09/08/2023
Hi Folks,
I'm working on a no dig gardening method which I would like to share with others. I'll be covering a couple of hundred square meters this autumn so for those interested I ask that you keep in touch. If you have an area that you wish to test I would be very grateful if you kept me informed of your progress.
Best regards,
Matt Dorans
Aite Clachan Gardening Services
No dig
Roll Back Method. Matt Dorans 2023
What would we like from a no dig Garden practice?
What if we didn't have to bring in large volumes of compost or produce our own in hot bins to deal with potential pathogens.
What if we did not need the likes of cardboard to get started, not knowing what chemicals have been used in its manufacture and are still.presemt. There is also controversy over gas exchange and water infiltration with cardboard in that it suffocates the soil. I personally have used cardboard in the past to waterproof ponds in the creation of what is known as gley to assist in naturally sealing ponds.
What if I told you that we could absolutely minimise w**ds, w**d seed loading and insect pest issues all in one easy step?
All of this I am here about to address.
You require a roll of black builders Polythene. (DPC) Costing around £50 to cover an area of 100 square meters. (4x25) Yes it's plastic but you will not be throwing this away as it will be in continual use and will last for many, many, years. Once spent- recycle. And then you do not have the associated costs abd inconvenience of getting cardboard to site.
Unroll the plastic over the selected area. This will deprive w**ds of light killing most off in a few weeks. Some like Dock will survive much longer and you may choose to dig these out. However there is a specific reason for using black poly.
HEAT. Black poly will absorb heat from sunlight and can rise to a temperature beneath in excess of 50 degrees Celsius in the month of April here at almost 57 degrees North. This temperature will kill persistent w**ds and their seeds and as the the year progresses temperatures continue to climb. But not only will it kill w**d seeds it will also kill insect pests, larvae and their eggs.
Composting can be done directly under the poly where I advise a layer of 2 inches (50mm) so you do not have to fill compost bins or buy it in if you have sufficient organic matter. Neither do you have to turn it as we have our little helpers that are about to do that for us.
Enter the Earth Worm.
The key to the whole process is the Earth worm.
If you have put down a layer to compost then you have just created the perfect conditions for the Earth Worm. Warm, moist and plenty of food. The Worm, along with other invertebrates, microbes and fungi will create your compost, with the Earth worms bringing essential minerals to the surface and dragging some organic matter down enriching the soil and In the process the are airiating the soil, improving drainage and literally digging it for you.
You will not kill the Earthworm as it can freely move down deeper or higher dependent on the temperature. Most pests cannot do this.
The process itself is when you feel that the soil is close enough to ready and required temperatures have been achieved. Simply roll back a portion of the poly, sow and or plant. Then rolling back more as you need to. Repeat the process after harvesting an area so it's best to plant in the order you will harvest and or multiple sections of poly.
Obviously the great part here is that time is always our enemy, hoping to get more done and the w**ds keep coming. With this method the longer it's covered then the better the conditions for planting, with less w**ds.
The best possible compostable waste in my view and bearing in mind that I am a small holder is waterfowl manure (Duck & Geese) which is mixed with their straw bedding from their enclosures. This can typically be used direct on plants without composting.
Chicken waste is also fine but will require longer to fully break down. Temperatures will deal with the pathogen risk.
Any vegetarian livestock manure but equally any organic matter.
To think, you can now throw dock, dandelion, thistles directly on the ground, cover over and create compost, feed the soil and never worry again.
You will also be creating temporary shelter for slug loving creatures such as frogs, toads & newts.
The downside may be that you may also attract mice. Personally I have outdoor cats, ducks & hens for that but the mice can chew holes in your plastic. You can roll vavk and check for nests at any time to be fair.
Beneficial mycorrhizal fungi should also do well in the this environment.
You may need to check the moisture content from time to time but fort the most part the poly will prevent evaporation. Should it be too dry, hose it down and recover.
Phthalate. There may be concerm over Phthalate from the plastic but in my view carboard is likely higher in release, Poly tunnel Polythene, growbags and plants pots again likely higher given that DPC is designed not to break down so easily, doesn't have to be transparent and yet is recyclable. I have covered out buildings with it where it has lasted longer than felt roofing material- over ten years and still useable.
Any questions and or feedback then get in touch.
P.s, Feed the Earth Worm, not the plant. :)
