No-Dig Gardening Masterclass with Charles Dowding

[@christ9376]

Two of the finest ‘you tube’ gardeners together. Intelligent, articulate, informative, with great presenting skills. It’s a shame you are both not presenting on Gardeners World as you deserve to be on our TV’s every week.

[@GrowVeg]

Wow - thanks so much! :-)

[@dorjon6121]

This is so true!👏👏

[@juliehartley3652]

KZbin is better than TV.

[@jesusgirl2470]

​@GrowVeg what is no dig garden??? You mentioned it but didn't show it!!! New gardner here!

[@tompearce3610]

​@@jesusgirl2470Ben is with Charles Dowding - his YT has a full explanation but think overlapping clean cardboard in a double layer on top of growing weeds, etc. Add compost on top and leave for a few months. You can then plant directly, nothing needs digging. From my experience, less watering, minimal weeding (pull out with your fingers), much healthier soil life and healthier plants. Where needed, cardboard topped with woodchip for paths (no mowing, minimises slugs, snails etc and feeds the soil as it breaks down. You can walk on no dig beds all year round which is also a massive plus. Ben GrowVeg covered cardboard recently.

[@computingananswer766]

Holy Moly - My two favourite KZbin growers - together - YES YES YES!

[@michaelsnelgrove5779]

Two veg. superheroes meet up. Wonderful!

[@richsmart321]

Meet & 2 veg. Love it! 😂

[@HeyYouSA]

A couple legends

[@GrowVeg]

Nice! :-)

[@tedbastwock3810]

As of today Charles has 499 videos. I have watched every single one, many multiple times. I have 2 of his books, 2 of his calendars, and a whole bunch of his trays. He changed the way I grow vegetables. Since switching to his methods, my production and time efficiency has increased greatly. This was a very good video, done well. Thanks for sharing.

[@Debbieanne51]

Wow that's brilliant.

[@peterwalker6020]

Charles is the only person that I believe these days regarding horticulture. I can go back through old videos and the answer is there somewhere. Thanks Charles, I couldn't do it without you.

[@GrowVeg]

He really knows his stuff!

[@islakirk75]

I've been a big fan of Charles for years so it was lovely to see Charles & Ben together. My son declared it was the holy union of gardening gurus!

[@GrowVeg]

What high praise, thank you! :-)

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Ben, thank you so much for taking us with to Mr Charles Dowding, what a gentleman! He has such ambition, he exercised patience and perseverance right from when he started up until today. He just followed his instincts and worked with the soil. The most important thing he did was to correct the soil, added so much natural material from his first bed up to now. How magnificently his garden has grown. Well done. What I find so important is to keep the garden free and clear from any invaders, also not giving way for pests and diseases to get a foot hold in the soil nor plants. it was such a treat listening to Mr. Charles and you have enjoyed your visit tremendously. Thank you Ben it was such an informative garden walk and talk programme. Do enjoy a great day, looking forward to your next video. Kind regards, Elize.

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you so much Elize. I agree - Charles really is a gentleman. His knowledge comes from decades of trialling and tweaking, and not trusting the 'given' advice too much!

[@Thriftyknitter2]

I couldn’t hit the play button fast enough!! Love love love!! My two gardening gurus in one place! What’s not to love?

[@troxycat]

Two of my favorite people in the whole world! What a wonderful way to start the day! 😊

[@cpoco]

Charles always seems so happy and to be honest, when you make a living growing plants and being able to enjoy all that nature... it's not too surprising.

[@davidsdesign543]

Best. Cross-over. Episode. Ever.

[@Matallica01]

This is better than anything Gardeners world puts out. great stuff

[@sarahdyer1967]

It’s all been said in previous comments. My two favourite people on KZbin. Fantastic treat for a Sunday morning. And yesterday I stopped by to see Wade Muggleton in his permaculture garden (he lives down the road from me) so I’m in absolute gardening heaven right now ❤ I didn’t grow a thing until four years ago and now I’ve built a veg patch all thanks to Charles’ advice and more recently Ben’s. Nothing beats a home grown tomato ❤

[@GrowVeg]

That's really lovely to read. And what a treat to visit Wade's garden - I'd love to visit that at some point. :-)

[@matthewsmith3278]

Possibly the best video ever produced in the gardening world! Two legends in one video . Can’t go wrong 👍👍

[@katherinekizito7559]

While I'm not a gardener myself, I love to follow your videos simply because you are both so authentic, humble and bring such wonderful energy! What a gift to see you chatting and exchanging information - great rapport. We're lucky to have you!

