Huw Richards: Dig Versus No Dig? It Doesn’t Really Matter…
Thank you so much for listening. You can join Scribehound to enjoy a new gardening article daily: https://join.scribehound.com/gardening?ref=share&sharer=7mYA544KquMDQu2c5&shareType=xGbtFobkfW&channel=gardening
Thanks Huw❤🙏👏😘 For speaking out and encouraging people to do what is right for their circumstances and land Yes in an ideal world we would all be perfect In an ideal world we wouldn’t have supermarkets that sell avocados all the way from Chile, wrapped in plastic that never really recycles. Ideally we would have these skills like gardening as part of school curricula
But we are not in an ideal world or situation anymore
We are seeing major changes coming ahead so the time to start growing anything is now.
If I go by my beautiful yellow poppies and my useful nettles in my garden, I’d say Nature wants to Grow. We need to steer it a bit.
I have already taken the pressure off myself by not pretending I need to know everything and have a clear succession plan,etc etc
My garden is not for the RHs show, not even for a neighbour to have envy.
My garden is to feed my soul, my body and , even if by a little, to fight the supermarket The rest is just ego.
And yeah maybe we all need to sign off facebook altogether 😂😅😊
THANK YOU for these very wise words. Our society has become so divisive through "their" machinations, that even gardeners can wind up in a pool of melodrama and social media cancellations. I bought a tray of leek seedlings and have been planting them in the ground in a number of different ways, in a number of willy-nilly locations to see what Nature decides to do with that. And then I'll take what I learn forward to my next experiment. BLESSINGS TO ALL!
It's ridiculous that you were banned from FB groups and I agree people should be open to hearing people out. That being said, I disagree with your logic. Just because there are worse things than something, doesn't make that thing a good thing to do. Saying it's all the same is not accurate. People should know the pros and cons of each method and then make their own decisions. Double digging is back breaking work, has definite downsides including the ones you mentioned, while providing no benefit vs putting compost on top.
In the end, science matters. Facts matter. If you ignore them, your garden doesn't do as well as you would hope. All this conflict and people being people is the antithesis of what I go into the garden for. Enjoy your day.
I absolutely love this! While the one result, growing our food, can be a goal of gardening there are many other goals as well. Some people garden to be self sustaining, some work on building their soil, some try to be as low carbon as possible, and the list goes on. Since everyone’s goals are different their methods can also be different. I enjoy learning about other gardening methods like Korean natural gardening. I recently started watching videos on land race gardening and find those fascinating. There are so many methods and everyone can choose what works in their life. Thanks for always being a voice of reason and kindness
Your point about annuals growing in disturbed soil is eye-opening. I've felt guilty for not following regenerative practices to the letter in my garden since I learned about them–you've given me permission to grow the way that works best for me, even if some people who think they know better than everyone would find fault with my methods!
Thanks Huw. Also a realization I had a few years ago. Nature is the greatest teacher…. cause, effect… If you do something and get good results, great, if you do the opposite thing and get good results, great! Keep doing the good work, you have my support!
Danke für deine guten Ansichten und Meinungen, Huw! Du sprichst mir aus der Seele. Einen Samen in die Hand zu nehmen, ihn der Erde auf welche Art auch immer zu übergeben und sich dann daran zu freuen wie etwas daraus erwächst, das ist was zählt und die Welt ein bisschen grüner macht.❤️🌱
Thank you for this beautiful letter and for being such a shining example of promoting peace and understanding in our world! I cultivate my permaculture inspired food forest and garden using no dig, but I love other gardeners who have chosen a different path. We are all on our own journey and our paths intersect along the way in some areas and not in others…but its still heading in the right direction! You said it so well and I’m very grateful for the positive energy you continually share!
Huw. Another thought provoking video. Battle is an interesting word. With regard to our allotments, there are battles of a sort. Dig or no dig, raised beds with sides or not, use hose or not…….. There is also a battle within the minds of new allotmenteers. Some battles being, what advise to listen to/ follow, what to grow & how, tools to buy and thinking they have to achieve instant success and a perfect allotment. I'm glad i am old enough to muddle along and as you say, enjoy!😂
Points well spoken! Over the many decades of farming/gardening one thing I have learned is that it is evolutionary. In 1950's we used horse drawn plows and harrows to till the soil, and we used the horse manure to fertilize the soil. Towards the end of the 50's or early 60's the farm world moved to chemical fertilizers, and home gardeners were told they, too, had to use fertilizers. Many of use were labeled as non-conformists because we continued "natural" gardening. By the 1980's "organic gardening" became a buzz word and we began understanding more about the living soil beneath our feet. Been a lot of changes in the last 7 decades, including now using raised beds and compost (never heard of that in 1950!) for gardens. Meanwhile, the neighbor rototills his garden, and spreads fertilizer on it. His choice, just a natural gardening is my choice, and it isn't my place to criticize his choices anymore than his to criticize me.
