How to create a no-dig garden bed
If you’re keen on indulging your green thumb but space is limited (or conditions not ideal), a no-dig garden could be the ultimate solution. True to the name, no-dig gardens are created in boxes and tubs of varying sizes and include layers of organic material to create the perfect growing environment for plants.
Whether you’ve got a courtyard or small balcony, chances are good that you’ll be able to create and maintain a thriving no-dig garden without the hassles of tilling soil, weeding and the other (less than enjoyable) tasks that often come with traditional garden methods.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose your vessel
The first step in creating a no-dig garden is choosing your tub, box or bed. Wooden apple crates or custom built boxes are increasingly popular but anything can really be used, provided it fits your space and is at least 30cm deep. Ideally you want something with around 50cm or more for layering organic materials for optimum growing. A word of caution, if you’re planning on growing edibles (fruits/veggies/herbs) make sure that the planter you’re using hasn’t been treated with anything toxic (i.e. paint or lacquer).
2. Pick your position
No-dig beds can be positioned on concrete/brick or over existing lawn. Ideally you want a bright, sheltered spot for maximum growing potential. If you’re looking to create your bed over existing lawn, you’ll need to ensure you have a box with a bottom or apply a fertilizer like blood and bone, followed by a coarse mulch like straw or damp newspaper to prevent weeds/grass from infiltrating your bed.
3. Start layering
The key to the success of a no-dig garden is the organic materials you use as the foundations. Unlike existing garden beds, which may have an array of soil issues, no-dig garden beds have great quality growing conditions from the get-go. Generally, you want a mix of dense mulch, manure, compost and fertilizer. Different gardeners prefer different products or varieties of the above but all serve the same or similar purpose.
- Start with a thick layer of dense mulch. Straw, lucerne hay, grass clippings. and wood shavings are all good options. Even dry branches can work well to line the bottom of your box.
- Add a decent amount of organic fertilizer. For ease of use, pellet varieties work really well.
- Apply your chosen compost. Mushroom or other organic varieties are usually recommended as they provide great growing conditions.
- Add another layer of dense mulch and a handful of fertilizer.
- Add another layer of compost and water in well.
- Technically, you can add as many layers are you like, so long as they fit well into your bed and stick to a similar ratio as above.
4. Allow to settle
The combination of mulch, compost and fertilizer above is potent and needs time to settle in and start to break down before planting. While some people like to leave the beds until completely broken down, this isn’t necessary. 7-10 days is usually sufficient and will for excellent growing conditions that won’t damage your plants.
5. Plant your plants
Once your layers have settled, it’s time to plant. Established seedlings often work better initially but seeds can be sown directly. Take into account the position (full sun, part sun, mostly shade) and season before purchasing your plants. Once planted and established, you can add a layer of pea straw or similar mulch to help lock in moisture and the goodness of the compost.
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