How to Build a No-Dig Garden Bed and the Benefits of Composting

How to start a no dig bed and compost differences.
I take you though the early stages of mulching/smothering weeds, so that they die in darkness while leaving soil in great condition for growing..
The how and why of no dig.
You see examples of composts you can use, which serve to feed soil life and get plants off to a great start, even while weeds die underneath and out of sight.
* NOTE: At 07:36, the wheelbarrow I mention is full of soil, not compost*
Use any decomposed materials, of varied age and origin. Observe their different qualities, while other options I don't show here are mushroom compost, leaf mould, and vermicast in smaller amounts.
00:00 Introductory music
00:14 Introduction to video
00:39 Starting from weeds
01:51 Planting straight away
02:14 Planting into compost
02:42 Where to position new no dig bed/beds
03:24 Using black polythene to mulch/cover
03:40 Light exclusion to weaken weeds
04:03 Leaving soil undisturbed
05:19 Light and shade, in terms of where to site plot
05:51 Effect of having trees and hedges near to a plot
06:37 Using soil for uneven ground (and mention of slopes)
07:53 Weed roots - examples of bindweed, dandelion and buttercup
09:07 Introduction to different composts - not a full list as other possible composts are mushroom compost, leaf mould and vermicast
09:23 Homemade compost
10:22 Horse manure
11:16 Cow manure
11:58 Wood chip
12:45 Green waste compost
13:17 Compost bought for propagating- ‘potting compost’ (‘potting soil’ in US)
13:51 Enlarging a no dig bed
14:26 Information about cardboard
15:40 Demo of adding soil to uneven ground
15:59 Demo of laying cardboard
16:11 How to manage edges, including info on wooden sides
17:41 Demo of putting compost over cardboard
18:03 More on wood chip, and info on pathways
18:41 Wetting cardboard according to climate/weather
19:44 The important role of cardboard for weedy ground, and how plants can root through into the ground
20:42 Demo of transplanting pea plants in surface compost
20:54 Summary of no dig method, including more info on planting in new bed
Filmed 15th February at Homeacres and edited by Alessandro of @SpicyMoustache . See his channel for ideas about no dig suburban gardening, see also his amazing reels on Instagram.
/ spicymoustache , and
/ _spicymoustache_
More information about no dig in many of my books, including Course Book 1 which is named after this online course
charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...
See the new area no dig playlist for how the land behind me evolved from weeds to beds, easily. • First Steps For No Dig...
To buy my collections of super informative video garden guides with an encyclopaedic search function, visit Retrieve with whom we partner charlesdowding.retrieve.com/s...
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[@BigMikeLoses]

This is brilliant. I just created three large no dig beds over the past two weeks using this exact method. Less grass - more beds. Thank you for this info, Charles.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice work Mike

[@antoninoabis885]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Hello Charles , so clear and so easy to follow, you have also a very pleasant voice to listen to., I have made myself a promise to visit your settings soon, but in the meantime I need to ask what is the best orientation for setting the beds, east/west --- north/south? Thanks a million, and keep producing these lovely videos. Ciao!!

[@donnasoroka7197]

@@antoninoabis885 I know people that swear you must orient your beds exactly or they won't grow. That's poppycock! I've grown with absolutely every orientation depending on the space. The only thing you should keep in mind is the size of the growing plants and whether your proposed location in the garden will cause it to shade out sun-loving plants. In other words, put the taller plants to the north side of the garden bed unless you intentionally want to create shade (and a little cooler microclimate) to grow plants that prefer a little shade (like lettuce, spinach, some herbs, etc.). No dig is such a wonderful way to garden as you help to enhance the soil for the microbes. Happy gardening!

[@antoninoabis885]

@@donnasoroka7197 Thank you ever so much. This is a new experience for me and it means that I will do the setting up of the beds in a more relaxed way . Thank again

[@lyndaturner6686]

I love your no dig approach it’s meant I can still garden in my mid seventies,digging would be to hard for me now, but using your methods I’ve managed to grow vegetables and flowers for the last few years and I love it. So thanks again Charles you are my gardening guru.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice to read this, go you Lynda!