Well I have been humbled. I am a professional organic farmer who uses no pesticides, no manures, no guanos etc, absolutely nothing goes onto/into my soil than the decomposted leaves,, branches, plants, grass and home compost. I use wood chipping from dead tree branches cut off the previous year for mulching. I am too rigid and when seeing other farmers use other practices i nod my head in dismay. You could of not been more right in what you say. I will now reward other techniques with enthusiasm and joy because yes anyone growing their own food in any way is certainly better than any supermarkets. Although people using plastic to cover their soil to prevent 'bad' weeds will still grind my gears. Great channel!
I have been growing my own food for 71 years yes I`m old (82) I was taught by my Grandfather so I do it the old fashioned way just like he did it also how Harry Dodson did it I have tried raised beds but that proved to be the most expensive way to grow food – buying timber, compost , and then there`s the water bills – especially if you are using metered water. I never use tap water ojn my plot I only use rain water which I collect in the 6 barrels around my shed. also I noticed that when I had raise beds (50 yrs ago) over half the plot was taken up with pathways . and not used to grow food. Being old fashioned is not wrong but there are people who think it is better to go modern – Well raised beds and no dig may be thought to be the "New" way to grow food but it is not – It was tried out during Queen Victorian days. There is nothing new under the sun fashions come and fashions go. People may make fun of the way I grow my food but I just smile to myself and let them carry on " I`m happy with what I do and that is all that matters.
I've never been tribal. I've been no dig since I got my allotment 7 years ago and I chose that approach primarily because it's less work, and I had a full-time job. The bloke on the allotment next to mine is a traditional digger, and he produces lovely food, but he's retired, so he can spend much longer on his allotment than me. But he's a fantastic gardener. In fact, I'm the only no digger amongst my neighbouring plots, and that's absolutely fine by me. I don't give advice unless expressly asked (which is rare), because I don't think there is any one right way, and the vast majority of new plot holders dig over their new allotment. Most of them never finish that first dig, though, and most of those who do only last a few months. That's the real problem. So, for me, no dig is about saving time and effort, making it more likely that a newcomer will keep going long enough to enjoy the fruits of their labour, and discover for themselves what a wonderful pursuit this is.
Beautiful letter! I was a little disheartened for you to find out that apparently so many of the commenters find it necessarily to critique you like that. I've never had anything but respect for the way you do things, and see you as an example, even at times when I don't do things exactly the same. The great thing about gardening is that you can so it so differently. Every garden is different, so no need to have a go at people for choosing a different approach
Fair enough. Permaculture and No-Dig got a bit of a bad name due to proponents being rather religious about it. For this reason I've always made it clear that I cherry pick the ideas that work for me, no-dig being one of them. I always found digging to be a bit of a chore and was delighted to discover it wasn't really necessary in a small garden. The religiosity works both ways and I find the anti camp equally boring.
As if how someone gardens is anyone else's business. Do what you can to feed yourself and/or wildlife & pollinators; grow in the ground or in raised beds, containers or all of the above, dig or don't dig, plant heirloom varieties or hybrids or both, grow one crop or many different ones. The internet & social media are blessings and curses all in one.
Oh Huw, you are so right. As a species, we (rightly) shout so loudly for freedom and the right to live our lives in a way that works for us, except when it comes to gardening. Then, there is such a dogmatic "civil war"..( genius, I love that, Huw 🤣). We want freedom of choice as long as it doesn't negatively impact others – roundup is harmful to planet and people, double digging is not! As you say, let's all just enjoy growing, support each other and learn from each other. Thanks Huw
Lol thank you!!!! That was so appropriate, humorous and thoughtful. Your right people are just bored. Who cares really!! I think it’s the sheer need for control that makes people feel like they NEED to comment…..and deep down jealousy. Lol. ❤❤ miss ur face !! 😘😘🌱🌱🌱🙏
I used to think no-dig was basically just a sort of environmental activism, that was possibly a compromise for the sake of environmental benefits. Now I understand it's actually the optimal way to grow, regardless of how you feel about environmental issues.
