no dig gardening

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If you are looking for an easier way to start a backyard garden, prepare a new flower bed, or to add a new area to your setup, then this article on no dig gardening is the tip that will change everything. This helpful guide on a unique gardening approach will get you back into the growing game.

Gardening 101 is all about techniques that you can incorporate into your growing routine. Tips for effortless homesteading that revolves around gardening and growing your own food.

Gardening is a task that can benefit anyone at any age. Growing your own food is an essential part of homesteading and one that can have so many positive effects on your home, family, and how you eat.

Traditional gardening such as setting up a new growing area is hard work. You need to things such as removing sod, tilling the soil that is usually hard and compacted, removing weeds while things try to grow, and constantly adding compost to keep plants healthy.

If you are a midlife gardener like me, then this hard work might not be something you are able to do as easily as you once did.

The good news is there is a short cut you can use. Another method that is gaining popularity among gardeners called: no dig gardening. This approach eliminates the need for tilling, removing sod, and digging all while giving you the base for your healthiest garden yet.

I love finding easier ways to garden, and this one checks all the boxes!

What is no dig gardening?

No dig gardening, also known as lasagna gardening, is a way to grow plants without digging or tilling the soil.

Instead of doing all the backbreaking work, you add layers of compost and organic matter on top of the ground, letting it sit to do its magic. This allows things to decompose, creating a nutrient-rich environment for plants to grow.

This method is based on the concept of permaculture – working with nature instead of against it. It also allows you to use up waste products (aka recyclable trash) around your home by giving things like paper and yard waste a purpose in your own backyard.

Benefits of no dig gardening

There are so many reasons why I love and prefer using this way of prepping a new garden, here are just a few:

#1. Saves time

No dig gardening requires less prep work. If you are in a rush, you can actually plant on top of the layers without having to wait the full time for the compost to happen. Just a layer of soil is all you need to plant seeds in your no dig area.

#2. Easier physically

If you have back or knee issues, this style of gardening is a good fit for you because it eliminates the removal of any sod or having to lug a rototiller which can be a heavy piece of equipment.

#4. Can be done alone

This is a big benefit for me, as finding help as an empty nester can be hard. No dig gardening allows me to do it on my own without having to wait for someone to help.

#5. Improves soil health

By layering organic matter on top of the ground, you are essentially creating a compost pile that will naturally break down over time. This improves the structure and fertility of the soil, although slowly, allowing plants to grow stronger and healthier.

Our soil is mostly clay, a hard soil to grow in. No dig gardening allows me to jump-start a new area and improve the soil I have all in one step.

#6. Reduces weed growth

The layers also help prevent dormant weed seeds from coming to the surface where they can germinate and grow. This means less time spent weeding and more time working on other areas.

#7. Saves on watering

The layers as a natural mulch, helping to retain moisture in the soil. This means you won’t have to “heavy” water your garden as often, giving your roots the best environment in which to thrive.

How to start a no dig garden

As mentioned earlier, no dig gardening is like setting up a compost area where you will plant your seeds. That means the secret to this method works best in the layers.

Step #1. Choose a location

Look for an area with good sunlight, at least 6-8 hours daily. You will also want to consider how close your water source is to make this daily chore easier.

Be sure to consider the wildlife in the area that might want to enjoy a meal in your new garden. You would not want to set up a garden near where you routinely see rabbits, or deer for example.

Step #2. Prepare the ground

With this method, getting your area ready for layering is simple. All you need to do is remove any large debris, such as branches or rocks.

Let the sod stay as is; the layers will take care of breaking that hard layer down as your garden above grows.

Step #3. Gather materials

You can gather up all the materials for all the layers you plan to use, but I find it easier to gather up each layer as I need them. This way, I can make sure I have enough leaves, grass, or paper, making the setup go more smoothly.

Remember the list of materials you can use:

• Leaves
• Sraw
• Grass clippings
• Compost
• Manure
• Shredded paper or newspaper
• Cardboard

Step #4. Layer the materials

Start with a thick layer of newspapers or cardboard to suppress any weeds. This is your base layer and it will ensure you new bed is clean and weed free.

Next, add a layer of nitrogen-rich green materials like grass clippings, followed by a layer of carbon-rich materials like leaves.

Repeat these layers until you have a depth of at least 12 inches. If it is a windy day you can water each layer down to help hold it into place.

Step #5. Add compost

Once your layers are complete, top it off with a layer of finished compost. This will provide essential nutrients for your plants to grow.

