[Swing Swang]

compost happens - I'm a digger and I've been using the backsaver auto spade for the last three seasons - http://www.backsavergardentools.co.uk
Does everything they claim it does, and allows you to dig at about 2-3 times the speed of normal digging. No twinges in the back after as much as 4-6 hours, although you do feel it a little in the upper chest.

[upert]

I know people with the backsaving autospade and they love it. Or you could use a long-handled fork/shovel, I do as they're easier on my back.

Heard good things about potatoes under straw and you can buy it from a horse food shop in lighter bags - which keeps the car clean too. Otherwise bales might be a touch heavy.

[compostqueen]

How come "no dig" threads always end up about digging

[mumofstig]

This time the advice about autospades was given because the op has a bad back and was talking about digging his potatoes up ; )

[Robster]

I've used no dig techniques in raised beds at my Lotty for three or four years.  After the initial frankly back breaking work of the initial dig its been a complete doddle.  Potatoes are still a fair bit of work in getting them harvested but only because there are a lot of them, the soil is still easy to fork up.  All I do these days is fork over and incorporate manure etc.  I've also noticed a huge increase in the worm population as the beds have become established.

[compostqueen]

You don't have to incorporate muck, you can leave it on top if you can't manage to turn it in 

[Dave NE]

.  I've also noticed a huge increase in the worm population as the beds have become established.
Music to my ears, Dave

[Madame Cholet]

My no dig beds are on clay and drain away when my neighbour's look water logged.

[Mr Dog]

The other big advantage with not digging in the layer of compost/manure is the enormous reduction in weed seedlings that grow - numbers increase towards the back end of the season when the worms have done their stuff and incorporated the 'muck' into the soil - meaning less time hoeing and more to enjoy watching things grow!