However, there are times when you absolutely need to dig, and dig deep. Unless you're going to do everything in containers or raised beds.
In my current garden, initially nothing would grow. When I dug a test patch, the reason became clear. There wasn't much you could call actual soil in my garden. It was mostly construction waste – old bricks, bits of plasterboard, old door hinges, some empty paint tins, and even two ribber tyres (from what looked like the front wheels of a tractor). There was also a massive amount of rocks, and I don't mean little pebbles, I mean boulders up to the size of a large dog.
I didn't even bother with a soil test, it was obviously highly toxic, probably saturated with hydrocarbons and other chemicals.
I didn't just dig the garden, I literally excavated it. It was really the only sensible option. Again, unless I was just going to cover the whole thing with concrete and turn it into a car park. And even then, I think that would have been irresponsible, because the run-off from my toxic garden would have damaged the surrounding area.
Once it was completely cleared, it looked like the initial stage of a foundation for a block of flats. I then backfilled it with aggregates, topsoil, compost, then finally bark and leaf mould. I then left it alone, unplanted, for a year, and even let the weeds grow, only cutting them above the surface before they seeded, and chopping and dropping. In hindsight I probably should have planted a cover crop, not so much for soil amendment, but mostly for weeds suppression, but it all worked out the same in the end.
Now the only "digging" I do is when planting, and even then only the minimum required. I don't even pull plants out by the roots (except those with edible roots), I just chop them off at the surface, and leave the roots in. I have almost no weeds, almost no fungal diseases, and more then enough helpful predators to handle any pests.
I have the luxury of doing that now … after I already excavated a toxic garden filled with junk and boulders.
I realise the target audience here is probably people who are constantly digging every year, rather than those breaking new ground, but I just thought I'd give some perspective.
Hello Huw, all I can say is “Amen” and very well put! Thank you. Many blessings Susie 🙏🏽🍎🍋🫐🍅🫛🥦🥬🌽🥒🌶️🥕🧄 thanks to your wonderful advice I have been successful (not every time, but hey😊) in growing all of these and feel confident to build on what I can and can’t do.❤
Oh Huw you are such a star. I was also banned from a FB gardening group from someone quite well known who nearly blew a gasket when I dared to mention 'chop and drop'. She said it was ridiculous and every slug on Earth would migrate to my garden, presumably to eat the fallen plants, which to me was preferrable to eating the plants I actually wanted to grow. This was a few years ago and the aforementioned gardener is still an advocate of no dig and adamant that the world might end if I chop and drop.
the best thing about Huw is the way he encourages us to think outside the box. there is so much advice out there that it can be overwhelming, but after following Huw and others over the years i assess any piece of advice with two questions: does it make sense? does it work? on my allotment i have a few no dig areas, a few raised beds, spaces where i'm trialling chop and drop, even an embryonic food forest. it does not look like a farmer's field or a domestic garden, but that's not the aim. the plot looks unkempt, but i can explain how it works to anyone who cares to ask. the third question is of course does my plot give me a steady stream of varied edible produce? the answer is yes and surely that's the point, however i choose to achieve it. i fully expect Huw will continue to make me think about what i do.
I have watched you grow up on utube and I’ve always enjoyed your channel. Tell this granny who the haters are and I’ll take care of it.😎. Joking of course, but seriously you are doing great. Ignore the rude, the ignorant, and the unkind, we’ve got your back. Channel all your energy into your garden mojo. Blessings from a mountain in North Idaho. TeresaSue
Gardening is about trying to get thingsa done and always being behind , but being out there with the other kingdom, nature and having things to eat too. Just getting on with it and enjoying it too. Your furniture doesn't grow but hopefully your beans do. And how you solve any garden problems is just your way (but no killing chemicals is a good idea). Thank you for opening ing up a huge world to me Huw.
Ive been no dig for over half a century now no cardboard just broken down chicken manure and horse manure dig 1st then add shit simple since I was 3 year old works for me happy gardening Richardx
Huw, you were one of the very first garden channels I started watching and I've thoroughly enjoyed your videos and shared knowledge. You are absolutely right: It doesn't really matter. I've done both types of gardening and it's the actual garden, with the created beauty and experience, that matter to me. Cheers!
