrients within its porous structure. This can help reduce nutrient leaching and improve the availability of nutrients within the growing environment. Charged Biochar is particularly useful because the biochar has already been loaded with nutrients before it is added to the soil.

Biochar can help improve soil structure by adding a stable, porous carbon material to the soil. It can increase aeration and create additional spaces within the soil, helping create a better environment for plant roots and beneficial soil microorganisms.

Yes. Biochar's porous structure provides surfaces and microscopic spaces that can support beneficial soil microorganisms. Charged Biochar is already inoculated with beneficial biological activity, allowing it to be introduced into the soil as a prepared soil amendment.

Biochar can help create a better growing environment around plant roots by supporting soil structure, aeration, moisture retention and nutrient retention. Charged Biochar also provides nutrients and beneficial biological activity that can support the soil environment around developing roots.

Biochar is a stable form of carbon and can remain in soil for many years. Unlike compost and other materials that decompose relatively quickly, biochar is designed to be a long-lasting soil amendment. This means you do not need to replace it every few weeks or months.

Results will vary depending on soil type, plant species, growing conditions and how the biochar is applied. Because Charged Biochar is already prepared with nutrients and beneficial biological activity, it can begin working in the soil immediately. Noticeable improvements in soil texture and plant performance may develop over the following weeks as the soil environment responds.

Yes. Biochar can be incorporated into the soil when planting trees, shrubs and other perennial plants. It can be mixed with suitable soil or compost around the planting area to help create a favourable root environment. For larger planting projects, Bio Bloom also offers bulk biochar for growers, landscapers, farms and other professional applications.

Biochar can be used as part of a soil-improvement approach for lawns. For established lawns, it is generally better to incorporate fine biochar into the soil rather than applying a thick layer to the surface. The application method and quantity should take the existing soil condition into account.

Yes. Biochar can be used in greenhouse and polytunnel growing systems, including growing beds, containers and growing media. It can help support moisture retention, nutrient retention, aeration and soil microbial activity in controlled growing environments.

Yes. Biochar can be used alongside other soil amendments and fertilisers. Because biochar can retain nutrients within its porous structure, it can help improve nutrient efficiency within the soil. If you are using Raw Biochar, we recommend charging it before applying it to soil. Charged Biochar is already prepared and can be used directly.

Yes. Manure can be used as one method of charging Raw Biochar before it is added to soil. Mixing biochar with nutrient-rich materials such as manure allows the porous biochar to absorb nutrients before it is incorporated into the growing environment.

Wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, is a liquid produced during the pyrolysis process used to make biochar. It contains a range of compounds produced during pyrolysis and can be used in diluted form for applications including soil treatment, plant applications and composting. Bio Bloom's wood vinegar is filtered and aged before being supplied.

Yes. Wood vinegar can be used as part of the charging process for Raw Biochar. The liquid can help introduce soluble compounds and nutrients into the porous structure of the biochar. Biochar and wood vinegar can therefore be used together as part of a wider soil-improvement approach.

Yes. Biochar and wood vinegar can complement each other. Raw Biochar can be charged using wood vinegar before being incorporated into soil. Bio Bloom also offers Charged Biochar for customers who want a ready-to-use product without carrying out the charging process themselves.

No. Although biochar and charcoal can look similar, they are produced and used for different purposes. Biochar is specifically produced as a soil amendment and is intended to be incorporated into soil or growing media. Do not use barbecue charcoal, briquettes or treated charcoal as a substitute for properly produced horticultural biochar.

Biochar is better described as a soil amendment or soil improver rather than a conventional fertiliser. Its main role is to improve the growing environment by helping with factors such as nutrient retention, moisture retention, aeration and soil structure. Charged Biochar also contains nutrients and beneficial biological activity, making it different from untreated Raw Biochar.

Neither is necessarily better — they are designed for different users. Charged Biochar is the easiest option because it is ready to use immediately. Raw Biochar is ideal for gardeners and growers who want to charge the biochar themselves using their own compost, manure, fertiliser, wood vinegar or other inputs. For convenience, choose Charged Biochar. For flexibility and DIY soil preparation, choose Raw Biochar.

Bio Bloom produces its biochar in South Wales using locally sourced biomass such as hedge trimmings and fallen trees. Our Charged Biochar is prepared with a plant-based nutrient solution and beneficial biological activity, so it is ready to use straight from the bag. We offer both Raw and Charged Biochar, allowing customers to choose between a ready-to-use soil improver and a product they can charge themselves.

Bio Bloom Biochar can be used in a wide range of growing situations, including: Vegetable gardens Flower beds Raised beds Pots and containers Greenhouses Polytunnels Compost systems Potting mixes Tree and shrub planting Allotments Market gardens Farms Landscaping projects For larger projects, Bio Bloom also offers bulk and wholesale biochar.

Yes. Charged Biochar is particularly suitable for beginners because it is ready to use without any charging or preparation. Simply mix it into your soil, compost or growing medium at the recommended application rate. Raw Biochar is better suited to gardeners and growers who want to take a more hands-on approach and charge their own biochar.

Bio Bloom Biochar is produced on our farm in South Wales. We use locally sourced biomass, including materials such as hedge trimmings and fallen trees, to produce our biochar through pyrolysis.

Yes. Bio Bloom supplies biochar for larger-scale applications including farms, market gardens, landscapers, growers, allotments and other professional users. Bulk biochar is available in larger formats, with both Raw and Charged/Inoculated options available depending on requirements.

Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. During pyrolysis, some of that carbon is converted into a more stable form within biochar. When biochar is incorporated into soil, this stable carbon can remain in the soil for a long period. Bio Bloom estimates that 10kg of its biochar can represent approximately 27.5kg of CO₂ sequestered, although the precise figure depends on the characteristics and carbon content of the biochar.

For most home gardeners looking for convenience, Charged Biochar is the easiest option because it is ready to use immediately. For gardeners who prefer to charge their own biochar using compost, manure, fertiliser or wood vinegar, Raw Biochar provides greater flexibility.

Keep biochar in a dry, secure place and protect it from excessive moisture before use. Raw Biochar can be stored until you are ready to charge and use it. Charged Biochar should be kept appropriately sealed and stored according to the product instructions.

Bio Bloom Charged Biochar, Raw Biochar, Wood Vinegar and bulk biochar are available directly from Bio Bloom. We supply customers across the UK, with bulk and wholesale options available for larger growing, landscaping and agricultural applications.