ditch the traditional techniques
what is no dig?
No dig is the principle of using a cardboard layer covered in compost to suppress weeds and plants on the surface but keep the microbial allies in the soil alive. Planting the seeds and seedlings straight into it creates the least amount of soil damage. It requires less weeding and less watering - meaning you'll have more time for the more creative side of growing your own!
Cardboard layer
Cover old soil to kill weeds yet preserve microorganisms
ADD compost ONTOP
4 inches of compost to create a ready to plant patch
less water + weeding
The nutritious barrier means less watering and weeding is needed
better for the planet and your veg
Traditional techniques of digging, turning and forking is not only back breaking but they kill the microorganisms that live in the soil.
chemical free growing
Synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, used in industrial agriculture strip soil of it's life which harms our microscopic allies who live in it that we need to grow nutritious food.
regenerates the soil
Repetitive use and reliance of harsh chemicals has caused mass soil degradation which could cause a 40% fall in food production by 2050. No dig regenerates rather than degrading your soil.
more nutritious food
Looking after the microorganisms in our soil aids the transfer of nutrients and minerals from the earth into the fruit and vegetables you grow on your patch.
championed by charles dowding
We're working with Charles to create the best advice and guidance you could possibly need throughout the season
I love what the team at Roots are doing to help people learn how to grow their own fresh and nutritious food
I’ve been growing no-dig for 40 years now and I guarantee you'll save time with less weeding, thanks to not digging or forking the soil - all of which causes damage to micro-organisms in the earth that help our food grow! No dig allows you time for the important and fun parts such as planting and harvesting, meaning you grow your own health from the soil up!
Charles Dowding
say no to relying on supermarkets
The UK currently imports over 50% of its produce from as far away as Peru, Chile, Kenya . Learning to grow your own will not only fill you full of nutritious tasty food, but ease your reliance on global food chains and single use plastic. Buy local, grow local!