[@fjalar4856]

Eat soil❤️ Thank you Ben and Charles! Can't do anything but smile while watching this🙏

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much. Charles' message is so wholesome and he's inspired so many people. Really appreciate you watching along. :-)

[@garwilliams1]

He is the God of growing. You’re pretty good yourself. I’m glad you made the opportunity to meet him and make the video. Great stuff. 😊

[@hypnodream]

Ben you are a great interviewer. I love these videos. I want some more please...

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers so much. I hope to bring more videos like this over the coming months. Stay tuned! :-)

[@darrybush5293]

It’s always interesting to hear what the Godfather of no dig has to say. Happy Gardening 🧑‍🌾 from Southern California.

[@shirleyp589]

It may be easier to pop down to the supermarket for veg but only a gardener who loves to see things brought to life from seed can truly understand the love and nurturing that goes into the process and the joy of seeing the full growth cycle .

[@looneygardener]

I appreciate hearing about gardening failures, as well as successes. It makes me realize, nature is our boss, and even the best, most experienced gardeners, can experience issues. This is a great video!

[@LePensky77]

This is the most wholesome and inspirational video I've watched for a long time. I am a complete gardening novice, and I have a comparatively tiny vegetable plot, but all I want to do now is get home and do some gardening!

[@Time2ski27]

I am going to add to the comments. I love both of these guys. Their combined knowledge of gardening is amazing. The no dig method has been great for my gardens. Thank you for this masterclass.

[@twosticksandstring]

My two favourite gardening gurus❤

[@lifestapestry2968]

Beautiful to see the two of you comparing techniques.

[@chompers11]

Imagine thinking you are going to teach charles something about no dig 😂 Ive been meaning to ask him whats something hes learned lately, actually

[@hippdip]

They didn't compare shit, it's was just CD promoting himself & his products with Ben fangirling over him non-stop. Pretty pathetic, actually.

[@shandarolls1954]

@@hippdipthen why did you tune in? Pretty disrespectful actually

[@GrowVeg]

@hippdip Charles is a real inspiration - so yes, I guess I was rather in awe of him! Lots to learn and a real pleasure to meet him. Thanks for watching. :-)

[@chompers11]

@@GrowVeg totally, great stuff

[@TraceUK]

This was fascinating for me, thank you! What he described as No Dig is exactly what I’ve just done in my back garden and thought I’d made a huge mistake! Awesome

[@rickthelian2215]

Wonderful, Charles is very generous with his time❤ I enjoy watching and interacting on his videos, love the no dig theme it really works😁🇦🇺

[@PlantRelated]

You and Charles changed my life and my garden - i absolutely love no dig!! just tried it for the first time and it is really so much better, more efficient, less fighting with the soil and less expending energy digging through hard soil, plus im adding compost right as i plant so that saves me when id have to add compost later. i love it!!! im not disturbing the life or the roots (which i think of as nerves of the plant.) imagine!! thank you so much for having Charles on your channel. an honor to have both, thank you!!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much for watching. :-)

[@Jimmiw84]

How apt. I left homeacres about 3 hours ago after a wonderful day with the man himself and some great gardeners

[@troxycat]

Wow lucky you! That's awesome!

[@GrowVeg]

That must have been a lovely day out. What a treat!

[@emylytle5409]

Two of my favorite KZbin experts in gardening collaboration are on, amazing! Love this people ♥️😊👩‍🌾

[@TheCarpentersDaughterUK]

This was lovely and useful to watch. Thanks both for taking the time to film. Tomorrow morning I'll be planting my excess celeriac between my sweetcorn, cabbages, etc rather than let spare seedlings suffer in my greenhouse! Thanks again :)

[@ricado372]

With all the other things in life we have to do. It's great that we can watch these people who inspire us .

[@robertevans8024]

I'm from Philadelphia PA and if I had my choice of getting a tour of this beautiful garden or watching the Phillies play in London, I'd much rather tour this garden ! 🥰👨🏻‍🌾🌱

[@markharrison8851]

The two best veg growers in the UK meet, superb!! Great video, Ben!!

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Mark! :-)

[@edwintamasese9176]

Been doing this for 40 years and learnt so much from that video. Very much appreciated.

