If you’re here, chances are you’re dreaming of becoming more self-sufficient by growing your own fresh, delicious produce right in your backyard.

Plus, let’s face it, the stuff in grocery stores is often overpriced, bland, and about as nutritious as cardboard.

Who needs that?

But let’s be honest, finding the time and energy to start and maintain a garden takes effort.

The problem many of us face is that traditional gardening methods can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Digging, tilling, weeding, and constant upkeep can quickly turn your dream of a bountiful garden into a never-ending chore list.

And with our busy lives, who has time for that?

That’s where no-dig gardening comes in handy.

Imagine a garden that requires minimal weeding and upkeep, yet produces a huge amount of food with very little effort.

Sounds too good to be true, right?

The no-dig method, also known as "no-till" or "lasagna gardening”, is a simple way to grow your own food without breaking your back or your schedule.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to start your own no-dig garden.

But first…

What is no-dig gardening exactly?

Fundamentally, no-dig gardening is all about working with nature rather than against it.

Traditional gardening methods often involve digging and tilling the soil, which can disrupt the natural ecosystem, harm beneficial organisms, and ultimately lead to soil erosion.

No-dig gardening takes a different approach.

By adding a thick layer of compost on top of the soil, you create a rich, fertile environment that promotes healthy plant growth without disturbing the soil's structure.

This compost layer breaks down slowly through the action of the soil food web, making previously unavailable nutrients that were "locked up" in the soil accessible to your plants.

In hotter climates, an additional mulch layer on top of the compost can help retain moisture and protect the compost from drying out.

This method not only saves you the back-breaking labor of constantly digging or tilling, but also improves the soil's ability to retain moisture and nutrients.

In return, you’ll get healthier plants and bigger yields.

How no-dig gardening works with nature.

Your garden soil is already teeming with life, thanks to natural processes happening in the soil.

This is known as the soil food web.

In reality, it’s much like an entire underground ecosystem.

Tiny microorganisms like bacteria and fungi are the first to break down organic matter.

Then, slightly bigger critters like nematodes and earthworms eat those microorganisms.

And this goes on all the way to the top of the food chain.

The actions of the earthworms and all the other organisms help aerate the soil and create channels for water and air to reach plant roots.

Now, think about what happens when you till your soil.

Tilling disrupts this whole process.

It breaks up the soil structure and destroys the habitats of these beneficial organisms.

It’s much like when humans are at war with each other and tear down whole cities with bombs.

Suddenly, everyone’s gone, and everything comes to a halt.

With no-dig gardening, we take a different approach.

We work with these natural processes rather than against them.

By not disturbing the soil, we allow beneficial microorganisms, fungi, and worms to thrive.

These tiny helpers break down organic matter, aerate the soil, and create channels for water and air, essentially acting as invisible garden workers constantly improving your soil's health.

By letting nature do its job, you create a healthier, more productive garden with less effort.

And that’s essentially the goal.

To create a balanced ecosystem where plants can thrive with minimal intervention.

But like any gardening method, no-dig gardening has its own set of pros and cons.

Let’s take a closer look at both the advantages and potential challenges you might face with this approach.

The pros of no-dig gardening

Soil health

As I mentioned before, no-dig gardening is great for the soil. By leaving it undisturbed, you keep all those beneficial organisms (like earthworms, fungi, and bacteria) happy and thriving. These little helpers break down organic matter and improve soil structure, making nutrients more available to your plants. As the saying goes: take care of your soil, and the soil will take care of your plants.

Weed suppression

Who likes weeding? No-dig gardening significantly reduces the time you spend battling weeds. A thick layer of mulch or compost keeps weed seeds from seeing the light of day, which means they’re less likely to germinate. Although some weeds will eventually pop up here and there, the time it takes to manage these is minimal. And less weeding means that you’ll have more time to enjoy your garden (and your back).

Water retention

One of the best things about no-dig gardening is its ability to retain moisture. The layers of organic matter act like a sponge, holding onto water and keeping your plants hydrated longer. This will save you water throughout the season and help your plants during dry spells.

Less physical labor

No-dig gardening is easier on your back and joints. Without the need to till or turn the soil, you can set up and maintain your garden with much less physical effort. This is a big plus for anyone that struggles physically or those who simply prefer a gentler gardening method.

Biodiversity

When you don’t disturb the soil, you create a more biodiverse environment. A no-dig garden supports a variety of plants, insects, and other wildlife, leading to an overall healthier and more resilient ecosystem. Plus, a garden buzzing with life is just much more enjoyable!

Having said that, like any method, there are also potential challenges you’ll need to consider.

The cons of no-dig gardening

Initial setup cost

Although starting a no-dig garden can be done entirely for free, it can be a bit pricey if you don’t have access to a lot of compost or don’t know how to make sufficient quantities yourself. You’ll need a significant amount of organic material like compost and mulch to get started. This is because, for the first layer when creating your beds, you’ll need enough to smother any vegetation below it. However, once your garden is established, the amount of compost used after the initial bed creation tends to be the same as for traditional garden beds. We just top up our beds once per year.

