“DO NOT DIG YOUR GARDEN!!!”
“WHY?”
When soil is turned over it destroys the soil structure. When you construct a bed which does not need digging you are not disturbing the topsoil.
This means that the soil microbes, worms and creatures can continue doing what they do best in your garden.
Using this method of organic vegetable gardening is the most efficient and practical way of building a `No-Dig` bed. It is particularly suited to older people or people with physical disabilities. But it is also much better for the soil and growing media.
Aiming for no compaction of the soil will give greater benefits to your garden and make gardening a lot easier.
Air, water, and other nutrients progress through soil by passages made naturally by worms and plant roots. When the soil is compacted these passageways are destroyed.
By arranging your beds to be no more than approximately 1.25metres (4 feet) across and however long you want, you do not have to stand on the soil in the bed, thus avoiding compating the soil.
If you start with a small bed, (1.25m x 2.5m \ 4’ x 8’) you can expand it at any time, giving you flexibility and control over the size and layout of your garden.
This is an ideal way to start organic gardening if you are new to it and want to gain experience. It is also an excellent way for experienced gardeners to start new projects, isolate beds or experiment with different crops.
Regardless of location, `No-Dig` vegetable gardens are a great option. It doesn’t matter what sort of soil you are starting with. The layering of materials within the bed will continue to condition and feed your soil. Eventually your soil will be rich, dark and nutritious.
A `No-Dig` garden bed can be easily built over existing garden beds, lawns, hard rocky ground or even concrete.
It is better to build the bed in a place which receives good morning/afternoon sun. It should also have good drainage.
It`s not necessary to dig up lawn or any existing garden plants. You will be ‘killing off’ what is already there with the materials you will use to make your new bed.