[@logsentertainment9281]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig is

[@HeavenlyLights]

How Lovely. So I can look forward to getting older and still being able to garden. ThankYou SO much for sharing my dear💞💖💞

[@stonewarebirds3620]

Can i ask you Lynda, don’t you find sourcing the compost, preparing it and then transporting it and laying it out takes an awful lit of energy and even money? I’m just really curious as i want to try this method, i have ME, but can hear my partner (who is actually the gardener in the family) saying by the time i’ve dug out the manure from the local stables or humped all the sacks from council compost scheme, etc etc not only will it cost more than buying the veg but it will be as much if not more energy than digging. Plus isn’t actually what is happening is we are putting so much compost down it is like replacing the soil with compost? How can i convince a doubter that this is less and mot more effort? Any advice?

[@lyndaturner6686]

@@stonewarebirds3620 when I initially started my raised bed 7 years ago I bought in some topsoil, unfortunately it wasn’t very good so I kept adding compost and now it’s really good, I have two dalek style compost bins that I make sure to keep filling and each year I spread a layer on top of my 6 beds , so initially it was harder setting it up but now it’s easier, I’m almost 75 and I have arthritis but I just pace myself and the benefits of eating my own grown food the joy of harvesting and mentally I feel at peace when I’m I working in my garden , I now buy bags of compost of Amazon to complement my own homemade, it’s easier to manage than large deliveries and of course I have to accept I do have some limitations however I hope to keep growing for a few more years yet. Hope this helps you.

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

Hey Charles! Nothing starts off the growing season better (in my mind) than getting back to the basics. This is so helpful, especially when you are responding to your dear subscribers comments. We are following you sir, and we have all sorts of questions based on our own version of Home Acres. Thank you sir for taking the time to care for your flock of growers so that we can all be happy, healthy and environmentally friendly. Cheers!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You're a poet Craig, thanks for such a lovely comment 🥂

[@gurogreen]

I just want to say thank you for sharing this amazing information for free! All the experience and time you spent honing your skills and then sharing it with us.. I’m beyond grateful! I started 3 no-dig beds 3 years ago without much gardening experience, just based on your videos and had instant success! it really inspired me and since then I started researching into agricultural practices and the current information in soil microbiology science. It seems pretty clear that no-dig and the use of living soil/compost is an essential part of the future of agriculture! I since bought a microscope and as you say it is mind blowing to see the life with your own eyes. It felt initially like taking psychedelics and entering another world! It really made me connect to the life in the soil on a whole other level. In my view there is no doubt that digging is one of the most destructive practices in conventional agriculture. Thanks again a million for making this available for so many people because right now we really need some new practices and since the no-dig methods appears not doable to many conventional farmers, the more of us who make an example out of their garden/farmland, showing that this stuff really works the better! Many are waking up to this in these weird times ❤️ thanks again Charles ❤️

[@theswissgardenvlog3189]

I‘m with you, he is the best teacher a beginner gardener can ever wish for. When I started my first vegetable garden last year, I felt like he was right there guiding me each step of the way because his amazing videos were available to me. Thanks Charles!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Guro, Amazing feedback and wish I had more time to correspond, keep up the great work and inspiring others to

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Amazing, thanks so much and happy to help, wish you more success

[@gurogreen]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig I think it’s pretty amazing how you find time to do everything you do as it is. Know that you have a major fan in me here in Germany ❤️ much love and thanks again for your absolutely lovely work 🌺

[@RagaJorge]

Hola Charles, mi nombre es Jorge Raga y naci en México... mi esposa es de Italia vivimos en Sardegna desde hace 10 años. Hace algunos meses descubrí tu maravilloso canal, el cual ha sido una inspiración para mi, porque siempre realizaba el huerto moviendo la tierra con un moto arado y agregando abono pero, poco a poco la tierra se fue emprobeciendo al grado de que lo que plantaba era muy raquitico y casi sin producción. A principios de año ya tenia una cantidad de compost y me dicidí en abril a experimentar con tu metodo con cartón y quede maravillado con los resultados, en la zona donde ya no crecia nada, ahora tenemos unos calabacines preciosos de igual manera unos tomates impresionantes, el año proximo haré lo mismo con las papás. Estoy muy agradecido contigo por compartir con tanto detalle, amor y pasión este increible metodo, principalmente por el respeto a la naturaleza, sin disturbar el suelo, sin contaminar usando motores a gasolina, sin romperse la espalda...este metodo es en verdad el futuro... ahora procuro producir la mayor cantidad de compost posible. Gracias muchisimas gracias, un fuerte abrazo. 🙂🤚