Am no dig, except for one bed each year for the past 5 yearr the carrots and parsnips were getting shorter after 25 plus years of no dig, do chop and drop, no tramp, plus am using weedmat over the winter, as have had a operation so can't garden as well as usual!!! Have employed a lovely teenager to dig my one bed over and too shift the compost as I can't yet lift a wheelbarrow. Happy Gardening from a wintry New Zealand
Being banned on FB is a mark of honor. You will quickly see that you don't need them at all. I was banned for being a conservative many years ago. I learned that you are better off not being a part of that platform. It is much better for your mental health. Banned for gardening opinions? indeed. Make a clean break , it is a toxic place and will consume way too much of your time. There are more rational and reasonable platforms out there.
Love this 💚 I’ve been following you for years Huw, you have always been a lovely lad. Your message is really encouraging and doesn’t surprise me coming from you. I’m sorry that you have come up against this. I have noticed it myself in social media (and actually everywhere in life) you are right it’s boredom or tribal is what I think, sure we see it everywhere. It’s not congruent with creating and growing but sure 🤷♀️ you obviously talk too much sense for some 😉
Social media has become a bit of a minefield now our communities have been conditioned to be easily offended. I try to take care of the soil and no dig where possible but have a very bad grass here that would cause me to totally give up if I didn’t dig it up. To be honest, I wish I had dug first in those areas and then no dig after that. Absolutes are polarising and leave no room for new information. I think the size of your social media presence can attract tall poppy take downers. Keep growing, evolving and sharing. Those who follow you in earnest will appreciate your transparency and flexibility in the garden. Blessings Kayleen from Melbourne
48 Comments
❤❤❤
Thanks Huw❤🙏👏😘
For speaking out and encouraging people to do what is right for their circumstances and land
Yes in an ideal world we would all be perfect
In an ideal world we wouldn’t have supermarkets that sell avocados all the way from Chile, wrapped in plastic that never really recycles.
Ideally we would have these skills like gardening as part of school curricula
But we are not in an ideal world or situation anymore
We are seeing major changes coming ahead so the time to start growing anything is now.
If I go by my beautiful yellow poppies and my useful nettles in my garden, I’d say Nature wants to Grow. We need to steer it a bit.
I have already taken the pressure off myself by not pretending I need to know everything and have a clear succession plan,etc etc
My garden is not for the RHs show, not even for a neighbour to have envy.
My garden is to feed my soul, my body and , even if by a little, to fight the supermarket
The rest is just ego.
And yeah maybe we all need to sign off facebook altogether 😂😅😊
THANK YOU for these very wise words. Our society has become so divisive through "their" machinations, that even gardeners can wind up in a pool of melodrama and social media cancellations. I bought a tray of leek seedlings and have been planting them in the ground in a number of different ways, in a number of willy-nilly locations to see what Nature decides to do with that. And then I'll take what I learn forward to my next experiment. BLESSINGS TO ALL!
It's ridiculous that you were banned from FB groups and I agree people should be open to hearing people out. That being said, I disagree with your logic. Just because there are worse things than something, doesn't make that thing a good thing to do. Saying it's all the same is not accurate. People should know the pros and cons of each method and then make their own decisions. Double digging is back breaking work, has definite downsides including the ones you mentioned, while providing no benefit vs putting compost on top.
In the end, science matters. Facts matter. If you ignore them, your garden doesn't do as well as you would hope. All this conflict and people being people is the antithesis of what I go into the garden for. Enjoy your day.
I absolutely love this! While the one result, growing our food, can be a goal of gardening there are many other goals as well. Some people garden to be self sustaining, some work on building their soil, some try to be as low carbon as possible, and the list goes on. Since everyone’s goals are different their methods can also be different. I enjoy learning about other gardening methods like Korean natural gardening. I recently started watching videos on land race gardening and find those fascinating. There are so many methods and everyone can choose what works in their life. Thanks for always being a voice of reason and kindness
Keep up the inspiring work Huw, I've got all your books and always inspired by your honest and accessible approach to gardening
Here here 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 😀😍 well said Huw.
