Getting your seeds off to the best start this year

[Sheneval]

Just a suggestion - if you could supply a sample of your product to people we trust and know to have considerable expertise such as BM, VC, AP, VVG, BB, etc. and let them do some trials and report back on their findings, it would help those of us sceptics, who are used to to taking advertising with a doze of salts, to give proper consideration to said product.

That aside, as a newbie to veg growing and allotments, after clearing my plot of weeds for the last month or so, I have experimented by covering my beds with straw under seaweed and would welcome your opinion as to the value of this.

Thanks

[SarzWix]

There's a lot of info about biochar and how it's made here: What Is Biochar? | International Biochar Initiative

[VirginVegGrower]

Terra preta - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I know Wiki isn't the best source of info but this gives a starter for ten as to the idea behind charcoal use to improve poor soil. I started looking at this a couple of years ago after reading a report on the Amazon. It's like the Seer rockdust, you can pooh pooh it but until you've seen how lush and verdant the lower slopes of any volcano are then it just seems like a clever marketing ploy. I believe in life that you should explore all possibilities before saying "no, it's a load of wotsit." It doesn't mean you have to buy charcoal as you can actually make your own. There may however be people that fancy learning more and maybe trialling as indeed I have, just not with this.
Hope you find it interesting anyhow.

[zazen999]

Hmm....rockdust.


Or Rocket Dust as I call it.

[Glutton4...]

Hello, Carbon Gold, and welcome to the Madhouse!

Grab a cuppa, and a chair. Maybe two chairs - you may need one for protection (Lion-tamer stance! ) against some of 'em!

Your product looks interesting - I'm off to have a read...

[Potstubsdustbins]

One comment if I may now I have had time to mull this over.

I do not know who wrote the introductory posting, but my personal view is, that it is the wording of that post that has caused many negative comments. Hence my previous post about controversy.

I know from my own experience that the vine is usually a very friendly place and makes newcomers very welcome, so this was an unusual reaction.

So I will start again..................... a warm welcome to the Vine expert. But I give you one piece of advice live up to your title for there are on this site people who richly deserve the same title.

Colin AKA Potty.

[mothhawk]

There's a lot of info about biochar and how it's made here: What Is Biochar? | International Biochar Initiative

There's a bit of interesting stuff about Craig Sams, who started Biochar here. He started the world's first organic chocolate company (G***n & Bl**ks) so can't be all bad!

[Nicos]

Well, we are almost 40 posts on, my query has still not been answered by the expert so I think I will stick with the vines own experts as they have not failed me in the past.

Well...hopefully the Expert will be along shortly

[veggiechicken]

Good job its not urgent!

[Bigmallly]

Just a suggestion - if you could supply a sample of your product to people we trust and know to have considerable expertise such as BM, VC, AP, VVG, BB, etc.

Shen, I will never be an expert while ever I have a hole in.........no, we won't go there...........It is just a hobby for me which I enjoy.

[veggiechicken]

I'm flattered too, BM - or its typo

[VirginVegGrower]

I'm flattered too, BM - or its typo

Me too, I must sound good at times

[Sheneval]

Shen, I will never be an expert while ever I have a hole in.........no, we won't go there...........It is just a hobby for me which I enjoy.

Up until this last year, (other than flowers), I have only ever grown rhubarb, which has performed extremely well considering it has been left in a corner unattended for the last 4 or 5 years. So as far as I am concerned you guys are experts.

I suspect the product may well live up to the claims being made, but I always prefer personal recommendations from people I trust, who have no vested interest, before spending money and in this scenario you guys qualify.

I probably shouldn't have included VC but felt all hell would break loose if I left her out

[veggiechicken]

So true, Shen, but I do prefer honesty to flattery

[bearded bloke]

I also am flattered but my sowing normally runs along the lines of ... bung bit in & see what happens