No Dig for the Belles

Image courtesy of the Marconi Belles

The Marconi Belles first joined the site and Association approximately a year ago, and in this time transformed the plot opposite the trading hut. Now a further group of Belles have taken a second plot, 111 and intend to follow a 'No Dig' set of principals for this area.

This specific method has been used and promoted by Charles Dowding, from significant market gardens to his own area of land and market garden at Homeacre, and has been featured by Monty Don amongst others.

The basic principal is by not digging or avoiding digging you will not be disrupting the soil life, nor exposing the soil to weed seeds. For a weed covered plot, covering the area with thick cardboard and then a heavy mulch of compost or well rotted manure, the weeds will remain in darkness, weakening them and eventually allowing them to die off, or at least prove minimal concern to the plot. (The other added benefit is slightly less effort and back ache!!). If you are fortunate enough to inherit a well cultivated plot, then a covering of compost or well rotted manure should prove sufficient.



The Belles pictured here have weighted the cardboard layer over the plot, and with the delivery of well rotted manure have now laid out the first four beds with temporary boards, then mulched, all of which forms the starting point for their project.

The Belles have kindly agreed to allow us to follow their progress, and we'll check in during the year in terms of update.