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Hola Jorg, muchas gracias por compartir esto y es un placer y felicidad mejorar las cosas para las personas. ¡Especialmente que ha mejorado su suelo y tiene alimentos saludables para comer! Suerte con la elaboración del compost.

[@RagaJorge]

Gracias 🙂🤚

[@greenstair]

Dear Charles - you started me off on no dig three years ago now and it has revolutionised my garden, which is massively more productive than it was. Might I pass on an observation - I left some chard plants, Fordhook giant, in the bed for over the winter until now, in mid-April, where they had self set. They developed deep roots, 9 inches / 23 centimetres, or more, and when I eased them out of the ground there were loads of worms and the soil is hugely improved throughout the bed. This crop seems to have been amazing at feeding the soil biology to a good depth, for no cost. Just wanted to share. Thanks so much for your work.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

This is a great observation I'm guessing they weresown last summer so they've had time to establish and get those lovely deep roots down into the soil. Certainly something to bear in mind, as soil feed, and I'm guessing those were pink earthworms..

[@jamiemittermuller6470]

I would find it fascinating if you took a core of your no dig bed and your digged bed (like they do with the ice caps) to see what the difference is in soil structure.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I hope this year to do something like that!

[@Postmillhighlights]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig is it possible to convert from a traditional plowed plot and convert it to ‘no dig?’ So after crops are harvested from a plowed plot - smooth out the ground then add compost and go from there?

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

@@Postmillhighlights Yes for sure, just level first, makes mulching even

[@rubygray7749]

I asked this about 5 years ago!!! Will be a fascinating experiment to see.

[@equisader]

I've been thinking this too. Before and after would be great to see.

[@waynesell3681]

Spent a few hours in the garden today! Wonderful to watch this mix of videos for beginning NoDig. Your presentations are so encouraging thanks Charles.

[@Immiy0]

Such an inspiration! I currently work in a garden where the market garden is quite "traditional" still (lots of weeding and no mulching) I'm planning to do a no dig experiment zone so both my colleagues and our visitors can see the difference. The soil in some of our beds is actually cracking from being so depleted, it makes me sad. All for the sake of it just looking neat. Hoping to replenish it and show people the difference :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

This sounds wonderful and go for it! I'm sure you'll meet some resistance but there's no arguing with the night and day differences, good luck

[@kensearle4892]

Looking forward to my new bigger No-Dig garden this spring with a truckload of compost. You are right Charles. Try it out! Last year I tried a smaller section. I didn't have enough cardboard to cover everything but had lots of chopped leaves and grass clippings to fill in and that also worked under the compost to smother the weeds. All the vegetable plants loved it and did very well! Scaling up this year!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good stuff Ken!

[@jcutler1018]

I’ve run out of free cardboard, so I bought some packing box seconds off eBay to do the other half of the beds.

[@foxfarmsdiaries1798]

Charles, I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been following your videos for a few months and am now applying no dig to one of our paddocks. From being a hesitant gardener, I’m encouraged to make this land productive growing flowers and vegetables. By next October I’m hoping to be part of the sustainable gardens festival here in New Plymouth, Taranaki, New Zealand. The aim is to show the gardening hesitant like me out there what can be done in a short space of time. Again, thank you very much to you and your team of helpers that make all this possible. Kia kaha!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

How wonderful and may your gardens flourish, and inspire others

[@105Kelly]

Look forward to visiting your garden during a festival eventually. I’m also in the Naki 😜

[@galespressos]

That’s so encouraging. One hesitant gardener at a time becomes many successful gardeners eventually! 🥦

[@anapaulacrawford5837]

I couldn't express how thankful I am for your teaching on no digging garden. I just did two beds today. Thank you Charles, God bless you and your family!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful Ana Paula, thanks

[@riverunner9978]

I’m putting in flower cutting rows. Your method is perfect! Thank you Charles! You’ve changed my landscape in a most pleasing way!

