quick & easy charcoal

I've got this thing about charcoal- it's a magical element with amazing properties; and is one of the most basic components in the circle of life. it's an absolutely critical component of my soil. I usually use fire ash( we get a lot of fires here in california). I'm out of ash now; and was thinking of where to get more pure charcoal....burnt toast....that's it!- burnt toast is almost pure charcoal(good for digestion!)...also burnt toast crushes to a crumble that's perfect for soil amendment. here's a great use for stale bread...just put the whole damn loaf on a cookie sheet, throw it in the oven, and try not to burn the house down in the process....that's my new thing 'til I can get more fire ash.

how much of the ash do you use? is it just for calcium or what else does it offer...?

Gr33nCrack said:

how much of the ash do you use? is it just for calcium or what else does it offer...?

Click to expand...

Charcoal is just burnt organics. Organics by the definition contains carbon. Therefore charcoal would not contain calcium at all, rather a carbon source. (my understanding of it)

That said a way to get HEAPS of carbon really quickly and quite cost effectivly is to just buy BBQ charcoal. I used to use it when i was a wee lad to make gun powder out of. Just stick a couple sticks between some wood and belt it, till its crushed. Then grind it up in a coffee grinder.

IF however you want to use something for larger amounts, crush with hammer as above then put it into a ball mill and run for a few hours.


I dont quite see how charcoal helps though?