A Gardening Method Which Recommends Not to Dig the Soil

Gardeners commonly dig their gardens at least once per year to loosen and aerate the soil and to incorporate compost or manure. However, digging remains one of the most “hated” gardening tasks because it requires a lot of physical work and usually also a lot of time especially if having a large garden. Would not gardening be great if no digging would be required? There is a gardening method – the no-dig gardening which (like the name implies) requires no digging. Even more, it recommends not to dig the soil.

The no-dig gardening method bases on theory that digging and tilling of the soil damage the soil structure and beneficial microorganisms. But how to grow plants without digging? Well, the theory is very simple. You put organic matter such as compost, manure, old straw, etc. as a mulch directly on the soil surface about 2 to 6 inches thick and virtually grow vegetables and fruits above the ground. Sometimes wetted paper or cardboard are added first to prevent weed and unwanted plant material growth. No-dig gardening is a long process and also requires a lot of organic matter but it is a lot easier than the conventional method. In addition, no-dig gardening is also claims to have less difficulties with pests and diseases, while more moisture is conserved under the mulch than under the bare earth.

No-dig gardening might seem a bit radical but when learning more about its concept it actually makes a lot of sense. If you are starting a garden or want to change your method of gardening you should seriously take into account the no-dig gardening method.