Space race - see how closer or wider spacings speed growth and harvests

How much space to give vegetables? It affects how quickly they start cropping, as well as how big they grow. You can vary spacing also by your sowing method.
Try some different spacings and not just the ones from the back of seed packets. I explain this with beetroot, peas, calabrese, potatoes.
Close spacings are fun and can give higher yields, they are easier with no dig because of lower weed pressure.
Follow me on Instagram charles_dowding, Twitter @charlesdowding and Facebook.
More about my growing history www.charlesdowding.co.uk/no-d...
My website has much information about no dig, for example www.charlesdowding.co.uk/no-d...
Videography and editing by Edward Dowding my son edowdingfilms.onfabrik.com/po...
MORE FROM CHARLES
To buy one of my online courses charlesdowding.co.uk/product-...
To by a book charlesdowding.co.uk/product-...
To join an in person Day or Weekend course at Homeacres charlesdowding.co.uk/product-...
To join my channel as a member, use this link / @charlesdowding1nodig
As a member, you can watch a new video each month, which is exclusively for members. Your payments support my promotion and teaching of better, easier gardening. I can offer bursaries for day courses and online courses, through individuals in charge of community gardens/allotments and school gardens. Contact us through my website to enquire about bursaries charlesdowding.co.uk/contact-us/
To buy the module trays I designed with Containerwise, use this link containerwise.co.uk/product/c...
The Refill Room also hold stock of the module trays, www.refillroom.com/product-ca...
The Farm Dream for buying trays in Europe thefarmdream.com/product-cate...
To buy t-shirts and hoodies with my exclusive no dig designs, use this link charlesdowding.teemill.com
For fleece and mesh supplies Charles recommends Gardening Naturally www.paidonresults.net/c/57860...

[@jackfanning7952]

I walked thru my garden and showed this video to my insects and they are all drooling.

[@lukibenjamin741]

this is too funny. jack!

[@jackfanning7952]

@@lukibenjamin741 As you were writing this reply I was in my garden squishing some of those little "Chucky Doll" beasties.

[@bearrivermama6414]

Jack Fanning thank you for this comment! It made me smile! 😁

[@jackfanning7952]

@@bearrivermama6414 Any time I can make Bear River Mama smile it is a great day.

[@Themurphyshow7]

Hahah

[@theor.9219]

Thank you Charles for always stating both the metric and imperial units. Always enjoy your joyful and relaxed personality when presenting. Thank you again

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Theo :)

[@Daymickey]

I want him to adopt me as his granddaughter. I could spend long weekends and summers learning from him in his garden.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Haha hard work though 😀

[@farofatin9999]

Me too! I wanna join u too! So i can learn practically from him and capable to produce varieties vegetables. I only could grow Brazil spinach since the other vegetables died 😅😅😅

[@light_and_sound]

Me too! We're not afraid of hard work in the garden. 😊

[@nagisanagisa_hayashi4586]

This would the type of summer camp I’d like to sign up 😁

[@eddiemorgan7072]

Hi. I am a garden coach. I work one to one with my clients teaching no dig methods

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Who else loves to watch this guy!! He is amazing and that produce looks delicious!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Stacey

[@threebagsfullfarms9305]

Me too!

[@trugman1]

Three Bags Full Farms xt (,(has gto xt I Cu,i

[@Loccyster]

@@trugman1, wut?

[@Karolinas_kitchen_garden]

Me too!!!

[@ziakashif82]

Charles Dowding is the Michael Jordan of gardening. I watch so many gardening videos and listen to so many KZbin gardeners, but none are as satisfying and enjoyable as Charles. This is the holygrail, the Mecca of gardening. Keep going Charles. Wish you all the best!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Kashif, I am honoured to be in such company!

[@stephenhooper5704]

You produce the best content on the internet. Thanks for all the hard work!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Stephen I appreciate your comment

[@WATCHINGTHEWATCHERS]

His hard work is his living 😀

[@surronzak8154]

No, it's PewdiPie ...

[@jerricroft937]

Quality and information could not be better

[@Laneytron]

I’ve never been so in love with a complete stranger. They way he smiles and giggles AND his body language. 😭 Be my frieeeennd.

