I started to grow using the organic no-dig gardening method 13 years ago because it saved time, there were fewer weeds and it creates a healthy environment for great harvests. Not digging also felt much more natural and kinder to my back and to worms! No-dig grows great veg, but did you know that it is also hugely beneficial for the environment?
One of the simplest, easiest things you can do to help create a climate-friendly garden and do your bit to reduce climate change is to stop digging. Digging the soil and exposing it to the air releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere: not digging locks that carbon in the soil. Soil sequesters carbon, so minimal disturbance helps to keep carbon in the ground. Globally, more carbon is stored in the soil than in plants. Imagine the ecological benefits if all gardens were maintained without annual digging.
MULCHING
Every year I spread a mulch of a couple of centimetres of compost on to the surface of my beds and leave it for the soil life to gradually incorporate. Thisprovides a healthy ecosystem for the soil flora, fauna and fungi, which in turn creates ideal conditions for plants to thrive. No other fertility is needed. I usually do this over the winter months, but any time is fine. This compost layer increases the biodiversity in the garden, providing a habitat for spiders and beetles, encouraging a diverse range of fungi and a foraging area for birds, amphibians and other wildlife.
Esta historia es de la edición February 2022 de Kitchen Garden.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 2022 de Kitchen Garden.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
PICK STRAWBERRIES - FOR HOME-GROWN FLAVOUR
When it comes to getting value for money and the best flavour, strawberries are hard to beat, says fruit expert David Patch
A GARDEN FOR EVERYONE!
This month Hannah Reid shares her experience of redesigning a garden for those with a range of disabilities and how it has benefited them
ROOM TO GROW
We meet Rhiannon Alcock from Devon, whose plot provides a place to relax and learn. It also inspired a wonderful community project growing produce for local food banks
Just how much food?
Top organic gardening influencer Huw Richards explains how to maximise the pickings from growing spaces big and small
PREDATORS ON YOUR PLOT
Garden Organic's Anton Rosenfeld explores the range of beneficial predators that you can encourage into your garden, keeping pests at bay
GIVE THEM A HELPING HAND
Some of our most popular crops come from much warmer climes and need a little extra TLC before being exposed to the UK's changeable conditions. Editor Steve Ott offers some top tips to help get them off to a great start
Digging for tomorrow
Encouragement to grow your own is being passed on to the next generation, as Sally Clifford discovered when she visited a former Dig for Victory site in the historic city of York
MAKE YOUR OWN GIN GARDEN
Become a gin genius by growing your own key ingredients. Becky Searle shows you how
KNOW YOUR ROOTS
Maincrop roots are a staple of autumn and, with care, should last well into winter too. Don't miss your opportunity to start them! Benedict Vanheems shares his tips to keep the larder stocked with nourishing, home-grown roots
SOMETHING FOR THE WINTER
This month 'squashbuckler' Rob Smith takes a look at winter squash varieties - old, new, coming soon and something different with advice on sowing, growing, harvesting and storing