Dig Dig Digging

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Of course, some maintenance will be required in your no-dig garden. 'You will need to add a layer of ‘mulch’– normally compost – over the top of your beds each year,' explains Joseph. Compaction – Walk on your beds as little as possible. Beds of around 1.2m width should allow you to reach into the centre from either side. Where beds are wider and on heavy wet soils, use planks to spread your weight. However, don’t be too concerned about compaction. Beds can take your weight, since true compaction only occurs as a result of heavy machinery or vehicle use in the area. A no-dig garden doesn't just make life easier: it also encourages plants grow more healthily, and means fewer weeds, too.

Diggingin compost and soil improvers into the soil has been a must-do for years in the eyes of gardeners,' continues Joseph. We have been digging crops for the last 100 years, and doing it successfully,' agrees Joseph. 'However, think about it as if you need to go to the shops and you have two routes to get there; one route is a straight 1 mile path, and the other is a 10 mile walk up hill, trampling a fragile ecosystem underfoot. Those that dig into the soil feature two hardened blades attached to two long handles. You place the digger head into the soil and pull the handles apart, causing the head to grab the soil for easier removal, repeating the process as you dig down into the earth. Things to consider when buying a post hole digger Digger Type Consider whether you want to use a manual or powered tool for the task. A manual device is much cheaper and relatively easy to use, although some physical strength is needed when working on tough soil.Mulching – Apply an annual mulch around 5cm deep to your no-dig beds. Typically this is applied in autumn once the main cropping period has finished, but can be done at any time of year. We have witnessed many examples of environmental damage and soil erosion in the world due to mankind’s activity, so it makes sense that less intervention with our garden soil is a better approach to ensuring more fertile soils,' explains Matthew.

However, some people prefer to cover it over with soil and lay a lawn over the top; nobody would ever know the trench was there!There is a misconception thatnodigrequires a lot of compost. Yes, in year one you will need a lot, but in the years that follow, you only need to add a couple of inches on top, which is arguably less that you would bediggingin anyway,' says Joseph, dismissing one of the biggest no-dig cons out there. Now you know exactly what you need to dig a drainage trench, I’ve created this easy to follow step by step guide. Take your time with the work; there’s no need to rush and it’s better to get it right the first time than to rush through only to realise you forgot something! Step 1 – Planning The Dig Before you start to plan for your drainage trench, you’ll need to make sure that you’re familiar with the correct dimensions. Generally speaking, you’re going to want your trench to be no less than 18 inches. This is the perfect depth as it gives you plenty of room to install a gravel base as well as space for the pipe. Out of sight,diggingcan break down the the natural structure of the soil, destroying networks of fungal growth, which can impact the ability of a plant's roots to access water and nutrients,' says Joseph. Plenty of people swear by the no-dig gardening method, with the likes of gardeners and garden designers such as Joseph Clark and Matthew Childs piling praise upon it. Many claim that no-dig gardening makes for healthier plants, fewer weeds, better soil quality, and a more eco-friendly approach to planting, too. What is a criticism of no-dig gardening?

Once you’re done with the gravel, you will need to think about a drain gate. You can do this either near a downspout or in an area where floods are problematic within the garden. The drain gate will take in the water that would otherwise flood and direct it along your trench.Matthew agrees, adding: 'I have certainly noticed in my my own veg garden that the less I disturb the soil the less weeds I get germinating competing with my crops.' 3. Better soil quality

You’ll see a reduction in weeds, particularly annual weeds, whose seed comes to the surface and germinates when diggingSow seed directly into the surface mulch, as you would normally in the soil/ground. Alternatively, raise young plants in cell/module trays, before planting out into the layer of mulch. The latter tends to lead to less slug damage, since plants are larger and more robust when planted out. That said, manual types do require a bit of strength to operate, although it should still be much easier compared to digging with a shovel. The handles are a decent length and offer a good grip, allowing you to easily rotate the device, even if soil is dry or compacted.