Tools and techniques: no dig bed prep

Use less time and effort, for better results. Know and be familiar with a few key tools you need. Video inspired by a conversation with Stephanie Hafferty, from questions asked on the FB Group Undug.
I show efficient and easy use of just a few tools. We start with moving compost in my old wheelbarrow, a vital tool.
You see how a manure fork contrasts with a digging fork. I use the former to load a wheelbarrow, and break lumps of compost so that spreading is more even and compost is then more available to soil organisms

You see a bed of carrots we are harvesting, and how the soil is a little disturbed and uneven after the pull. Learn how to grow no dig carrots in my books, such as this double offer https://charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...

I show using a rake & explain why levelling is good, for even distribution of compost, then it's easier to hoe, plant and sow.
I spread compost and make level either with the manure fork.
I explain firming and use my foot, if sowing or planting immediately

Maintain the bed and path weed free. If coming back later, say very early spring, you may need to Hoe. I show how to use it effectively.
Also how to remove perennial weed roots with a Trowel, using bindweed as an example.

Transplanting: it's easiest and quickest to pop in small plants.
How to make a hole - I show use of a Dibber.
How to plant with a trowel eg potato seed

Tidy edge - I show our method of keeping it neat, thanks to Josh Rogers fo input. See another video about this in Module 4 of my online course https://charlesdowding.co.uk/product/...

Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Loading compost with a manure fork or shovel and breaking up lumps
05:00 Difference between homemade compost and horse manure
06:45 Compost bucket and harvesting carrots
09:18 Using a rake to keep an even surface on your beds
11:03 Using a wheelbarrow to apply compost and using a fork to spread the compost - bed prep
14:18 Trowel and dibber for planting
18:55 Swivel / oscillating hoe for weeding and raking techniques
21:12 Trowel for planting potatoes and for weeding
24:16 Edging with long handled shears

My copper tools are expensive, but last for years and are kind on soil quality such as magnetism, little understood https://www.implementations.co.uk/shop/

UK distributor of my long handled dibber https://www.gardenimports.co.uk/produ...
USA & Canada distributor of my long handled dibber https://allaboutthegarden.com

For Starting out No Dig, on many weeds, see my earlier video    • No-Dig Gardening for Beginners: Step-...  

Filmed and edited 8th November 2020 by Edward Dowding.
At Homeacres small, no dig market and teaching garden in Somerset UK, temperate oceanic climate zone 8.

MORE FROM CHARLES

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As a member, you can watch a new video each month, which is exclusively for members. Your payments support my promotion and teaching of better, easier gardening. I can offer bursaries for day courses and online courses, through individuals in charge of community gardens/allotments and school gardens. Contact us through my website to enquire about bursaries https://charlesdowding.co.uk/contact-us/

To buy the module trays I designed with Containerwise, use this link https://containerwise.co.uk/product/c...

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