My soil is very compacted; do I need to dig it first before I can start a no-dig bed?

It’s best not to dig the soil. Where the ground feels overly firm, insert a fork and gently rock it back and forth before removing, and repeat. Organic matter can be worked into the holes to prevent spaces from closing up completely. Work over the area in this way, but avoid turning the soil.

How do I plant new plants without digging a hole?

So long as you minimise soil disturbance, it’s fine to dig small holes to plant into. For instance when planting potatoes, rather than digging a long trench, drop individual tubers into holes made with a trowel or bulb planter. Once shoots emerge, earth them up with additional organic matter.

How does crop rotation work with no-dig?

Crop rotation fits well with no-dig gardening, since whether you dig or not, it’s best not to grow the same crop in the same place for too long. This helps to prevent build-up of soil-borne disease.

What organic matter can I use as mulch?

You can use any well-rotted organic matter – homemade garden compost or well-rotted stable or farmyard manure are ideal. However, good quality peat-free mushroom compost or soil improver will also work. Leaf mould is less rich in nutrients, so is best used where growing ornamentals rather than vegetables.

I have bought some manure/soil conditioner that is steaming and smells slightly. Is it ok to plant into this straight away?

After applying it to the ground, allow six weeks or more for this organic matter to compost further before planting.

Is no-dig gardening just for growing vegetables?

No-dig is mainly used as a technique for growing vegetables, or eliminating grasses and weeds, but organic mulches (a form of fertiliser) can be used anywhere in the garden as a way to enrich and develop your soil. Bear in mind the cost of imported (bagged/delivered) products, and ask yourself if further nutrients are really needed or desired on a bed-by-bed basis.

How do I harvest root crops without digging them up?

Crops such carrots and parsnips can usually be harvested by firmly pulling or twisting off from the ground. Lift potatoes by pulling upwards on the stem – the tubers easily come to the surface as the mulch in which they’re growing is looser than soil. Pull back the mulch with your hands to find any that are buried deeper.

Do I still need to use fertilisers?

Additional fertilisers aren’t required with no-dig growing, or mulched borders, as plants get the nutrients they need from decomposing organic matter. Using additional fertilisers can disrupt the delicate balance that exists within the soil. However, for hungry crops such as tomatoes, and where nutrient deficiencies occur, apply according to need.

Can I do no-dig whatever soil type I have?

No-dig gardening benefits all soil types. Soil and its structure can be greatly improved with the addition of organic matter applied annually as mulch.

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