Your point about annuals growing in disturbed soil is eye-opening. I've felt guilty for not following regenerative practices to the letter in my garden since I learned about them–you've given me permission to grow the way that works best for me, even if some people who think they know better than everyone would find fault with my methods!
Thanks Huw. Also a realization I had a few years ago. Nature is the greatest teacher…. cause, effect… If you do something and get good results, great, if you do the opposite thing and get good results, great! Keep doing the good work, you have my support!
Love the civil war of gardening phrase, may there grow peace in the garden .❤
Very well said Huw 👏👏
People are crazy, Huw—especially those who spend too much time on the internet and not in the garden. Don’t let them get to you. Love your work! ❤
Danke für deine guten Ansichten und Meinungen, Huw! Du sprichst mir aus der Seele. Einen Samen in die Hand zu nehmen, ihn der Erde auf welche Art auch immer zu übergeben und sich dann daran zu freuen wie etwas daraus erwächst, das ist was zählt und die Welt ein bisschen grüner macht.❤️🌱
I selfishly like No Dig because I am lazy. I try not to do one second more of work than needed. Even so, it’s a full time job!
Thank you for this video. I really appreciate you and you’re sharing.
Thank you for this beautiful letter and for being such a shining example of promoting peace and understanding in our world! I cultivate my permaculture inspired food forest and garden using no dig, but I love other gardeners who have chosen a different path. We are all on our own journey and our paths intersect along the way in some areas and not in others…but its still heading in the right direction! You said it so well and I’m very grateful for the positive energy you continually share!
Huw. Another thought provoking video. Battle is an interesting word. With regard to our allotments, there are battles of a sort. Dig or no dig, raised beds with sides or not, use hose or not…….. There is also a battle within the minds of new allotmenteers. Some battles being, what advise to listen to/ follow, what to grow & how, tools to buy and thinking they have to achieve instant success and a perfect allotment. I'm glad i am old enough to muddle along and as you say, enjoy!😂
❤👍 ❤ thank you for sharing such wisdom.
Points well spoken! Over the many decades of farming/gardening one thing I have learned is that it is evolutionary. In 1950's we used horse drawn plows and harrows to till the soil, and we used the horse manure to fertilize the soil. Towards the end of the 50's or early 60's the farm world moved to chemical fertilizers, and home gardeners were told they, too, had to use fertilizers. Many of use were labeled as non-conformists because we continued "natural" gardening. By the 1980's "organic gardening" became a buzz word and we began understanding more about the living soil beneath our feet. Been a lot of changes in the last 7 decades, including now using raised beds and compost (never heard of that in 1950!) for gardens. Meanwhile, the neighbor rototills his garden, and spreads fertilizer on it. His choice, just a natural gardening is my choice, and it isn't my place to criticize his choices anymore than his to criticize me.
Well I have been humbled. I am a professional organic farmer who uses no pesticides, no manures, no guanos etc, absolutely nothing goes onto/into my soil than the decomposted leaves,, branches, plants, grass and home compost. I use wood chipping from dead tree branches cut off the previous year for mulching. I am too rigid and when seeing other farmers use other practices i nod my head in dismay. You could of not been more right in what you say. I will now reward other techniques with enthusiasm and joy because yes anyone growing their own food in any way is certainly better than any supermarkets. Although people using plastic to cover their soil to prevent 'bad' weeds will still grind my gears. Great channel!
Perfection in one stunning view…
I have been growing my own food for 71 years yes I`m old (82) I was taught by my Grandfather so I do it the old fashioned way just like he did it also how Harry Dodson did it I have tried raised beds but that proved to be the most expensive way to grow food – buying timber, compost , and then there`s the water bills – especially if you are using metered water. I never use tap water ojn my plot I only use rain water which I collect in the 6 barrels around my shed. also I noticed that when I had raise beds (50 yrs ago) over half the plot was taken up with pathways . and not used to grow food. Being old fashioned is not wrong but there are people who think it is better to go modern – Well raised beds and no dig may be thought to be the "New" way to grow food but it is not – It was tried out during Queen Victorian days. There is nothing new under the sun fashions come and fashions go. People may make fun of the way I grow my food but I just smile to myself and let them carry on " I`m happy with what I do and that is all that matters.
