No Dig Cultivation

[Tartar Horde]

(6 November 2012, 12:41)PrepperJohn Wrote: Following non from this post by T-oddity I would like to start a discussion about using the No Dig method of food production.

I have tried to employ this method at my allotment but have come up against opposition from my wife and other allotment members.

I must admit to going about it in a bit of an half assed way because I don't really know what I am doing.

Hence I would like to open the subject up so we can all learn how to grow more food with less work, water and fertiliser

I use this method in my vegetable beds and have pretty good results. my "beds" aren't bordered by wood etc, they are just raised like the old ridge and furrow. For this method to succeed you have to make sure you remove any stones etc and add copious amounts of organic matter. I regularly buy 125ltr bags from B&Q and add it to the beds. After you have done this for a few years your spade will easily push/turn over the soil. After five years my beds are basically a rich compost soil mixture. With soil like this you do not need to feed anything, the only thing I use is Sulphate of Potash when my vegetables are flowering/fruiting.