The Atlantis Gardens Ultimate Guide to “No Dig” Gardening
Gardening doesn't have to be hard work. If you're tired of the backbreaking tasks of digging, tilling, and weeding, no-dig gardening might be the solution you've been searching for. At Atlantis Gardens, we specialise in creating beautiful, “beyond organic" vegetable gardens with minimal disturbance to the soil.
We combine methods from across the globe, drawing inspiration from Biodynamics, Permaculture, Regenerative Agriculture, Agroecology, Market Gardening, Kitchen Gardening, No-dig, and Minimal Tillage practices, as well as insights from Soil Microbiology and Plant Chemistry. Our approach unpacks each of these methods, principles, and techniques in simple, practical terms.
We believe there is no one single “right” way to garden- different landscapes and environments call for adaptable solutions. That’s why we take the best aspects of each method and make them part of the Atlantis Gardens Way.
If you're interested in growing fresh, healthy vegetables with minimal physical effort while promoting a healthier, more resilient garden ecosystem, read on to discover the many benefits and techniques of no-dig gardening.
What is No-Dig Gardening?
No-dig gardening is an innovative approach to growing plants that eliminates the need for conventional soil disturbance, such as tilling, digging, or double digging. Instead of breaking up the soil, this method involves layering organic materials directly on top of the soil, creating a rich, fertile environment in which plants can thrive. It works in both raised beds and in-ground gardens, allowing the soil to naturally improve and develop over time.
No-dig gardening has grown increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits, including enhanced soil health, a thriving soil food web, improved water retention, reduced labor, and a more resilient garden ecosystem. The use of well-rotted animal manure is especially significant in no-dig gardening, as it highlights the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and humans. Animals don’t just provide valuable nutrients for the soil- they also help with pest control and supporting the natural rhythms of farms and gardens, ultimately contributing to a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
The two most well-known practitioners of no-dig gardening and farming are Charles Dowding of HomeAcres in Somerset, UK, and Richard Perkins of Ridgedale Farm in Sweden.
In-Ground No-Dig Gardening
Raised Bed No-Dig Gardening
The Benefits of No-Dig Gardening
No-dig gardening is more than just an alternative gardening method—it’s a philosophy that prioritises nurturing the earth rather than disturbing it. Here are the key benefits:
1. Improved Soil Health
No-dig gardening preserves the delicate ecosystem of microorganisms, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and earthworms that break down organic matter, aerate the soil, and create natural nutrients for your plants. Tilling can disrupt this balance, but by leaving the soil undisturbed and adding layers of organic material (compost, mulch), the soil becomes richer, more fertile, and better able to retain moisture. Unlike conventional methods that rely on synthetic fertilisers, no-dig gardening promotes long-term soil health without chemicals.
2. Reduced Weed Growth
Weeds (plants in the wrong place) are often a gardener’s worst enemy. No-dig gardening helps suppress them naturally. Applying thick layers of organic materials like compost, cardboard, or mulch blocks sunlight, preventing weed seeds from germinating. Tilling, on the other hand, brings dormant weed seeds to the surface where they can sprout. By keeping the soil undisturbed, no-dig gardens require much less weeding.
3. Water Conservation
The layers of organic material in a no-dig garden act like a sponge, improving soil moisture retention. This reduces the need for frequent watering— ideal during dry spells or in areas with water restrictions. As the organic matter decomposes, it forms nutrient-rich mulch that keeps the soil moist for longer.
4. Soil Erosion Prevention
Tilling and digging can contribute to soil erosion, especially in areas prone to heavy rains or wind. By leaving the soil undisturbed, no-dig gardening helps prevent erosion. The layers of mulch and compost also help hold the soil together, reducing the risk of runoff and soil degradation.
5. Boosted Plant Resilience
No-dig gardening fosters a thriving ecosystem where plants, beneficial insects, and microorganisms coexist and support each other. By leaving the soil undisturbed and enriching it with organic matter, you create a healthier environment for plants. This natural balance makes plants less stressed, stronger, and more resilient to common diseases. Over time, this leads to healthier plants with fewer issues, reducing the need for constant intervention.