I've never been tribal. I've been no dig since I got my allotment 7 years ago and I chose that approach primarily because it's less work, and I had a full-time job. The bloke on the allotment next to mine is a traditional digger, and he produces lovely food, but he's retired, so he can spend much longer on his allotment than me. But he's a fantastic gardener. In fact, I'm the only no digger amongst my neighbouring plots, and that's absolutely fine by me.
I don't give advice unless expressly asked (which is rare), because I don't think there is any one right way, and the vast majority of new plot holders dig over their new allotment. Most of them never finish that first dig, though, and most of those who do only last a few months. That's the real problem.
So, for me, no dig is about saving time and effort, making it more likely that a newcomer will keep going long enough to enjoy the fruits of their labour, and discover for themselves what a wonderful pursuit this is.
Beautiful letter! I was a little disheartened for you to find out that apparently so many of the commenters find it necessarily to critique you like that. I've never had anything but respect for the way you do things, and see you as an example, even at times when I don't do things exactly the same. The great thing about gardening is that you can so it so differently. Every garden is different, so no need to have a go at people for choosing a different approach
Fair enough. Permaculture and No-Dig got a bit of a bad name due to proponents being rather religious about it. For this reason I've always made it clear that I cherry pick the ideas that work for me, no-dig being one of them. I always found digging to be a bit of a chore and was delighted to discover it wasn't really necessary in a small garden. The religiosity works both ways and I find the anti camp equally boring.
As a Welsh person living in the US, this resonates on so many levels. What a beautiful day in Wales
Thank you! Blessings young sir! 🌿💚🙏💕👵
As if how someone gardens is anyone else's business. Do what you can to feed yourself and/or wildlife & pollinators; grow in the ground or in raised beds, containers or all of the above, dig or don't dig, plant heirloom varieties or hybrids or both, grow one crop or many different ones. The internet & social media are blessings and curses all in one.
Oh Huw, you are so right. As a species, we (rightly) shout so loudly for freedom and the right to live our lives in a way that works for us, except when it comes to gardening. Then, there is such a dogmatic "civil war"..( genius, I love that, Huw 🤣). We want freedom of choice as long as it doesn't negatively impact others – roundup is harmful to planet and people, double digging is not! As you say, let's all just enjoy growing, support each other and learn from each other. Thanks Huw
Lol thank you!!!! That was so appropriate, humorous and thoughtful. Your right people are just bored. Who cares really!! I think it’s the sheer need for control that makes people feel like they NEED to comment…..and deep down jealousy. Lol. ❤❤ miss ur face !! 😘😘🌱🌱🌱🙏
I used to think no-dig was basically just a sort of environmental activism, that was possibly a compromise for the sake of environmental benefits. Now I understand it's actually the optimal way to grow, regardless of how you feel about environmental issues.
However, there are times when you absolutely need to dig, and dig deep. Unless you're going to do everything in containers or raised beds.
In my current garden, initially nothing would grow. When I dug a test patch, the reason became clear. There wasn't much you could call actual soil in my garden. It was mostly construction waste – old bricks, bits of plasterboard, old door hinges, some empty paint tins, and even two ribber tyres (from what looked like the front wheels of a tractor). There was also a massive amount of rocks, and I don't mean little pebbles, I mean boulders up to the size of a large dog.
I didn't even bother with a soil test, it was obviously highly toxic, probably saturated with hydrocarbons and other chemicals.
I didn't just dig the garden, I literally excavated it. It was really the only sensible option. Again, unless I was just going to cover the whole thing with concrete and turn it into a car park. And even then, I think that would have been irresponsible, because the run-off from my toxic garden would have damaged the surrounding area.
Once it was completely cleared, it looked like the initial stage of a foundation for a block of flats. I then backfilled it with aggregates, topsoil, compost, then finally bark and leaf mould. I then left it alone, unplanted, for a year, and even let the weeds grow, only cutting them above the surface before they seeded, and chopping and dropping. In hindsight I probably should have planted a cover crop, not so much for soil amendment, but mostly for weeds suppression, but it all worked out the same in the end.
Now the only "digging" I do is when planting, and even then only the minimum required. I don't even pull plants out by the roots (except those with edible roots), I just chop them off at the surface, and leave the roots in. I have almost no weeds, almost no fungal diseases, and more then enough helpful predators to handle any pests.
I have the luxury of doing that now … after I already excavated a toxic garden filled with junk and boulders.