[@rhysjaggar4677]

Charles, garden centres often have large skips with lots of cardboard waste in them. I covered my allotment entirely through taking stuff from the garden centre skips (I did ask first and they were happy for me to take it off their hands). If you need lots, it's one of the best places to find it!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good tip Rhys!

[@nickhammersonrocks]

THE UNIVERSE UNDER OUR FEET !!!!!!!!!!!!! GREAT ONE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rominaadimari8723]

Muchas gracias Charles!!! Estuve siguiendo sus pasos con el cartón al preparar mi pequeño parche allá por Septiembre ( aquí en Argentina, Primavera); ahora planificando para hacer nuevos parches en diferentes rincones de mi parcela; cómo dijo Usted, no es n cesario preparar todo el terreno a la vez!!!! Otro beneficio más del "No Dig"!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

¡Fantástica Romina y bien hecho!

[@christinehowell]

This is so helpful! It's like you've come to my plot of land and shown me personally what to do right from the start with what was open ground covered in 5 foot high weeds. I'm really struggling to cope with the enormity of trying to turn this 1/3rd acre into a garden where I can grow vegetables, have a meadow area and pond (for treatment plant outflow) and somewhere to sit with my g&t on a summer evening with my dogs. I'm constantly overwhelmed, but I have to keep going. Having watched many of your videos I'm at last feeling more positive, and this one is really going to make the difference between struggling and feeling defeated and feeling I can do it. I now have a plan of action to follow which is so simple without all the "don'ts" and expensive resources that so many videos insist on. A huge thank you to you and your team!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm encouraged to see this Christine. You have a large area of land and as you suggest, take it one bit at a time and don't try to over-reach yourself this year, there's plenty of time ahead. Small is beautiful.

[@christinehowell]

Thank you Charles. I'm going to do just that! Thanks again for your help in steering me on the best path... paths, now there's something I need to think about!

[@Mahia965]

"It's the Universe under our feet..." @4:54. Beautiful.

[@the_earthway]

Thanks, Charles and crew!

[@aternst]

Always appreciate your posts!

[@mindfullivingwithlaureen]

"Universe beneath our feet"... BEAUTIFUL!

[@insideout8814]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom. 🌿🌱☘

[@martinjuarez2508]

Eternamente agradecido!!! Abrazo desde Argentina 🇦🇷 🇦🇷 🇦🇷 🇦🇷

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Gracias!

[@annebeck2208]

Just seeing the structure of your compost is sooooooo helpful, thank you so much!

[@catfunksfabulousfinds]

Hello from Oregon USA!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🌱

[@jean0ts]

Big inspiration for my no dig garden that I started last year. Thank you for all the useful info!

[@c.e.9280]

Great video and lovely new Intro 👏🏻

[@ringailetervydiene5942]

Great! I'm starting no dig beds on old weedy plot in few months so this is helpful.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@janetrush8340]

One day my garden will just like yours, well in a smaller way 🥕

[@athenapinefeather9716]

Thank you for your generous spirit and sharing your knowledge so kindly. I am grateful.

[@naomi2646]

Thank you, great information that I will use here in North Texas.

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Thanks once again Charles. My whole allotment is no dig and the weeds (especially docks) are getting weaker. My only problem at the moment is trying to keep the cardboard down in the wind!!!until I get the compost on. Plenty of heavy rocks are helping. I've been using well rotted cow manure also and compost. Cant wait to start planting. Love all your wonderful videos.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Good luck Jenny!

[@judithtinai448]

You have been my inspiration and motivater in gardening.

[@oliviaparson2725]

Informative and helpful. Thank you.

