What is Charles Dowding’s no-dig method?
No dig means two things. First, leave soil undisturbed as much as is practical. You may occasionally need to use a spade or trowel, for example when cutting out bramble roots, making a hole for planting trees, or planting seed potatoes. With no dig, you can plant straight into compost, so a new bed is ready for planting as soon as it has been made. I advise having some plants ready in order to maximise growing time.
What is the no-dig concept?
Rather than digging the soil to remove weeds, the no-dig method promotes adding garden compost or manure to the surface of the soil. This emulates the natural processes in an ecosystem, as leaves fall to the ground, break down and incorporate into the soil. While there are many benefits of no-dig, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. The no-dig method can use large quantities of organic mulch – this can have an associated environmental cost of production and transportation when bought in. For this reason, home composting to make your own mulch is best.
Who is the father of no-dig?
Charles Dowding. No Dig 42 years | 1/2 acre vegetables. Sowing Calendars. Somerset UK | In Person and Online Courses | Lectures. Charles Dowding’s Vegetable Course is both a straightforward guide to success and an inspiring source of ideas for achieving a more productive vegetable garden for less effort. Lower Farm, run by Charles and Susie Dowding, has been part of Sawday’s Special Places to Stay collection for 12 years.Charles Dowding (born 1959) is an English horticulturalist and author who has pioneered modern no dig and organic soil management in the UK since 1983.Charles Dowding. No Dig 42 years | 1/2 acre vegetables. Sowing Calendars. Somerset UK | In Person and Online Courses | Lectures.