Description
Book SynopsisThe UK''s leading no-dig gardening expert, Charles Dowding, shares his organic approach to growing healthy, vibrant crops.
The no-dig approach to gardening based on the key principle of leaving the ground as undisturbed as possible has gained popularity in recent years as a more efficient, economical and sustainable way to grow healthy plants.
Packed with easy-to-follow advice, Organic Gardening reveals the art of the no-dig approach and the techniques required to grow organic crops while enhancing soil structure.
By employing the simplicity of the no-dig technique and using a system of permanent, slightly raised beds, Charles Dowding shows how to grow a delicious variety of fruit and vegetables sustainably and organically: what to choose; when to sow, plant and harvest; and how best to avoid pests and diseases.
From sowing seeds and making compost to harvesting summer salads and winter vegetables, this accessible guide is an essential res
Trade Review
Charles's crops positively glow with health, in testament to his methods... he conveys a deep reverence for the soil, which has fuelled his no-dig ethos. * Kitchen Garden magazine *
If anyone can convince gardeners that vegetable plots do not need digging, it is this author - his methods are at times contrary to standard advice, but he is not dogmatic and has a gift for clear explanation. * Sue Stickland, RHS The Garden *
Charles is a passionate and accomplished gardener, who grows vegetables of amazing flavour. * Raymond Blanc OBE World renowned chef and restaurateur *
One of our most respected vegetable growers... Now ordinary gardeners can benefit from his years of practical experience. * Joy Larkcom, author of Grow Your Own Vegetables *
This book will undoubtedly become the 'no-dig' bible, as was its predecessor. * Pushing Up Dandelions website *
Table of Contents
Foreword by Patrick Holden, CBE, Founder of the Sustainable Food Trust & ex-director of The Soil Association Introduction Part 1: Letting Nature Nurture your Garden The art of not digging The basics Deciding what to grow What’s in season? Living with pests Sowing seeds, raising plants Making compost The moon Part 2: Healthy Harvests Summer salads Winter salads Alliums Choice of roots Savouring summer Brassicas Tomatoes, greenhouse vegetables and unusual vegetables Perennial vegetables Herbs and edible flowers Tree fruit and nuts Soft fruit (berries) Postscript Appendix: Dig/no-dig experiment at Lower Farm Resources Bibliography Main index Index of recipes
