The No Dig Garden

 

    I want to start out by saying that when I first started gardening, I tilled every inch of my garden, I thought this was something you were supposed to do. I even went out a purchased a brand-new tiller to help me do it. I learned along the way what this was doing to my garden and the hidden issues it was causing undenounced to me. 

    My garden would get covered in weeds every year. I was spending most of my time tending to the weeds, then I was my own garden. I figured every year I would just go in there with the tiller and use that to wipe out the weeds... not understanding at the time that the tiller was actually causing the weeds to spread.

    My garden was covered in milkweed, and I thought that it would be a good idea to chop it down and then till up the ground to try to get the roots out. I was wrong, I started to do some research and discovered that the more you disturb the roots, the more the weed would spread and grow. My garden turned into a jungle. I had to figure something out quick. I read online that you should only cut the top of the weed off and leave the roots undisturbed. Removing the leaves and stems would stop their ability to soak up the sun and this would kill off the roots.

The destruction of the soil was causing the milkweed to spread every time one of those roots were cut, it was a never-ending cycle. This is what lead me to the no dig garden.

                                               Photo by Greta Hoffman

A no-dig garden is organic and long-lasting method of growing plants without disturbing the soil. Starting with the preservation of the soil's natural structures and facility, this method offers numerous advantages. 

1. There will be less erosion if the soil is not tilled. 
2.  Better water retention and drainage, reducing the need to water and preventing soil compaction.
3. Reduces weeding- No dig gardening reduces the need for time consuming weeding.
4. Increases soil biodiversity which may result in healthier plants and fewer disease and pests.
5.  Is a low  maintenance strategy that saves time and effort and makes gardening more accessible to everyone. 

In general a no dig garden is a smart and environmentally friendly method for growing your own flowers and food.

Weather you decide to dig or not to dig, the decision is yours. Do what works best for you and your garden.

Happy Gardening!!