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Hints & Tips

The 'NO DIG' Method

Some garden experts maintain that digging in the garden actually breaks down the soil structure and encourages the germination of weeds.

The 'NO DIG' method is certainly a welcome alternative to the backbreaking efforts of our forebears. As it implies the 'NO DIG' method involves the building up of a garden bed over the existing soil level. The steps for creating a 'NO DIG' garden bed are as follows:

  1. Firstly define the garden bed by creating a 'frame' - be it wooden sleepers, rocks etc.
  2. Then lay overlapping sheets of newspaper over the bed to a thickness of 1cm. When completed thoroughly soak the newspaper.
  3. Next cover the newspaper with pads of Lucerne hay - straight from the bale.
  4. Over the hay dry chicken manure is sprinkled followed by 15cm of loose straw and more organic manure (Sheep or Cow are also suitable).
  5. Finally 5 to 10cm of good compost is placed and seeds/seedlings are planted into this.
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All fact sheets that appear on this website are Copyright © Lisa Passmore (Inspired By Nature), 2004.