[@THuuDo]

I’m with you! Be my friendddd 😭😝

[@hobbitlady7568]

You seem like such a lovely person. Gardeners always love other gardeners!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So true, I feel fortunate and thanks

[@tylerharlow7820]

you can tell that hes so happily excited to share this knowledge hes almost laughing at himself at times when speaking

[@beckymason6535]

I love how you can hear his smile when he talks. Great videos, even though im in Australia some great tips. ❤🥒🥬🍅

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks! 😃 Nice you can find value

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Charles, it has been a little while since we tuned in. Thank you for always being so educational. You have the most beautiful garden, your my absolute favorite gardening channel to watch. We previously lived in Zone 8 as well but just relocated to Zone 3! We will see what we can grow. Purchased a book and calender of yours early this year, thanks again for great content!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear and gosh, what a change of climate, I wish you well in the long winters! I am planning an online course to go up late winter, all being well, and more videos.

[@irenedeboer5486]

I love not only the content, but also the sound on this video! Pure gardening-ASMR heaven 🌈

[@fredford11]

as a 50 year plus gardener i learn something from every video. very good. probably the best i have seen on youtube. thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks for your comment Fred, I appreciate it.

[@o0Avalon0o]

Oh my goodness, I've never seen such a lovely garden in my life.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@carolinesykes3636]

A ray of sunshine in lockdown !

[@krystynam4076]

I planted beets this year in bunch of 3 and they were the biggest size I ever got. Thank u for this idea.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Ktystyna, isn't it interesting!

[@cpnotill9264]

I have beets planted first time in blocks of three this year! Thank you sir for sharing your expertise and the love for what you do really comes through. Your son does such a fine job with his video work. ❤️🌱😁

[@rohinisrs]

When you say you plant 4 seeds, do you mean 4 seeds? Or one seed that then grows into 4 plants?

[@cpnotill9264]

@@rohinisrs If I'm correct he plants four seeds and thins down to strongest three if all four germinate. Just pinch off weakest one if all four seeds germinate. 😁🌱👍

[@rohinisrs]

@@cpnotill9264 thank you!

[@jackzwart5749]

Charles will forget more about gardening than most of us will ever know.

[@9000ck]

Charles Dowding = top bloke

[@kcwliew]

This channel makes me want to cry - how big are those peas? WHAT the actual? The best advert for his methodologies ever.

[@chriswilliams4145]

I live in Phoenix AZ, the desert. We have a rare, May rain this evening. I'm sitting here with my windows open, listening to the rain, and binging on your videos. I can only imagine sitting in your garden with a good book. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us. Cheers.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

We had rain too after a dry spell but nothing like your climate! Thanks for sharing and I hope things now grow.

[@anndebaldo7381]

You are a wonderful teacher and I learn so much! thanks!

[@responder57]

agreed

[@williamcox3412]

Well done!!! An easy and engaging style, a bit of humor, and the content is thought provoking. I'll be looking forward to upcoming videos!! Time well spent! Thank you Charles!!

[@cantalibre4708]

Charles, what a sensible presentation. I love your videos.

[@dougmac8904]

I can't understand why anyone would give thumbs down on this video. I think is great. I learn so much. Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and thumbs up for your comment!

[@loonaticsrunningtheassylum]

People who make their living from spades/forks and weed killer 😜

[@paulineoliver5108]

Maybe greengrocers or jealous gardeners.

[@mrs.marken4609]

For someone who is just starting out my gardening journey, I’m so thankful to have found your videos. I will be using all this knowledge for many years to come. Thank you so much!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful thanks

[@gearoidy]

This man is my Gandalf.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

cheers Gary!

[@publito2020]

Thank you Gary, very cool!

[@haileyukulele6531]

💖 If I could like this 1,000 times I would.

[@violaspencer5628]

What is a Gandalf? Also, is calabrese same as broccoli? Looks like broccoli but he’s calling it calabrese

[@kanarie93]

@@violaspencer5628 gandalf is a character from the fantasy books/movies The lord of the rings ;) The old wise wizard with all knowledge.

[@colombia11h]

I'm in a NYC apt, cooped up in quarantine, and you sir are my therapist helping me get through this!!! Thank You!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad to help Veronica and I don't envy you, good luck. I hope you can find some nice fresh food to eat and walk a little, it's kind of unreal!