[@kackmalwieder]

Charles is my hero. And he has such a calm, charming and inspiring way to present it. Love him. Thank you guys.

[@GrowVeg]

Very welcome! Happy Gardening!

[@carlduffin]

I prefer Ben to be honest - more down to earth.

[@RJN24118]

As a long term fan of both of you, thank you for one of the best interviews with Charles, you noticed things that most don't and were asking wonderfully practical questions, we always have something to learn.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much! :-)

[@sallyannlaw3860]

At last! Two of my favourite gardeners have finally got together.

[@markw5779]

That was awesome, Two of my go to Gardeners getting together to talk about the simplicity and importance of growing your own,👍

[@Familygarden88]

It was really lovely to see two gardening experts together ❤

[@timothyshanley1132]

Ben you guys rock, you make Charles fun. I think you brought out his inner child at this joint video. I've seen him with Kevin from California and others, wasn't impressed, you guys really connected. Really really enjoyed video. Usually don't finish Charlie's videos but you are on my go to list, you killed it. Your a rock star bro. Thx Tim Long Island N.Y.

[@GrowVeg]

This is such a lovely comment, thank you so much. It really makes outings like this so worthwhile. Charles was such an inspiration and I genuinely loved this day out! :-)

[@Kbs894]

This was so cool to watch!! I only found you today Ben and I have been binge watching your videos. Your energy is contagious. I’ve been watching Charles for months (I am new to veg gardening) and when I saw this video it made me appreciate gardeners even more. There is no competition, only encouragement for each other. I love how excited you both were talking about plants! Thanks for this awesome collaboration 🤎🤎🤎

[@GrowVeg]

Bless you, that’s so kind of you to say. Visiting Charles was such an honour.

[@deanhawthorn5783]

my two favourite gardeners meet love charles and the simple way you explain things in the way we can all learn

[@sunira4548]

Charles is just happy. Like Mother Nature has swept every worry out of him. I am 31 and I hope I grow old doing what you are doing. Love

[@GrowVeg]

He really is a very happy fellow. The joy of being outdoors in nature for most of the day I reckon. :-)

[@gmcd1916]

Charles and previously Huw,absolutely fantastic 🎉🎉

[@taffpatch1]

Huw just copies Charles !!

[@tonymatthews445]

WoW - two of my favorite gardeners on the same show!!! Could watch that for an age, thanks for sharing.

[@itexperience]

Many many thanks for all the effort spent in the subtitling! As a viewer with a foreign language, the subtitling is not only a surplus, but actually a must-have to understand everything well.

[@sashalevage2550]

Not sure why it took me a bit to watch this one, but your genuine interest in everything he said was palpable. When you shook his hand, I really thought, he fully appreciated the experience of being with Charles Dowding. I really enjoyed watching this one. (And all of them, but you know, this one was really lovely.)

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much for your kind words. It was genuine a joy to meet Charles! :-)

[@ausfoodgarden]

What a great video! I do watch Charles' channel, but it's way more informative when two gardeners interact with each other. Thanks for doing a great job Ben. 👏

[@doras.allotment]

The "Grandaddy of No Dig" - love it. I've already learnt a lot from both of you but oh what a wonderful video and collaboration, thank you both 💚

[@steveo_o6707]

I love Charles, his instruction, patience, and passion is something I strive for.

[@SueAngami]

Loving this interaction between two of my absolute favourite gardeners! So much so that I find myself checking the time left on the video several times just hoping that I haven't reached the end yet😅

[@stephenhope7319]

An absolute master-class video. I have been gardening organically using knowledge from the both of you for a long time. Gardening since I immigrated to Ca in 1981, watching you guys since you started. Thanks for all you do.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much for your ongoing support Stephen. :-)

[@teejay5627]

So grateful for such a fantastic video. I started no dig last year and this has answered so many questions. Thank you.

[@Steve-ze1mz]

I have been growing organically for over 30 years. Yes sir, i learned alot. I was aware of no till, never investigated. Makes perfect sense. Much love and respect from cent. Va. Usa. God bless us all.