[@MojeUprawy]

Bardzo dziękuję za cenną wiedzę! Też uprawiam no dig 🙋‍♀️🌸🪴

[@mking3219]

As always Charles, thank you Just about to germinate all my brassicas, and nightshades Thanks for all you teach to us!

[@quintensarn4595]

Such great timing! We'll be putting 30 tons of compost on a new 35 by 15 meter area THIS WEEKEND! first multisown spring onions are just germinating, with lots more to follow.

[@WaddedBliss]

30 tons?!?!

[@gaiasoundandvision]

Thank you Charles ~ so informative & helpful as always :)

[@mariakraska5738]

Dziękuję za ogromną przekazaną wiedzę, pozdrawiam cieplutko

[@doudougirondin9202]

Encore une autre vidéo extremement interessante. Merci Charles.

[@Alonsel3]

Thanks for your helpful tips Charles. Crazy that here in Hobart,Tasmania, we are similar to your climate I just have to remember to swap the months around!

[@tracegates8841]

You are such an encouraging and pleasant guide. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm so glad, may your garden be good :)

[@camicri4263]

I can't wait to apply this in my garden hopefully soon. Thank you so much for your constant teachings! 🤗🤗

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Your videos are invaluable! Thank you so so much 🥰

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You're so welcome!

[@harunrabbani]

Another wonderfully educational video. Thank you so much, Charles. 💕🌟

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks.

[@harunrabbani]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig you’re very welcome.

[@stevendowden2579]

cracking video charles

[@frankbarnwell____]

In some areas, if one doesn't have a good cardboard source, builders paper is nearly the same thing. 1st comment on my new phone. Great info, Charles!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Great point Frank

[@Imjetta7]

Excellent, thank you!

[@Faith-vl4lv]

Charles I absolutely love the knowledge you share and your beautiful gardens. You are the one person on KZbin whose videos I always watch soon as they come out. Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Faith, you are very welcome

[@M1STYWORLD]

Thank you for sharing

[@riverunner9978]

I’m planning a flower cutting rows with your methods ! Thank you I watch all you very informative and appreciated info! 🌸🌺

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful, may they bloom well!!

[@lynnmoser6918]

We learned as kids in my family to take the bind weed roots (every tiny piece too), I think we call it Quack Grass, to a fire pile. Horse Tail roots we were to put in the garbage can. I still do this in my 70's. I screen that questionable stuff. I happen to have an extraordinary amount. Then put the fines in my garden and the cleaned big stuff back out as top mulch. There are particle board doors, pallets and who knows what else in that ground mulch product. Wonder how long it takes to off gas...

[@markshaw5835]

U always explain compost and no dig so well. I find it so interesting

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you think so Mark!

[@tobystewart4403]

What a fabulous channel. So articulate and methodical. Thank you very much, Mr Dowding!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You're very welcome Toby and thanks

[@royormonde3682]

Good stuff, I've been looking forward to a pond update, must be coming along nicely.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

It's leaking! And we are sowing, but little to see so far

[@royormonde3682]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Right, ya I can see how that will take all your time with your garden. I my self have just started 4 flats here under lamps. Another 8 to go over the next 2 months. Too bad about pond, incase you haven't heard about bentonite clay it might be an option and a solution. Good luck with that.

[@GARDENER42]

If you want big sheets of cardboard, then places selling fridges, freezers, ovens, washing machines, etc. are the place to go. I went to Curry's & they were happy to see the back of it all!

[@johnjude2685]

Your thick 6 months age compose is working today and as you teaching will continue to break down feeding the soil for several years. Thanks

[@cipriantodoran1674]

I remember the video from 2 years ago. Nice, refreshing video!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀 first!

[@cipriantodoran1674]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig true! Thx for uploading this video. It makes me want to start seedlings right away!

[@cheripierre9029]

Wonderful timing for this video Charles. Happy planting 🌻🥰

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@sheepsrubberpants]

Thank you for the videos you’ve inspired me to go ahead and have a go.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Krista, that is wonderful! I wish you the best.

[@mistywatermaiden8378]

Love it! You're awesome Charles Dowding 👏 😎 🌱🌱🌱

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

🧡 thankyou

[@FATHER_KLP1137]

the cow manure looks lovely wow.

