Biochar is a fine-grained, highly porous charcoal that helps soils retain nutrients and water.

"Biochar is found in soils around the world as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices. Intensive study of biochar-rich dark earths in the Amazon (terra preta), has led to a wider appreciation of biochar’s unique properties as a soil conditioner. "Biochar can be an important tool to increase sustainable food production in areas with severely depleted soils, scarce organic resources, and inadequate water and chemical fertilizer supplies.

"Biochar also improves water quality and quantity by increasing soil retention of nutrients and agrochemicals for plant and crop utilization. More nutrients stay in the soil instead of leaching into groundwater and causing pollution.

The 16th of May, Erik van Lennep will again be teaching on organic food growing at Cultivate Centre in Temple Bar, Dublin. This one day workshop is designed to get even the most inexperienced beginners as well as seasoned gardeners growing to kick start their food garden.

On the 28th of March, Erik van Lennep will be teaching on organic food growing at Cultivate Centre in Temple Bar, Dublin. This one day workshop is designed to get even the most inexperienced beginners as well as seasoned gardeners growing to kick start their food garden. All garden sizes will be catered for, whether you have acres of space or just a couple of small containers on a balcony. Erik will take you through everything from garden planning to harvesting, preparing you for an abundance of  beautiful home grown food that will help keep you healthy throughout the year (not to mention, cutting your food bills considerably too!). 

More information: Food Growing Course