Published: 29 January 2025
Everyone has their own approach to gardening. And each approach has its own advantages. But one relatively recent gardening method is gaining a lot of traction. Said to be easier on the back and kinder to the environment, no-dig gardening has a lot to recommend it. But what does it actually mean? And how can you start your own no-dig garden or allotment?
Digging Down into No-Dig Gardening
What is no-dig gardening?
Rather than soil tilling or digging, the no-dig garden method focuses on building up layers of organic materials directly on top of the soil. You’ll start with a weed barrier, then add layers of goodness – topsoil, compost, vegetable matter, manure – and plant into that. Over time, these layers break down into rich, healthy soil, which help to promote strong plant growth. But most importantly, it doesn’t disturb the earth’s natural structure.
While the no-dig gardening method is primarily used for allotments and vegetable growing, it provides many benefits for ornamentals too. Especially tender ornamentals that need to be lifted at the end of autumn.
How can you begin no-dig gardening?
In most cases, no-dig gardening requires a three-stage approach.
- Prepare the ground – To start with, lay down a weed barrier. Most people choose cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. But you can also use a thick layer of compost, wood chips, or shredded leaves. The idea is to block sunlight and suppress weeds and grass.
- Layer organic materials – This is essentially your growing medium. If you’re wanting to plant straight away, you may start with bagged compost or topsoil. But over time, it’s common practice to add other materials, such as mulch, straw, grass clippings, and well-rotted manure. Each layer enhances the health and fertility of the soil.
- Plant – Once you have a prepared no-dig bed, you can plant directly into it. The idea is to plant only in the layers you have added, without disturbing the soil structure below. As your plants grow, their roots will work down into the soil, gaining nutrients and enhancing the structure.
What are the benefits of the no-dig gardening method?
No-dig gardening carries a range of benefits that can help in all gardening styles.
It improves the health of your soil
When we dig soil, we destroy its structure and the microorganisms that live within it. By adopting the no-dig approach, you are actively preserving and adding to the health and structure of the soil.
It delivers stronger plants and better harvests
Studies have shown that the no-dig method typically produces stronger plants, earlier harvests, and better yields. This is because the soil is warmer and healthier. And the roots have more room to establish and grow.
It supports moisture retention
By adding layers to your soil, you help it to retain water. This not only reduces the need for frequent watering. It’s better for the environment. And it supports healthier plants, particularly in allotments that you can’t get to every day.
It reduces weed growth
While weeds will always grow where there’s soil to support them, and there’s little you can do to stop wind-blown or bird-dropped weeds, no-dig does reduce weeding. Because when you dig the soil, you disturb latent roots and seeds, which will then grow. By layering on top of them instead, you are naturally suppressing their growth.
It prevents carbon dioxide from leaving the soil
Soil contains carbon. When you dig it, you cause it to oxidise, adding to your carbon footprint. If you don’t dig the soil, the carbon stays where it is.
It’s faster
Because there’s no digging and little weeding, once you’ve implemented a no-dig garden bed, it takes up very little time.
No-dig gardening isn’t for everyone. You have to invest in it to start with, putting money into materials and time into its creation. But when established, it can be well worth the effort. And definitely something to consider for gardeners who enjoy trying something new.
The Holker Hall Gardens will be open again to the public from Friday March 21st 2025.