[cAnAry53]

anybody tried the no dig growing method and how did it work out

[Baldy]

I'd be interested to hear how people have got on with it. I am thinking of going down the no-dig route for half my plot. I'm currently using a fair bit of cardboard as a repressing mulch on the 'paths' around my raspberries - seems to be working but its small scale and isn't really addressing other benefits that people mention with regard to no-dig.
I hear the worms like no-dig...

[DD.]

If you do a search on "lasagne" in the GYO forum only, (use the advanced search), you'll find a lot of past threads on that particular method.

[angelavdavis]

If you check out my diary, I show you how my husband and I tackled our plot (and new plot this year) using lasagne beds and predominantly no dig methods.  The link to my diary is in my signature below.

[allotmentann]

Now that my plot is cleared I have no intention of digging it again, the more that I read, the more I think that this method makes sense Bod Flowerdew's books are very interesting reading and it seems that he does not do much digging.

[Christine]

Wish the idea worked on brick making clay. Seems I have the one sort of allotment soil where using a spade is necessary.

[mumofstig]

Indeed - I used to have one like that years ago  Very fertile, but a lot of work.

[solway cropper]

My soil was heavy and clay-based but after the initial digging for a few years to get rid of stones, perennial weeds, etc. I gave up on the idea. This will be my fifth year of no-dig and my soil is now in wonderful condition but I must  emphasise that you need an almost limitless supply of organic matter for it to work well. I make tons of compost and leaf mould and also add some animal manure and seaweed. Many people make the mistake of thinking no-dig = no-work. Believe me it doesn't.

[mumofstig]

Many people make the mistake of thinking no-dig = no-work. Believe me it doesn't.

 My point has always been you either work with a spade/fork or a wheelbarrow - nothing is ever effortless 

[DD.]

Other reasons aside, I find digging very therapeutic and good exercise, and I love seeing the birds eat the snail/slug eggs that I've just brought to the surface!

I do appreciate that for some, less digging is better for them.

[allotmentann]

I love digging too, I will need to find some weedy and over grown plots to work on! It is therapeutic, I agree. And it is very true that you need loads of organic matter. There is definitely work whatever you do.

[surbie100]

I'm with the diggers too. I'm a bit slow, because I'm unfit and chubby, but I do enjoy it.

My soil is on a thick pan of clay and has been put on a strict, organic improvement programme! 

[compostqueen]

I don't dig, don't rotovate either.  My soil is clay but it's fine for not being knocked about 

I do make an awful lot of compost but I think every grower should do so irrespective of whether they dig or not 

[Nikkithefoot]

For me it is actually defining 'no-dig'. I don't think you can work a plot without ever turning the soil through the action of harvesting, weeding etc. I believe the 'no dig' refers to no longer double digging which has been shown to be not good for the overall soil structure.

Once I had thoroughly dug over my plot to remove as many of the weeds as possible, I started covering with a thick manure mulch in the Autumn and fork in what is left in spring as I plant. Any non mulched areas get weed suppressing membrane over them until planting / sowing time. The only digging as such thereafter is to harvest crops such as spuds etc

My soil has improved beyond all recognition now.

[Ema]

Im thinking of trying a few no dig beds this year don't think I will have chance to dig the whole 10*15 meter plot in time for sowing.

I was tryin to think of a lazy method for growing spuds I've allocated them 1/4 or the plot this year. The plot currently looks like a lawn with a few plantains growing. I don't really want to buy loads of weed matting.