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Thank you for your guidance!! I am doing all my beds in the no-dig style and it’s making my gardening so very enjoyable!!!! 🌱☀️

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Lovely to hear this 😀

[@cjfazio3012]

So glad to have ran across this channel. Enjoy watching and learning from Charles! Shout out From the USA🌱🌱🪴👍🏻

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks and welcome

[@borisiscool]

Great video. Thanks for posting

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cumla]

Thank you for another lovely, educational and interesting video. Just when I realized I must extend my beds to fit all the seedlings in. Thank you!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wonderful Anna!

[@hotpepper7782]

Lovely day to you, and good lesson as per usual . Hope the storms leaved no damages and all's well that ends well... wishing you lots of love from my sunshine always.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Many thanks, and all is well here

[@kevinbazan1623]

I always look forward to your videos. The content is always of such high quality and so useful. I'll be able to plant 5 foot wide rows of pollinator perennials for my honeybees because of your brilliance with this No Dig planting. Many cheers, friend! 🍻 ~Kevin - Michigan, US

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Kevin, nice work there

[@anneasquith9296]

You are my new calendar pin up man.Thank you for your experience and brilliant simplicity.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you!

[@karspastoor]

Love to see this, I'm ready to start myself this week! Just waiting until the Veg Journal is getting delivered!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cool, and thanks

[@theswissgardenvlog3189]

Thanks for this new detailed no dig video Sir. All your no dig videos have been my go to place for inspiration and best practice, organic gardening methods.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Love this thanks

[@christinepfeiffer4821]

Another awesome video providing step by step ideas and tips - did this last year and utilized a 12 " space next to a fence surrounded by pavement and grew beautiful dahlias using this method. Will be enlarging my space this spring with the same plan- thanks for all the user friendly tips

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice work! Sounds pretty

[@jimtao9020]

Presentation just gets better and better Charles

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Cheers Jim and I hope you are well

[@jimtao9020]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig All good Charles thanks, i have a full poly tunnel at present, my first really successful winter season, thanks to your wisdom winter growing is very possible here in low-light urban scotland in a small backyard setting, i tried for years with "traditional" methods but No-dig poly tunnel has given me results beyond my expectations this winter.

[@Jesus-hk7cq]

From my experience come Spain, everything mentioned is essential to cultivate yourself. All my support for the channel for greater disclosure

[@gmomma4718]

I’m watching this video again because I’m getting new beds ready this spring . I really appreciate it. Well informed.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad it was helpful, wish you success

[@Leigh33]

10.41 🙈🙈 new spade required... been there, done that! 😂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤💚

[@TheFarmDream]

Great explanation as always. We'll be adding 100m2 of beds this year using this method!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Sounds great! In between selling!!

[@simplement8639]

Merci beaucoup, une mine d’information

[@dariocardona7863]

Thank you so much for all the valuable info! It amazes me how you can do in ground gardening I’m not even 30 and every time and I’m kneeling for more than 5 mins almost pass out when I stand up. Really like your content.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

You are so welcome Danio, but sorry to hear that, eat more greens if you can and unpasteurised yoghourt, delicious and healthy!

[@plantsoverpills1643]

Thanks to you CD, I’ve become a cardboard hoarder!!!😉.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice job

[@collowood]

Started a no dig garden for my 78 year old mum and it even got me gardening aswell. Thank you mate for all your free content on this subject. Best regards Don.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

That is awesome Don!

[@cetindemir179]

Thank you Charles, I'm watching you lovingly. Thanks to you, I am learning new knowledge and methods. I wish you continued success. Greetings from Ankara.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks so much Cetin

[@feffe4036]

As always, calm and informative. Always a pleasure watching your vids! I actually had my first small harvest of lettuce today, just enough for dinner. And the cabbage is doing great. :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Fredrik, and that sounds great 🥬

[@troupier88]

I love your way to explain and transmit your love for soil. I'm starting some no dig garden this year. For the cardboard, i pick layers between milk packs in my local supermarket. Wide, flat, no cuts. Idela