Nutrient lock-up

If you’re using high-carbon mulches like wood chips (for pathways or on the beds in hotter climates), you might experience a temporary nitrogen lock-up as microorganisms break down the material. This can make nitrogen less available to your plants in the short term. Adding a bit of extra nitrogen, such as chicken manure, can help balance things out. After a couple of months, once the wood chips start to break down, this nitrogen and other nutrients will again be readily available to plants, and your soil will actually become even healthier.

Weed management in early stages

While no-dig gardening eventually suppresses weeds effectively, the initial stages can be a bit weedy. Persistent perennial weeds might still pop up and require manual removal or additional mulch layers to manage. Sometimes, it can take up to three years before you finally get rid of that annoying creeping grass or bindweed! Patience and persistence will pay off in the long run. As well as making sure to install a weed fabric around your garden.

Limited initial planting depth

One challenge with no-dig gardening is the limited initial planting depth. When you first set up your no-dig garden, the compost layer might not be deep enough for certain plants, especially those with deep root systems like carrots, parsnips, or other root vegetables. Especially if you’re also using a layer of cardboard below the compost. This can make it difficult for these plants to establish themselves properly in the early stages. That’s why I always recommend starting your garden in the fall! This way, everything has the time to break down, the weeds will be smothered and come spring-time your garden is ready to go.

Potential for drying out

Another potential drawback of no-dig gardening is the risk of your compost layers drying out quickly, particularly in hot, dry climates. While compost is excellent for retaining moisture, it can also become dry and form a crust, making it harder for water to penetrate and reach the soil below. This can lead to water stress for your plants. To prevent this, you can add an additional layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, on top of the compost. This extra layer helps to keep the compost moist and cool by providing additional insulation against the heat.

Managing large areas

Implementing no-dig gardening over large areas can be labor-intensive, especially during the initial setup phase. When I started a market garden using the no-dig method, I had to create over 100 garden beds, each 10 meters (33 feet) long by 80 centimeters (30 inches) wide. Let’s just say, I didn’t need to go to the gym. Spreading large amounts of compost and mulch requires significant physical effort and time, particularly if you don’t have access to machinery or additional help. However, I wouldn’t recommend starting that large. Instead, break down the project into smaller, more manageable sections.

In the long run, the initial effort will pay off, as no-dig gardening reduces the need for ongoing heavy labor, such as tilling and frequent weeding.

Once established, your no-dig garden will require less maintenance and provide a healthier, more productive growing environment compared to more traditional gardening methods.

And now that you know the good and the not-so-good about no-dig gardening, you might be thinking, “This sounds great! How do I start?”

Well, setting up a no-dig garden bed is easier than you might think.

How to make a no-dig garden bed?

To create a no-dig garden bed, we need to follow a couple of simple steps.

First, I'll walk you through each step in detail, then I'll share two videos where I show the entire process from start to finish, along with one video where I go over the strategies we’ve applied to our no-dig garden in a Mediterranean-type climate.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Remove any perennials

First things first, we need to clear out the big perennial weeds like brambles, nettles, and bindweed.

These tough guys can be a bit of a challenge and require some elbow grease.

Use a garden fork to gently loosen the soil around the base of these weeds, then pull them out by hand.

As you do this, try to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent them from regrowing.

You won’t get every single root, and it’s ok if you don’t get every last bit, but getting the majority out will make a huge difference.

This manual removal will give your no-dig garden the best start possible.

The energy and time you invest at this stage will help you in seasons to come.

The next steps will help take care of any stragglers that try to make a comeback.

Step 2: Mark out the beds

Next, we need to lay out the structure of your garden beds.

Use string and small stakes to mark out your beds.

I like to standardize bed sizes because it makes crop planning and general garden work much easier.

Plus, it helps you know exactly how much compost and how many seeds you’ll need for each bed.

Aim for beds that are 5 or 10 meters (about 16 or 33 feet) long and 80 cm (about 30 inches) wide.

These dimensions are widely used in market gardening and make it easy to work without stepping on the beds.

Leave pathways about 40 cm (around 16 inches) wide, which is enough space for a wheelbarrow.

This standard size not only makes the garden easier to manage but also optimizes your use of space.

By having uniform bed sizes, you can plan your crop rotations more effectively and make better use of tools and materials.

Measure and mark the beds carefully to ensure they are straight and even.

Having said this, you can of course decide to make the beds in any dimensions you like to fit your space and preferences.

Step 3: Broadfork the beds

Now it’s time to give your soil some love.

Using a garden fork or a broadfork, gently loosen the soil in your bed areas.

The key here is not to turn the soil over but to simply crack it open.

Just insert the fork, move it back and forth to open up the soil, and move on to the next spot.

