Year 11 of trialling growth in these two beds, side-by-side. Both beds grow the same plants and seeds and they receive the same amount of compost once a year in December.
The only difference is that I dig the left-hand bed, every December. The compost goes into the 20 cm/8 inch trenches. I dig those as I move along with the spade.
In 2022 the dig bed gave 97 kg and the no dig bed 111 kg of harvests. This year again, growth so far on the no dig bed looks stronger, see what you think.
You can find also many details on this webpage about the trial
17 Comments
it was not very clear to spot the difference because the angle was constantly changing
Quick question, I tried to use fleece for the first time but the slugs realy took a number on my beetroots. (Sowed a new batch last week as replacements). The slugs really loved it underneath the fleece, what do you do to prevent slug damage underneath fleece with seedlings?
Love this so much!😁💚🌱
Thanks Charles, what a difference between dig and no dig beds. Great stuff 👍
33 days of growth in your dig bed is way better than in any of myne. RFA🇿🇦
Better result with less work and saving time, while not killing off soil life. It is beyond me why people keep digging. Thanks for doing these trials! 🌱
I just realized I need a garden blazer. 😊
Great ! Thanks u
The whole no dig thing makes sense, but how Em I suppose to get so much compost every year
Dud you put compost on no dig and then turn soil then plant
I always feel like April is a slow month of growing regardless of weather, even slower than October growth when the sun is weaker.. I hypothesize it has something to do with the slow waking up of the soil life..what do you think Charles?
Charles I really appreciate the education you give all of us. One thing that has been on my mind though is I wish your trial here was no dig vs using a broadfork. Digging every season is definitely hurting the soil structure, but using a broadfork to lift it gently doesn’t totally destroy the structure yet helps get some more air into the lower reaches. I use a broadfork that has 18” long tines and regularly harvest carrots that are 16-24” long. The parsnips are even longer up to 40” long. You probably don’t want to change your trial at this point, but I think you would find that especially with longer root crops the broadfork is superior. Thank you for all you do!
These fleece ase costly.
I don't have the space.
I have no experience in gardening.
What keeps me listening to him is his soothing voice 😂
I wish I could send my pics of my garden! You are soo right! All thanks to you I'm getting there. God bless you. From Eastern NC USA ❤
2 seasons ago I took what I have learned from you and “ built” a no dig raised bed. I made my box 4”x4” added shredded leaves,wood chips grass clippings/ garden waste shredded cardboard sea weed and chicken manure. I have added to it again this year it has been growing potatoes. The “soil” is amazing. I have rich dark earth that has seemingly appeared out of scrapes of nothingness. I am now growing 90% of my garden in the same fashion and getting great results. Thank you Charles for all that you do in and for the gardening community!!
Simple but incredible, , 🎉