[@JulieWallis1963]

Veronica Rojas wow! I feel for you. I’ve planted veggies this year, cucumber, beet, lettuce, spinach, radish, bell peppers and potatoes. I’ve been doing ‘veggie watch’ every morning which means taking a coffee out and looking at my veg beds. They literally do grow in 24 hours. But every day I’ve thanked my lucky stars that I have a lovely garden and the weather has been so kind. Think of me next time you are enjoying the joys of NCY. Say hello to the Statue of Liberty from me next time you see her.

[@Aya-qj2et]

Sir.....your garden is my dream garden..mashaallah

[@manarmanar7958]

Aya Talat. Me too

[@aliaub75]

Ma Shaa Allah

[@aysepersona4194]

Masaallah sooo beautiful

[@annettebowersox1976]

Thank you for teaching us so many valuable gardening lessons. Love your videos and your books! I have several, and yesterday Amazon delivered your book on ......... How to grow winters vegetables. I am just on page 45, but I love It!! So glad I purchased it! Good balance of photos and charts and written instructions. Just what I had hoped it would be. Someday I plan to grow fresh produce year round, thanks to your book on growing winter vegetables. I have learned so much from you, and am sincerely grateful for the knowledge. Our little garden is providing a bigger and better harvest since we have gone no dig. Husband and myself have lost weight by eating healthier. And we both are feeling younger, less joint pain, simply feel more alive!! What a legacy you are creating! You are a blessing to your fellow man!! A devoted fan from the Ozark mountains in Arkansas.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Well I am blown away by your lovely comment Annette, and delighted to be helping.

[@shakengrain1942]

Are you the Bowersox lady who sang and recorded "Up on the Mountain"?

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

Always enjoy your videos, Charles and I never give up on dreaming of having a yard with the kind of space you do ~ thank you for sharing your marvellousness of garden goodness. x

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Rebecca you will surely find space

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig :-) cheers 👍

[@patmillar961]

Thanks to u Charles my gardening woes are going from 🤔 to 🤗 every single day. 👍

[@dodgybodger3124]

How can broccoli be to big. The mind boggles. Still admire your plot. Keep up the good work. Peace ✌

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou

[@lovelyzza3694]

I'm blessed that im seeing a visual of all that you're teaching, Sir..reminds me of my college days when most of the time we are told to imagine haha

[@lauriecammarata1881]

Super video! I appreciate all of the knowledge you share in these videos. Your passion for your no-dig beautiful garden is evident. The fact that you're so willing to pass on the techniques and knowledge, to help us beginners avoid some mistakes, is wonderful. Also, if you happen to have a mistake, you are so humble, and willing to use it as a teaching moment. Thank you so much! I hope one day to visit your garden in person.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks Laurie, may see you

[@saoudiwissal9203]

You are a great person and and I learn from you more than taking care of vegetables

[@assamfoodforestnursery4010]

Lots of gratitude n love for Wat u r delivering us without any fees.... M a new gardener from India... It helped me alot... Hv been following ur no dig instructions since last year... It's helping.... Love from India

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hello Rahel and thanks for your lovely message, I am happy to help

[@maryedmo7798]

I'm just seeing this and appreciate all that you shared. I would like to see you sowing clumps of beets, turnips, etc. sometime. Your description was great, but it would help me to see someone doing it if you get a chance sometime. Great channel. Thanks for all you do to help us gardeners. Very inspiring and informative.

[@jenniferspeers2453]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4i4qIZvhcR6hdU he made a video about it a few years ago :)

[@lgrillo]

His hesitant speaking rhythm make me think he doesn’t actually want to make a video, and yet he’s got such a calming gentle way about him. The garden is huge and gorgeous. That must yield an enormous amount of produce!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and funny how people see me so differently! Yes we sell a lot of salad leaves and vegetables.

[@jf9335]

Your personality is just regal, I could watch your gardening videos one after another even if I never planned to plant a thing! Thankyou for sharing your amazing garden and for just being awesome 😎

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Ah thanks JF

[@sruleman85]

Thank you Charles for stating both measurements! Your videos have inspired me to build my first garden! It’s a no dig garden! It’s our first year and I’m excited to see the results of our hard work!! Thank you again sir!!!!!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

this is great

[@SouthpawDavey]

I have used the multi sown method this year and it has worked fantastically. I wont be going back to the old method. Thanks Dave

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great to hear Dave

[@deepbeeps]

I have gotten so much information and inspiration from your videos! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain and teach!