I realise the target audience here is probably people who are constantly digging every year, rather than those breaking new ground, but I just thought I'd give some perspective.
Hello Huw, all I can say is “Amen” and very well put! Thank you. Many blessings Susie 🙏🏽🍎🍋🫐🍅🫛🥦🥬🌽🥒🌶️🥕🧄 thanks to your wonderful advice I have been successful (not every time, but hey😊) in growing all of these and feel confident to build on what I can and can’t do.❤
Amen!
Oh Huw you are such a star. I was also banned from a FB gardening group from someone quite well known who nearly blew a gasket when I dared to mention 'chop and drop'. She said it was ridiculous and every slug on Earth would migrate to my garden, presumably to eat the fallen plants, which to me was preferrable to eating the plants I actually wanted to grow. This was a few years ago and the aforementioned gardener is still an advocate of no dig and adamant that the world might end if I chop and drop.
the best thing about Huw is the way he encourages us to think outside the box. there is so much advice out there that it can be overwhelming, but after following Huw and others over the years i assess any piece of advice with two questions: does it make sense? does it work? on my allotment i have a few no dig areas, a few raised beds, spaces where i'm trialling chop and drop, even an embryonic food forest. it does not look like a farmer's field or a domestic garden, but that's not the aim. the plot looks unkempt, but i can explain how it works to anyone who cares to ask. the third question is of course does my plot give me a steady stream of varied edible produce? the answer is yes and surely that's the point, however i choose to achieve it. i fully expect Huw will continue to make me think about what i do.
I have watched you grow up on utube and I’ve always enjoyed your channel. Tell this granny who the haters are and I’ll take care of it.😎. Joking of course, but seriously you are doing great. Ignore the rude, the ignorant, and the unkind, we’ve got your back. Channel all your energy into your garden mojo. Blessings from a mountain in North Idaho. TeresaSue
Gardening is about trying to get thingsa done and always being behind , but being out there with the other kingdom, nature and having things to eat too. Just getting on with it and enjoying it too. Your furniture doesn't grow but hopefully your beans do. And how you solve any garden problems is just your way (but no killing chemicals is a good idea). Thank you for opening ing up a huge world to me Huw.
It's nodigover
Ive been no dig for over half a century now no cardboard just broken down chicken manure and horse manure dig 1st then add shit simple since I was 3 year old works for me happy gardening Richardx
Huw, you were one of the very first garden channels I started watching and I've thoroughly enjoyed your videos and shared knowledge. You are absolutely right: It doesn't really matter. I've done both types of gardening and it's the actual garden, with the created beauty and experience, that matter to me. Cheers!
Blink twice if you have been kidnapped 😅
Am no dig, except for one bed each year for the past 5 yearr the carrots and parsnips were getting shorter after 25 plus years of no dig, do chop and drop, no tramp, plus am using weedmat over the winter, as have had a operation so can't garden as well as usual!!! Have employed a lovely teenager to dig my one bed over and too shift the compost as I can't yet lift a wheelbarrow. Happy Gardening from a wintry New Zealand
Being banned on FB is a mark of honor. You will quickly see that you don't need them at all. I was banned for being a conservative many years ago. I learned that you are better off not being a part of that platform. It is much better for your mental health. Banned for gardening opinions? indeed. Make a clean break , it is a toxic place and will consume way too much of your time. There are more rational and reasonable platforms out there.
Love this 💚 I’ve been following you for years Huw, you have always been a lovely lad. Your message is really encouraging and doesn’t surprise me coming from you. I’m sorry that you have come up against this. I have noticed it myself in social media (and actually everywhere in life) you are right it’s boredom or tribal is what I think, sure we see it everywhere. It’s not congruent with creating and growing but sure 🤷♀️ you obviously talk too much sense for some 😉
Social media has become a bit of a minefield now our communities have been conditioned to be easily offended. I try to take care of the soil and no dig where possible but have a very bad grass here that would cause me to totally give up if I didn’t dig it up. To be honest, I wish I had dug first in those areas and then no dig after that. Absolutes are polarising and leave no room for new information. I think the size of your social media presence can attract tall poppy take downers. Keep growing, evolving and sharing. Those who follow you in earnest will appreciate your transparency and flexibility in the garden. Blessings Kayleen from Melbourne
Hallelujah! Peace amongst the flowers.
The world is insane! Thanks for your message.