6. Natural Pest Control with a Balanced Ecosystem
In a no-dig garden, the presence of healthy soil microorganisms and a diverse range of beneficial insects helps manage pests without chemicals. Instead of relying on synthetic pesticides, no-dig gardening encourages a self-regulating ecosystem where these natural allies take care of the pest population. This creates a healthier garden environment while protecting the wider ecosystem and reducing the need for harmful chemicals.
7. Saves Time and Energy
One of the biggest advantages of no-dig gardening is the reduced physical labor involved. No more tilling, digging, or constant weeding— making it a great option for gardeners with limited mobility or anyone looking to reduce time and effort spent on physical tasks. It’s perfect for a more relaxing gardening experience.
The Challenges of No-Dig Gardening
No-dig gardening isn’t a perfect fit for every situation. While it offers long-term benefits, there are some challenges to consider:
1. Higher Initial Costs and Labour
Setting up a no-dig gardening can require an investment in organic materials like compost, mulch, and cardboard. While this investment pays off over time, the upfront costs and labour can be a barrier for some, especially for larger gardens.
2. Takes Time to Improve Soil Quality
No-dig gardening improves soil health gradually. It may take a year or more to see significant changes in soil structure, moisture retention, and plant growth. This slower process can be frustrating for gardeners used to quicker results.
3. Continuous Supply of Organic Matter
No-dig gardening requires a steady supply of organic materials (compost, manure). Sourcing high-quality organic matter can be challenging in some areas, especially urban environments where it is not readily available.
4. Weed Management
While no-dig gardening helps suppress weeds, deep-rooted weeds may still push through the layers of organic material. Regular attention may be needed, especially if the mulch isn’t thick enough or weeds are not adequately blocked.
5. Not Ideal for Large-Scale Farming
No-dig gardening works best in small or medium gardens, it’s difficult to scale up for larger farming operations (over 2.5 acres). The amount of organic material required for large beds can be impractical for commercial-scale farming.
Raised Bed Gardens with Hard Landscaping Pathways
How Does No-Dig Gardening Work At Atlantis Gardens?
No-dig gardening may sound simple, but it requires an understanding of soil science and ecology. Here’s how it works at Atlantis Gardens:
Step 1: Prepare the Area
For raised beds or in-ground gardens, we begin by assessing the space. In some cases, a one-off tillage may be done to improve soil drainage. Raised beds are outlined with untreated wood, brick, stone, or metal. In-ground gardens are simply marked with a border.
Step 2: Layering Organic Materials
The magic happens when we layer organic materials on top of the soil. Typical materials we use include:
Cardboard: This creates a weed barrier, suppressing unwanted plants while breaking down to enrich the soil.
Compost: Rich, organic compost provides essential nutrients and improves the soil structure. A thick layer is applied for best results.
Mulch: For in-ground gardens, we use woodchips, bark, or living pathways like thyme or clover. For raised bed gardens, we can use gravel, crushed stone, flag stones, patio slabs, cobbled stone, brick, or sand.
In Ground Gardens with Woodchip Pathways
Step 3: Planting
Once the layers are in place, it’s time to plant! Simply make small holes in the compost and plant your seeds or seedlings. Use a trowel or a dibber.
Step 4: Maintenance
No-dig gardens require much less ongoing maintenance than traditional gardens. Watering can be automated with drip irrigation. We add new layers of organic material to maintain soil fertility when needed, but you won’t need to dig or till again.
Top Tips for Success with No-Dig Gardening
To ensure your no-dig garden thrives, consider these tips:
Choose the Right Organic Materials: Use high-quality compost and mulch to build a fertile, thriving garden. Avoid materials that could introduce weeds or chemicals.
Be Patient: Results take time. No-dig gardening works with nature, and while it may take a little longer, it will reward you with healthy, thriving soil and bountiful harvests.
Why Choose Atlantis Gardens for Your No-Dig Garden
At Atlantis Gardens, we are passionate about reconnecting people with nature. We offer tailored services to help you create a thriving no-dig garden, whether in raised beds or in-ground. We provide all the guidance, materials, and expertise you need to get started.
We’ll work with you to design a personalized garden that suits your space, lifestyle, and gardening goals. Our team will also provide ongoing support to ensure your garden remains healthy and productive year after year.
Ready to Start Your No-Dig Garden?
If you're ready to transform your garden and embrace the benefits of no-dig gardening, Atlantis Gardens is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s create a beautiful, sustainable garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come!
