Carbon Roots is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating climate change through the creation of carbon-absorbing gardens in communities across the country. We provide education, resources, and support to help individuals and communities establish gardens specifically designed to maximize carbon sequestration.

Carbon Roots began in 2023 when a group of environmentally conscious gardeners recognized the potential of gardens to combat climate change. What started as a small community project has grown into a nationwide movement with participants in over 30 states.

A carbon garden is a garden specifically designed to maximize carbon sequestration – the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. These gardens typically feature plants with deep root systems, minimal soil disturbance, and organic practices that enhance soil health and carbon storage capacity.

Carbon gardens help fight climate change in several ways:

• Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis
• Deep-rooted plants transfer carbon deep into the soil
• Healthy soil microbiomes store carbon for long periods
• Reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides decreases carbon emissions
• Local food production reduces transportation emissions

While individual gardens may seem small, collectively they can have a significant impact on reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Starting a carbon garden is similar to starting any garden, with a few key differences:

1. Choose a suitable location with good sun exposure
2. Test your soil to understand its current carbon content and health
3. Select plants with deep root systems and high carbon sequestration potential
4. Prepare your soil using no-till methods to avoid releasing stored carbon
5. Use organic compost and avoid synthetic fertilizers
6. Plant densely to maximize photosynthesis per square foot
7. Maintain your garden using sustainable practices

Our Guidebook provides detailed instructions for getting started.

The best plants for carbon sequestration typically have these characteristics:

• Deep, extensive root systems (like native grasses and perennials)
• Long lifespan (perennials rather than annuals)
• High biomass production
• Adaptation to local conditions

Some excellent choices include:

• Native prairie grasses (like switchgrass and big bluestem)
• Perennial vegetables (like asparagus and rhubarb)
• Fruit and nut trees
• Native flowering perennials
• Nitrogen-fixing plants (like clover and beans)

We recommend focusing on plants native to your region for best results.

The amount of carbon your garden can absorb depends on several factors:

• Size of your garden
• Types of plants grown
• Soil health and management practices
• Climate and growing season length

As a rough estimate, a well-managed 1,000 square foot garden can sequester approximately 40-50 pounds of carbon per year. While this may seem small, when multiplied across thousands of gardens, the impact becomes significant.

Our Guidebook includes a calculator to help you estimate your garden's carbon sequestration potential.

You don't need special soil to start a carbon garden, but healthy soil is key to maximizing carbon sequestration. Here are some soil management practices that enhance carbon storage:

• Minimize soil disturbance (use no-till or low-till methods)
• Keep soil covered with plants or mulch year-round
• Use compost and organic matter to feed soil microbes
• Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• Plant diverse species to support diverse soil biology

Over time, these practices will transform your soil into a carbon-rich, living ecosystem that naturally sequesters more carbon.

There are many ways to get your community involved in carbon gardening:

• Start a neighborhood carbon garden group
• Host a workshop or information session (we can provide materials)
• Partner with local schools or community centers
• Approach your local government about public space carbon gardens
• Create a demonstration garden in a visible location
• Organize garden tours to showcase successful carbon gardens

Visit our Join Us page for resources and support for community organizers.

Carbon Roots has community groups in many locations across the country. To find a group near you, visit our Projects page and use the interactive map to locate groups in your area.

If there isn't a group near you yet, consider starting one! We provide resources, guidance, and support for new group organizers. Contact us at community@co2roots.org for more information.

Schools make excellent partners for carbon gardening projects. Here are ways schools can participate:

• Create a school carbon garden as an outdoor classroom
• Incorporate carbon gardening into science curriculum
• Start an after-school carbon gardening club
• Partner with local Carbon Roots volunteers for expertise
• Participate in our annual School Carbon Challenge

We offer special resources for educators, including lesson plans aligned with science standards, activity guides, and grant opportunities for school gardens. Contact us at education@co2roots.org for more information.

Absolutely! Businesses can participate in Carbon Roots in several ways:

• Create carbon gardens on business property
• Sponsor community carbon garden projects
• Offer employee volunteer days for garden installation and maintenance
• Provide in-kind donations of materials or services
• Become a Carbon Roots Business Partner

Our Business Partnership Program offers recognition, marketing opportunities, and employee engagement benefits. Contact us at partners@co2roots.org to learn more.

Your donations directly support our mission in the following ways:

• Community garden grants (40%)
• Educational materials and workshops (25%)
• Research on carbon sequestration techniques (15%)
• Operational costs (15%)
• Outreach and advocacy (5%)

We're committed to transparency and publish our annual financial reports on our website. We maintain administrative costs below 15% to ensure the majority of donations directly support our programs.

Yes, Carbon Roots is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation that can be used for tax purposes.

Our EIN (Tax ID) is 83-1234567. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your specific contribution.

Yes, we welcome in-kind donations of materials that support our mission. Common in-kind donations include:

• Garden tools and equipment
• Seeds and plants
• Compost and soil amendments
• Lumber and building materials for raised beds
• Irrigation supplies

Please contact us at donations@co2roots.org before making an in-kind donation to ensure we can use the materials you wish to donate. We can provide a tax receipt for the fair market value of donated items.

Yes, our Root Sustainers monthly giving program allows you to make automatic recurring donations. This provides us with reliable funding that helps us plan and implement long-term projects.

Monthly donors receive special benefits including:

• Quarterly impact reports
• Early access to our workshops and events
• Annual seed packet collection
• Recognition on our website (optional)

You can set up a recurring donation on our Donate page.