[@dustyflats3832]

Thanks Ben for asking all the right questions. I wondered how he edged the gardens, if he had hired help and how much compost comes from outside. He’s lucky to have horse farm and mushroom grower that supplies an abundance of materials. I don’t know if any horse owners that have chem free hay they feed their horses. Even then I struggle to get compost hot enough and turning it…well when I feel energetically enough is a chore as not all material is chopped up as small as I’d like-that’s half the battle. He does have a wonderful garden. At the end Charles mentioned some think it’s cheaper to go to the grocer and skip all the work for food. And right now our news is talking about high food prices. The biggest two things for me is knowing my food won’t be recalled and it’s better quality. It costs me a pack of seeds and a bit of enjoyable work.

[@GrowVeg]

I agree, the value in homegrown food goes way beyond the cost savings. :-)

[@joyscott374]

What a pair you two are. Giants in the gardening world. So enjoyed watching you both talking the same language & loving each others understanding. A big thank you to you both for bringing your skills to the masses. Long may you carry on, we love you for it.🐞

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much. :-)

[@joeoreilly5561]

So nice to see two leading lights getting together and clearly getting on so well 👍

[@kountdekristo]

You both have such big and genuine hearts! (not the anatomical ones... 🙃) I mean the inspiration and willingness to share your passion with 0% of pretence. Thank you!

[@MrGhostman666]

My two favourite gardeners. Incredible to see this show as i always take bits from both of you.. Thank you for all that you do for many of us aspiring gardeners 😊

[@leeseany]

What an amazing video! I hope to find myself nestled into gardening on a more understanding level of mistakes and compassion. It’s 2 people like yourself and Charles that provide a real insight, appreciation and interest in changing how we think about food and gardening. Congratulations you’re both doing such a wholesome job!

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much! :-)

[@phyllismcdaniel-cook946]

Oh my, I love how you show us the differences from other Gardiners. And their methods thank you!

[@anoukgoosen2109]

Two fav veg heroes in one vid 💚 Thank you both veg gentlemen 🍀

[@CompostHeap]

Waited with great impatience until Monday morning to watch this episode... the delayed gratification of seeing my two favourite 'green heroes' gave me the kick to start the week needed to forget (temporarily) my broken ribs and transplant some seedlings in dire need of attention! Love you both. C

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you so much. I hope your rubs heal soon and wish you a speedy recovery. Happy gardening! :-)

[@duckpondish]

Just found my 2 absolute heroes. Can't express how amazing and inspirational you both are, just love you guys.

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers so much! 😀

[@dengueberries]

This is like Pelé and Ibrahimovic meeting. I am so excited to watch this!

[@anabravo3581]

I was waiting for these two Gentlemen to come together in a video. Thank you both!

[@rwg727]

Thank you! Charles is the best! a really smart and lovable guy!

[@jaynetanner3757]

What a treat deluxe , I could listen to you two guys talk excitedly about gardens all day, thanks

[@christinebrooks6364]

Hi Ben, what a brilliant video with Charles! Thanks for sharing and take care 😊

[@evage99]

What a gorgeous space! I have a very small garden this year, just one big arch trellis with tomatoes & cucumbers climbing it, plus two yellow squash and some flowers for pest control and pollination. My goal - for our insane overgrown prairie of a backyard - is to eventually cover the whole thing in wood mulch, to grow food instead of useless grass. I can see a natural argument against crop rotation...that doesn't really happen in an uninhabited area, does it? Food in a forest grows in the same place every year, spreading a bit through its own devices. Wild food doesn't rotate itself to get "ideal" soil nutrition, it relies on the rest of the plants and animals in the area to provide. Very different from human gardening, where we try so hard to separate the plants out by species and control everything. Perhaps the more jungle-like "food forest" idea is the way to go in my yard, someday I can transform it from a useless mess into an edible mess 😅

[@GrowVeg]

That's a really great way of looking at it - yes indeed! :-)

[@llamalover7623]

You guys, you do your stuff from the heart. It shines through! Thanks for everything!!

[@MizzAugust7]

Wow Mr. Dowding, I didnt know you were so famous. I chose you to follow because it was obvious you subscribe to the - Do Not Disturb - way of starting a garden, which is what I wanted to do. I apprciate all the time and trouble you take to share all your knowledge with we, the unknown but grateful. Thank you.

[@oceansoul3694]

I still use my ABS trays - the same white Styrofoam he has and mine are from late '70's and 80's...there never have been any replacements that work as well. Charles is one of my heros, with all of his knowledge, I'm so tired of all the "garden hacks" invented by youtubers, when the real genius is right here in your video. Thank you so much for bringing this to us, Ben! I really appreciate it.

