When researching modern no-dig gardening methods, there was one name that continually popped up…Charles Dowding. Charles Dowding is an English horticulturalist and author who has pioneered modern no-dig and organic soil management in the UK since 1983. He is known for his innovative techniques in gardening, which include the use of compost, mulch, and cover crops to improve soil health and reduce the need for tilling. His method varies slightly from mine in that he creates compost in piles throughout the year and then spreads that on his existing garden beds, instead of all the layers that I do. It is this compost that he plants into whereas I am composting ‘in-situ’. But his garden ‘Homeacres’ has been going since 2012 so it is now more at the maintenance stage, rather than building from scratch like I am. All of his materials go to building this compost throughout the year in bins. When starting though, he did just dump 1/2 tonne of cow manure on the ground, so we do have the same humble beginnings. One day, I hopefully be able to do the same.
Dowding has written eleven books on no dig and organic gardening, and he writes for national and international magazines. He also runs a popular YouTube channel where he presents videos teaching practical skills. Check out this one on composting below.
Banner photograph by Jonathan Buckley. www.jonathanbuckley.co.uk