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

So nice of you

[@peggyhelblingsgardenwhatyo7920]

Good morning Charles, Greetings from Windermere, Florida zone 9b USA 🇺🇸 I just received your latest book, Skills, and I love the photography. And I hear you speaking as I'm reading. Lovely 👩‍🌾👍 Our winter is over in Central Florida. We are having a week of mid-80°'s F Take care and Happy Gardening.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thank you so much Peggy and I'm delighted you like the book. That is amazing to imagine summer beginning already, those temperatures are rare for us even in July

[@dudeatx]

Over winter I made some new beds on virgin land. I skimmed the grass/weeds off with spade. Covered with a tarp for about 3 months. Then placed a sheet of cardboard and 6" of compost and flippin' dock and dandelion still came through!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Docks especially! will do that if they are big ones and that's why I recommend digging large dock roots out, the top 6 inches/15 cm. Dandelions regrow but in a weakened state and I find them easy to eliminate using a trowel. And I don't bother to remove the grass and weeds before covering. I hope you can succeed from here.

[@dudeatx]

@@CharlesDowding1nodig Thanks Charles. I have to say I didn't notice them whilst prepping the area and to be truthful it's not causing me too much grief.

[@avaloncar18]

This came right on time!

[@angelmolina2227]

Muy bueno su trabajo 👍 gracias!!! Un abrazo desde Uruguay 🇺🇾.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚

[@jordanblanton1101]

I've been watching your videos for almost a year now. I've had more success with less work than I could imagine. Thank you so much! I ordered your book winter gardening and I look forward to adding in your books to my collections with each paycheck. Your wisdom has transformed my garden, my food, and life.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

I'm thrilled to see this Jordan. Thank you for sharing your success.

[@itsmewende]

The timing for this post was prefect. I have that wood pile composting but was on the fence whether to use to actually plant into, it will be on the pathways instead now. I hope the wind there doesn't do more damage, just read your newsletter this morning too.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Wende

[@stevenbp101]

Hi Charles, got out yesterday and worked cleaning up the beds and adding fresh compost. We are ready to go. Got some plants starting in my grow trays. Always love this time of year after winter. Always enjoy seeing what your doing. Thanks for all your tips. (Old guy from Arkansas)🇺🇸God bless

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Nice to hear Steve!

[@Oceancurve]

Absolutely brilliant content for no dig gardeners. You have a great way of communicating and your passion shines through. Drinking game: Take a shot every time Charles mentions 'bindweed' :)

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Thanks Paul 🥂

[@johnharding2912]

Thanks Charles. I used your method (and calendar) last year on very weedy ground to make my squarr foot gardening/intensive raised beds. Very few weeds (dock) persisted but were dealt with easily. It worked incredibly there and in my geodesic dome greenhouse. Thank you for the knowledge.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Fantastic to hear this John, have a great year

[@martinjuarez2508]

Cuanta sabiduría y pasión en sus tareas. Gracias por enseñarnos !!! Abrazo desde Argentina .

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

💚 gracias

[@ketanvaria]

Absolute loved listening to this!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

😀

[@buckbeaksgarden761]

I love your videos!! This method is brilliant because so many people don't feel like pulling up all their grass to plant a garden. This method is so simple and effective! I layed cardboard down all in between my raised garden beds and covered the cardboard with 4 or 5 inches of wood mulch this past fall. I think it will clean up the space nicely for spring.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@stewartthomas2642]

Love your stuff kick kick love it

[@annthomson-ewers2835]

Thank you 😊

[@renatehaeckler9843]

Your videos never fail to inspire me to get out in the garden! Today is almost 0*C with some wind but I just remembered I left a bed bare to let the chickens scratch at it after I removed the weeds and I forgot I was going to go back and cover it with mulch! So there goes my morning, but it will be good to be in the fresh air!

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Wow sounds cold, am sure you feel good for that and thanks Renate

[@tverveine6317]

Bonsoir Charles, Méthodes très intéressantes et efficaces pour lancer de nouvelles planches de culture. Votre potager est vraiment superbe. C'est un bonheur.

[@CharlesDowding1nodig]

Merci bien!