At Westland, we innovate and deliver sustainable gardening solutions, and our collaboration with Carbon Gold exemplifies this commitment. Together, we combine our expertise to create a range of gardening products enriched with biochar—an eco-friendly ingredient that benefits both your garden and the planet.
Here’s what you need to know about Carbon Gold and biochar.
Who Are Carbon Gold?
We’ve partnered with Carbon Gold, a UK leader in biochar production. Founded in 2007 by Craig Sams (creator of Green & Blacks Chocolate) and Dan Morrell (founder of the Carbon Neutral Company), Carbon Gold focuses on sustainable, organic gardening solutions. Their products, certified by the Soil Association, support organic growing practices and are free from peat and synthetic chemicals.
By offering these environmentally friendly options, Carbon Gold ensures gardeners can nurture plants while protecting the planet.
What Is Biochar?
Biochar is a highly stable, carbon-rich material with unique benefits for soil and plants. It forms through pyrolysis, a process where wood is heated in an oxygen-deprived environment. Rather than burning, the wood transforms into a porous, honeycomb-structured material capable of retaining water and nutrients.
This structure provides plants with a steady nutrient supply and enhances soil health, creating a sustainable environment for growth.
How Is Biochar Produced?
The process starts with wood heated in a sealed system at 450–650°C. Without oxygen, the wood undergoes pyrolysis, breaking down into biochar. This stable material holds moisture and nutrients, improving soil structure and fostering plant growth.
Where Does the Wood Come From?
We source wood for biochar from responsibly managed, FSC® approved forests. This ensures sustainable harvesting that protects ecosystems.
Biochar production also locks carbon from the wood into a stable form. Unlike decomposing wood, which releases carbon dioxide, biochar sequesters carbon in the soil, reducing atmospheric CO2 and helping to combat climate change.
Why Use Biochar in Your Garden?
Adding biochar to gardening products brings significant benefits:
- Improves soil structure: Enhances water retention and aeration.
- Boosts nutrient retention: Prevents leaching and keeps nutrients available to plants.
- Supports climate action: Sequesters carbon and offsets emissions.
By choosing biochar-enriched products, gardeners enhance soil health, grow stronger plants, and contribute to a greener planet.
How Does Biochar Mitigate Climate Change?
Biochar acts as a long-term carbon store, locking carbon in the soil for over 100 years. When used in composts, it offsets emissions from production, making products like Carbon Gold biochar-enriched composts carbon-neutral.
Biochar doesn’t absorb or release carbon after production, serving as a stable carbon sink that reduces CO2 levels and supports climate goals.
What Makes John Innes with Carbon Gold Biochar carbon neutral?
We’ve incorporated biochar into the John Innes compost range to offset emissions from ingredient sourcing and production. Verified by third parties, the amount of biochar used ensures carbon neutrality before the product reaches your hands.
Why Is Biochar Great for Gardens and Plants?
Biochar benefits gardens in multiple ways:
- Improves nutrient retention: Keeps nutrients in the soil longer.
- Enhances soil health: Creates a stable environment for growth.
- Boosts microbial activity: Supports beneficial microorganisms that aid nutrient cycling.
By integrating biochar into your gardening routine, you promote healthier plants and sustainable practices.
Why Add Biochar to John Innes Compost?
Biochar’s durability makes it ideal for long-term soil enrichment. Its addition to John Innes No.1, No.2, and No.3 composts improves aeration and nutrient retention. While unsuitable for seed compost due to its coarse texture, and Ericaceous compost due to pH sensitivity, biochar remains a transformative ingredient for many soil types.
Through our partnership with Carbon Gold, we’re proud to offer biochar-enriched John Innes Composts. This innovative addition supports plant health, soil sustainability, and carbon neutrality, making gardening more rewarding for you and the planet.