[@MrGrant7000]

Thanks a million for all your effort in sharing your experiences with us Charles! You are a Hero in the true sense of the word!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Kind of you Grant, happy to help

[@eadjh98]

Charles, those peas were so impressive! Never grown Alderman before, look chunky size pods! May try them next year in my small garden, I normally grow is it hurst green shaft which are nice and sweet but they never get to the table as my wife and myself love them raw! Lol I have now started to cover my raised beds with 2” well rotted farmyard manure to over winter ready for next season of no dig! Method. Have a great week Charles and see you next time!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks David, nice to hear.

[@dickhead8775]

Alderman peas date from the late 19th Century and, in my opinion, have never been bettered.

[@SuffolkSusie]

Thank you from a small backyard gardener. So much to learn.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice Susie thanks

[@dustinhardin3950]

with regard to hand planting carrots, we add our seeds to a little sand and fill our rows. Helps with germination and spacing.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Yes good idea Dustin

[@Chantilly871]

As always, great info! Thank you Charles for sharing your knowledge :)

[@shonitagarcia3222]

This was very informative. I am living in an apartment and I grow in large container pots, sized for trees. And I have to get creative with my garden veg. Spacing is a challenge with pots. I have to provide continuous feedings of fertilizer, compost and liquid feedings with water. I've actually gotten a successful little harvest of carrots and potatoes in pots. This was helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thjanks Shonita and your cropping is impressive

[@user-kw2gk9eh7s]

Health to you! The garden is just a miracle! You are very hardworking!

[@alisha2253]

Thank you for your videos, so insightful I could watch them all day.

[@momcation9786]

Hi Charles, thank you once again for the inspiration! I’m planning on planting peas for pods this time and share the harvest with my neighbors! You’re so amazing! Stay safe and healthy Charles! You’re a blessing from God.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and may your harvest be good!

[@dougmac8904]

I really like your style of teaching. Thank you

[@kensearle4892]

Space and Gardening in one show! I like it. Making my final space decisions as planting is ramping up here in NY!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😅 take off!

[@Wings91]

What a breath of fresh air your channel is, kindest regards 🌻

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you so much

[@attermire2109]

Another legendary video, I'm hard at work putting everything I've learned from you into practice, hope we get another nice run of sunny weather next season!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good!

[@MariaHarmon126]

Watching your videos is very helpful and inspiring. Thank you for your work sharing so much knowledge. Best wishes to you!

[@chazyfm]

Charles I absolutely love your videos (especially the how to grow ones). So informative and inspiring. Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Dave nice to hear

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

Hey Charles! I just saw an interview with you on KZbin that was uploaded back in 2008 and I think we share something in common. We are both cursed with looking young for our age. When I told my wife's doctor this story, he said "That is some curse!". In my family it even affected our dog who is 11 years old and our vet said he acts like he is only 6. I put the curse down to the fact that the curser had not been cursing for very long. They may actually have failed and were expelled from Hogwarts. To our youthful good looks, eating well and gardening for fun, profit, and as an intellectual pursuit!

[@mikedelaney9575]

So much great information ...thank you👏👏👍👍

[@wildchook745]

You are amazing, Charles, I always look forward to your videos. I am doing areas in my garden using your method of no dig and happy to tell everyone where I got the idea from. Thanks for sharing your garden wisdom.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear and thanks Mary

[@mirandaf2112]

Your peas just amaze me! I am going to try your method next Spring and see if I can increase my yields.

[@ladylyssa5130]

Did you start it yet?

[@paulineoliver5108]

God’s bounty - beautiful!

[@rosewood513]

Thank you, I use the square foot gardening method and found it much like what you are doing with great results. Beautiful garden...

[@homermtz]

what a fantastic video the information was great and the camera footage was clear loved it. I'm subscribing right now. thanks for your time in making this video

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear your enthusiasm Homer, thanks

[@sofiazolota8412]

Thank you so much for your videos. I am starting this year my own little garden with the help and information I've got from your videos. I think I watched most of them a couple times and take notes. You are truly an inspiring person.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks Sofia

[@Themurphyshow7]

Excellent video! You have such a kind personality and voice. Good information too. Thank you

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Murphy's

[@lavenderbirch3482]

Really impressed with your channel. Superb in fact!!