Step #6. Let it sit

The best way for this process to work is to let your layers sit and work their magic over winter. So you can do your layers in the fall and have a bed that is ready to plant in the spring.

If you are reading this in the spring, no worries, you can still plant in your no dig garden! All you need to do is add a layer of soil to plant your seeds. About 4-6 inches of soil is usually enough to plant most seeds in. As the seeds grow, the layers will compost, giving the roots room to flourish.

Square Foot Garden Planner+Guide2024 Garden PlannerHerb Garden Planner+Guide

 

Step #7. Plant and mulch

Once spring arrives, you can plant your seeds and seedlings as normal. Follow the directions of the packets to ensure you are doing the best depth and spacing suggested.

Step #8. Maintain

As the organic materials break down below the roots, they will continue to provide nutrients for your plants above. You can also periodically add more compost or mulch as needed.

I love adding cut grass and compost throughout the growing season, giving us large, healthy, thriving plants.

Step #9. Harvest and enjoy

Harvesting is the same as with a traditional garden. Again, follow the seed packet’s suggestions for tips and timing.

With no dig gardening, you can look forward to a bountiful harvest of fresh, organic produce without the heavy backbreaking work.

Remember to rotate your crops each season to maintain healthy soil.

Con’s of No Dig Gardening

No dig gardening does have its drawbacks and may not be suitable for every situation.

1. Enough Materials – No dig gardening requires a lot of compostable materials, and you may not have enough to make multiple beds. I find it best to start with one bed now and add more as you acquire more materials.
2. Boarder Set Up – Even though this method is easier to do physically, it does have some heavier work, and that is the boarders. Be sure to ask for help if you choose a heavy material such as cinder blocks, large logs, or wood posts.

Tips for No Dig Gardening

Now that you have the basics of how no dig gardening works, let’s look at a few additional tips to keep in mind.

#1. Start out small

If you are new to no dig gardening, it’s best to start with a small area first. This will help you get familiar with the process and see if it is suitable for your situation.

#2. Use quality materials

It’s important to use high-quality compost and organic materials for your no dig garden. This will ensure that your plants have all the necessary nutrients they need to thrive.

#3. Keep it Local

Do not be tempted to bring in materials such as leaves or cut grass from a neighbor’s home. I did this one year and ended up bringing in disease from their property into mine. The best advice I can give is to only use materials from your own property.

#4. Layer your materials correctly

To achieve optimal results, remember to layer your materials in the correct order. Here is a quick and straighforward layer plan.

1. Newspaper – blocks weeds and grass
2. Plant waste- nitrogen
3. Twigs and small branches – carbon
4. Cut grass – nitrogen
5. Dried leaves or wood chips – carbon
6. Compost

#5. Water the layers to compost

The layers will compost more easily with the right amount of moisture. Check your bed area regularly to ensure the moisture is where it needs to be.

#6. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases

While no dig gardening can help reduce the risk of pests and diseases, it’s still important to keep an eye out for any potential issues. Be sure to remove any diseased plants immediately and take preventative measures, such as companion planting, to deter pests.

Easier Gardening Tools:

Gardening Hand Tool Set 3 Pack – MDSXO Heavy Duty Gardening Kit with Non-Slip Soft Ergonomic Handle, Great Garden Gift for Women Men[Stainless Steel]BESTHLS Garden Kneeler and Seat – Heavy Duty Folding Stool for Gardening, Protects Knees and Back, Supports up to 330 lbs – Great Gift for GardenersNoCry Extra Thick Professional Garden Kneeling Pad — Heavy Duty Anti-Slip Coating, Ultra Soft High Density Foam Cushion, Water & Dirt Resistant, Shock Absorbent Garden KneelerWeed Puller Tool Garden Weed Pulling Tool, Portable Garden Weeder Tool Uprooting Weeding Tool, 4 Teeth Manganese Steel Forged Hand Weeder for Vegetable Gardening Backyard Farm Planting & WeedingHIRALIY 118FT Garden Watering System, Drip Irrigation Kits for Plants, New Quick-Connect Fittings, Blank Distribution Tubing, Saving Water Automatic Irrigation Equipment for Patio Lawn

 

No dig gardening is a great way to put the easy button in your gardening routine. It eliminates a lot of the back-breaking work and is also a great way to amend poor soil issues where you live.

Whether you are looking to improve soil health, reduce labor, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own produce, no dig gardening is a viable option to consider.

More No Dig Gardening Resources:

• The Pros and Cons of Lasagna Gardening
• Lasagna Gardening for Beginners
• What is Straw Bale Gardening?