November 21, 2024

VIDEO: No Dig: feed the soil not the plants for many, easier harvests and few weeds


After 11 months of no feeds or fertilisers, see the fine growth of Homeacres vegetables, many planted in summer after clearing first harvests, and no compost or other food added. In undisturbed and mulched soil, organisms manage resources better plus plants root more easily, as you see here.

Discover more at https://www.charlesdowding.co.uk/no-dig-growing/homeacres/ and in my books such as No Dig Organic https://www.charlesdowding.co.uk/product/no-dig-organic-home-garden/ which is available in the USA from Chelsea Green Publishing, my Diary too and there is a special offer – https://www.chelseagreen.com/farm-garden/no-dig-organic-home-garden
Filmed at Homeacres, UK zone 8b climate, 9.10.17 by David Adams

24 thoughts on “VIDEO: No Dig: feed the soil not the plants for many, easier harvests and few weeds

  1. Because of you and No Dig, I finally created a gmail account so I could subscribe to your channel! Was so excited about doing this, but concerned about keep the squirrels out. What is the easiest way to prevent the squirrels from eating the plants?

  2. I am 58 years old and have purchased 9 acres. nearly 15 cows were grazing freely. i have been of the opinion that nature will provide if human beings do not disturb; the only requirement is he has to keep quiet. practically i have zero experience; only patient observation; am about to start mulching my field. what you have accomplished is gratifying and an encouragement.

  3. Hi Charles, really good videos! Then the main objective is to have a compost pile big enough to cover at least 5 cm for all the garden surface, right? Once you have that it would be not only easier but almost for free, right?

  4. I know you know your stuff because of your reputation, but this is the fourth “introductory” video of yours that I’ve watched to try get the ABCs of what to do, and every single one rambles off into some experiment or specific examples from your garden or discussion of the benefits or comparison of composts or whatever comes into your head, with practically no basic information on the actual procedure for a beginner. Maybe a script or teaming up with a skilled communicator would help them get some focus?

  5. I am convinced that this is the way I want to convert my garden and I think this video may one of the best ones to show my husband. He’s very old school and wants to till up the whole garden every spring, which this year made me cringe to watch him destroy the soil structure. It’s baby steps with him…thank you for giving me the confidence and motivation to show him a better way!!

  6. You are changing the world @CharlesDowding . I think when researched ( no dig / food forest etc ) heavily it could work in Africa. We are Farmers ! We don’t have the proper Educational Knowledge to improve soil & innovative crop growing technology.

  7. Hey charles: How do you feel about wood stove ash? Is it good for the soil? I've been in contact with Little Ida from Little Ida's farm. She told me about your channel. She has shown on her channel that she uses cardboard with 3 to 4 inches of Compost on top. What would you yourself would reccommend?.

  8. Do you cover your beds after adding a mulch in autumn so the worms turn the soil or not? If so what do you cover with? Couldn’t find anything in your book about covering them except for weed suppression.

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