Question
While cleaning out the garage, I found a half bag of charcoal briquettes that must have been there for at least fifteen years. Would it be good for the soil if I bury them, or should I just throw them out with the trash? They're just plain charcoal, not the chemical-loaded quick-start kind.

Answer
Hi Bob, Charcoal can absorb impurities in the air and soil, so you could break it up into 1/4" to 1/2" chunks and blend it with potting soil for container use.  If should be sifted to remove the dust, which you could broadcast in the garden. However, I'd just throw it away. It's a messy task and should you find you really need to add charcoal to soil for a reason, you can buy horticultural charcoal ready to use.  Jim