This process helps with air and oxygen infiltration and reduces soil compaction, which is great for plant roots.

Also, by allowing more air into the soil, you encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

This step is particularly crucial in soils that have been compacted over time.

It’s a gentle way of improving soil structure without disrupting the natural layers and beneficial organisms present in the soil.

I tend to practice this for about three seasons after starting a new garden, doing it between each crop rotation.

After this period, the soil should be perfect and firm, but no longer compacted.

Step 4: Lay down a layer of cardboard

Here comes one of the magic steps for getting rid of pretty much all the weeds: laying down cardboard.

This step helps smother the existing vegetation and allows you to start with a clean slate.

When laying down the cardboard, make sure to overlap the sheets by at least 20 cm (about 8 inches) to make sure there are no gaps for weeds to sneak through.

You can buy cardboard rolls or collect boxes locally.

Just make sure to avoid anything glossy.

In windy areas, place rocks or weights on the cardboard as you lay it down.

For a pro tip, soak the cardboard first or wet it thoroughly after laying it down.

This helps it stay in place and starts the decomposition process.

Using cardboard is a great way to recycle materials while benefiting your garden.

The cardboard will break down over time, adding to the organic matter in your soil and helping to maintain moisture.

And somehow, worms seem to love cardboard!

Make sure the cardboard is free of tape and staples to avoid introducing non-biodegradable materials into your garden.

This layer acts as a barrier against weeds and creates a perfect base for your compost layer.

Step 5: Add a thick layer of compost

With the weed barrier in place, it’s time to add a thick layer of compost to your no-dig garden.

Compost is an essential ingredient in no-dig gardening, as it helps to build healthy soil and provides nutrients to your plants.

To add compost to your garden, start by spreading a thick layer over the top of the cardboard or other weed barrier.

Aim for a layer that’s at least 20 cm (8 inches) thick, as this will provide a good base for your plants to grow in.

You can use a shovel or rake to spread the compost evenly across the bed.

When choosing compost for your no-dig garden, it’s important to use a high-quality, well-aged product.

Avoid using fresh or uncomposted materials, as these can contain harmful pathogens that can damage your plants or weed seeds that will make all your work useless.

You can make your own compost using kitchen scraps and yard waste, or purchase it from a local supplier.

Spread it evenly and gently compress it by walking on it or using the back of a shovel to ensure good contact with the cardboard below.

Step 6: Mulch your pathways

As a final step, to keep everything clean and functional, mulch your pathways.

In really wet climates, using compost in the pathways can help deter slugs and snails.

In hotter climates, wood chips or straw work well.

Just make sure they’re free of weeds.

Mulching the pathways helps prevent weeds and keeps the soil around it moist and cool.

Plus, it’s much nicer to walk on.

Apply a generous layer of your chosen mulch material, about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) deep, in the pathways between your beds.

This will suppress weed growth and create a clean, dry surface to walk on.

Regularly top up the mulch as it breaks down to maintain effective weed control and moisture retention.

In hotter climates, it's important to add an additional layer of mulch on top of the compost in your garden beds.

This extra layer helps prevent the compost from drying out too quickly.

This way, it retains its beneficial properties.

You can use wood chips, straw, or any locally available material as long as it’s untreated and doesn’t contain any seeds.

This mulch acts as insulation, keeping the compost moist and cool, which is vital for your plant’s health and growth.

Step 7: Time to start growing!

With your beds prepped and ready, it’s time to start planting!

Your no-dig garden bed is now set up and ready to grow all your favorite veggies, herbs, and flowers.

Just plant your seeds or seedlings directly into the compost layer, water them in, and watch your garden flourish.

As your plants establish themselves, you’ll find that the rich compost layer provides all the nutrients they need.

And that’s all there is to creating a no-dig garden bed!

See? That wasn’t too hard.

If you want to see the entire process in action, check out the two videos below where I go over each of the steps in detail.

In this video, I show you how to make a single, small no-dig garden bed:

In this video, I show you how to create a whole block of no-dig garden beds for a larger garden:

In this video, I go over the strategies we’re using in a Mediterranean-type climate that have helped us adapt the no-dig method to these more challenging conditions:

As you probably know by now, on our homestead, we’re always trying to work with nature, not against it.

This way, we can reap the rewards while benefiting the whole ecosystem.

As you start planting and nurturing your garden, remember that it’s all about enjoying the process.

Every garden is unique, and part of the fun is figuring out what works best for you.

For us, gardening is of course about providing healthy, nutritious food for our family.

But it's also an opportunity to slow down, get our hands dirty, and appreciate the simple things in life.

It’s a way to connect with the earth, watch life unfold, and take pleasure in the small victories along the way.

Whether it’s the first sprout of the season or a bountiful harvest, these moments are what make gardening so rewarding.

Thank you for reading this article.

I hope it was helpful.

Happy gardening and until next time,

Moreno

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