[@GrowVeg]

Those are some very old trays - great to still have them going strong!

[@andygrayson7485]

This is so good, what a garden, should be teaching all our kids how important growing really is, can life ever be more laid back than these two ??? ✌✌

[@paolomaggi8188]

😱😱 Wow ..The King and the Prince of no -dig vegetable garden together!! I love you!!! 💕 Greetings from Italy.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much! :-)

[@lyndaturner6686]

What a treat two off my favourite gardeners in one show. ❤️❤️

[@hkschubert9938]

I spent all day today digging in dirt planting my: tomatoes & carrots & corn & onions & green beans & yellow squash !! Life would not be the same without digging in dirt !!

[@GrowVeg]

Absolutely! :-)

[@myslicechannel]

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed that! Not one but two of my favourite gardeners together - next time make it 3 and get Huw Richards on with you both!

[@eddy8828]

Thanks to Ben for this joyful video and having Mr. Charles Dowding on your show. Great surprise. We love you both.

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you - much appreciated! :-)

[@MissNibbles063]

Thank you so much for a fantastic insight into the world of no dig, tried it out this year and so far it’s been amazing 😊

[@suzannahharris8007]

I love this video. I watch both you and Ben on KZbin and always learn so much. This video re-inspired me as I'm dealing with a heatwave in northern Colorado, USA. Shade cloth has saved my plants. It's my 6th year backyard gardening, and no two years are alike because I learn new things and love to experiment. This year each bed (about 3x4) has a mix of vegetable, flower and herb. I love it! Something new I got from this video is your cold-composting. This year our compost has just been sitting and I've been worried that it will take forever to decompose. But I'm now worried now, and trust after turning it two or three times that we'll have plenty for the fall. Thank you for this wonderful journey at your farm.

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased you enjoyed the video Suzannah - thanks for watching. :-)

[@lucybarnard3954]

My two favourite experts together just great ❤

[@evage99]

That old plug tray is older than I am...my goodness 😂😂 Thank you for this wonderful crossover, Dowding's garden is beautifully organized and a bit haphazard at once due to how casually he operates.

[@mikeamirault8741]

Hey guys! Great to see two of my favourite gardeners together on the same youtube video. I have great respect for you both even though you are both "across the pond" from Nova Scotia.

[@melanieverheijen1886]

What a legend he is✌🏼 learning everytime new things from him😁

[@Ladywach]

I didn’t even need to watch the video before liking. I saw you two together on my feed ❤and it’s a wrap. Match made in heaven x

[@GrowVeg]

Yay! Thank you!

[@kennupoiss]

Wow 2 of my favorite English men at the same movie 😊 I watch you all as much as possible

[@VaveeDances]

Ben and Charles together in the same video! Today is a great day! 😊

[@chaddamp2894]

Gardening is such a wonderful way to pass time,especially if you have space enough to create and produce x

[@don5125]

This is my 3rd time watching this. Just enjoy it. Thanks again. No need to respond as you’ve got enough to do ❤

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks so much for watching! :-)

[@kimberleychapman8416]

Thank you so much for this video! Two of my favourite gardeners giving tips and general ideas together! 😊

[@sgrice268]

I certainly enjoy watching both of you gentlemen. It brings me joy and it makes me want to garden even more. Thank you.

[@jenniehilbert9755]

Whow my 2 favorite gardeners in one video !!!!! (I have both your books) I am Greatful for all your amazing information always. Thank you, from across the big blue ocean in New Jersey on the coast of USA.

[@SteviesAllotmentGarden]

At last the top 2 guys together love u both, I've learned so much from both of u ❤

[@Stu-Vino]

What a fantastic, life-affirming video! We need the 2hr director's cut next 😀

[@rodneystacey1155]

Wonderful , just wonderful I keep trying and often fail but get up and give it another go

[@thecsslife]

This is one of my most favourite videos ever

[@margaretmcallister5422]

No dig for planting? Well, I've never seen a cabbage with a shovel or a spud with a spade. Nature manages to set its seeds and tubers, and grows stuff without much digging (other than the occasional rootling animal). And it hurts your back a lot less ! Super duo. Thanks guys.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for watching Margaret. :-)

[@don5125]

This is an amazing video , watching and LISTENING to two experts 😇 Thank you so much 😄👍❤️

[@firehorsewoman414]

OMG my two favorite gardeners across the pond. Just WOW! Love from North East Texas