[@rachaelshomemade]

Great video Charles, I have followed many of your methods so far in my new gardening hobby 😊 Thank you, Rachael.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Rachael

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

He's great to watch and learn from. Such beautiful property!

[@mmezias]

Your videos are not just extremely informative but so beautifully made. Keep up the good work. This is therapy to watch! Cheers!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much Mike

[@lisbethsalander8921]

Good morning Charles ❤️🌞

[@debrariley2057]

Such excellent delivery and content. Just so informative. Thank you

[@emilypickett6401]

My favourite person to watch on YT! Thanks for the wonderful content.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou Emily 🌷

[@phoenixfreewalkeroreilly2212]

I'm in experimental mode always in garden, so just love this...out to garden now, love yur garden .inspirational

[@gardengirl7446]

So inspiring! Your multi sow method is a game changer! Thank you charles! ❤

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So glad!

[@bostonterriermom]

Watched this when it came out years ago and today went back as a refresher. Thank you for all of your advice and guidance

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks, and I am glad it was helpful!

[@timgallagher1761]

Very nice; thank you so much for your lovely videos. I haven't seen pea shouts sold here in New Hampshire I'll try some at my farmers market this summer. Good tip.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Tim

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Lots of great info. Plants are producing beautifully.

[@gtiernan1]

I make seed tapes for my carrots which means I can control exactly how far apart they're spaced. :-)

[@AncientEnergyEyesOpen]

Your gardens are inspiring. I'm in my second season of no dig, because of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing and teaching all of us who enjoy dirt under our fingernails.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks

[@jeniplucena2174]

Love your garden Charles! From the Philippines.

[@EuroB0B1]

A huge thank You for taking the time to show all. First year for me here.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wish you well

[@susanshafer735]

20 flats & counting! Thanks so much for the seeding vs pot vid. Have 2 lovely types of potato in lg buckets going too. Fleece & hoops are ready for April. Love this vid too.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great Susan!

[@nhacviet1000]

You covered great details. Thanks for all your wonderful videos. I’m in the United States, but zone 8b.. so I’m always watching your videos.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

many thanks

[@Fatima-qx6uw]

This year I will be trying for the first time to plant red and white beets. Thank u for ur advice. I will follow the block plant system...from Germany

[@Gigi-fv9ky]

Lovely results. Thank you for the great information!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou Gayla.

[@michaelhoward2533]

Thank you for the clarification Charles

[@tomhill1713]

Lovely video. Thank you so much sharing.

[@cestmoikim6514]

Thank you for such useful tips and insights, Charles! I am hopeful that my 2nd year of following your no-dig method will be even more successful than my first!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Best of luck Kim!

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Great stuff, thank you! Those carrot thinings are just the size my little grand-daughters love to chew on: a quick rinse under the garden hose (also fun!) and into their hands. "Markofka!" shouts one, "Carrot!" shouts her cousin.:-)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Oh wow!

[@paolomaggi8188]

I like your way to explain....I love your way of teaching...always by experience!!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Paolo, yes based on experience is good!

[@Thelegendhaha]

So much information in one video. Hopefully I’ll remember some of it and put it into practice!

[@olimpiachinea5533]

Amazing video with full of information. Thanks!!!

[@eliev7844]

Just wonderful watching the master explaining the tricks of the trade! 🙂

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Daniel-nf8pp]

Enjoyed watching your video. Thank you. Cheers. ✌

[@lukeshawmusic]

This is a great channel my friend! Awesome work!👏🏼

[@martyken4798]

Such a helpful video. Thank you. Marty

[@jembo1959]

Super video Charles thanks again.

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

Excellent info. Thanks for sharing!

[@VagabondAnne]

Nice advice about beets, thank you!

[@clericoftruth8880]

Very well done. Great overall presentation on timelines. Thank you.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thankyou :)

[@Rob_132]

Thanks for your lessons, from a new, excited raised bed gardener!!!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Excited is good, makes energy, thanks