No-dig gardening is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly way to garden by leaving the soil undisturbed to enrich the soil naturally. Follow this guide to get started.

1. Choose a location

Pick a sunny spot with good drainage. No-dig gardens can be set up directly on soil, grass or even gravelled areas.

2. Lay down a weed barrier

This step is optional, but if you want the best success, cover the area with cardboard or thick newspaper to impede weed growth. Overlap the edges to ensure complete coverage and water it well to keep it in place.

3. Add mulch

Layer organic materials like dried leaves, small twigs, well-rotted manure and straw over the cardboard or newspaper. Start with about 10 to 15 centimetres of organic matter and keep adding layers year after year.

4. Finish with soil

Finish off with a top layer of nutrient-rich soil and compost about 20 to 25 centimetres deep. This is where you’ll plant your seeds or seedlings. Over time, the layers underneath will decompose, creating rich, fertile soil without disturbing the earth.

With no-dig gardening, you can plant straight into the top layer of soil, so a new bed is ready for planting as soon as it has been made. This method will help you save time, improve soil health and enjoy a thriving garden!