Gardening is HELL!
How can no dig wort. If you are new to gardening and want to try taking on an allotment in the new year. Try no dig method or even no dig beds. You will really enjoy the harvest side of growing instead of the back breaking jobs of just keeping on top of your allotment. If you want to have the best start to your new hobby try no dig. Follow Charles Dowding to know exactly what goes on and how to do it.
Then you won’t be in that bracket of gardening is hell. It will be enjoyment.
Charles Dowding YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB1J6siDdmhwah7q0O2WJBg
Hey Gardeners DON’T CLICK :0) https://bit.ly/2A3nJrX
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A few folk have asked about the equipment I use to record my videos and how I get the buttery smooth shots – I’d like to say it’s me but alas it’s not me – it’s the equipment.
Below is what I use:
Main Camera: Panasonic HC-VX1 4K: https://amzn.to/2RHRJAo This never lets you down and produces great wide stunning shots in 4K
Second Camera: GoPro Hero Black 7: https://amzn.to/2PufdHg This IS THE camera if you have an allotment. It is by far the best and easiest to use – video is stunning!!!
Third Camera: Note 9: https://amzn.to/2L588MV If I have no camera and need video… this is a great video caperture phone – 4K is stunning.
Main Mic: RØDE VideoMic Pro+ Microphone – Black: https://amzn.to/2PsuTe2 The quality is unmatched.
Second Mic: Rode Smartlav+ Lavalier Microphone: https://amzn.to/2L3DBPq Back up if the wind is too great
Indoor Mic: PR 40: https://amzn.to/2PrZI2F Omph – if you are going into this for real – audio is even more important that video. This mic is a dream sound.
27” iMac: https://amzn.to/2B1VVE6 I have used Macs all my life – not one has let me down. Rock solid with rock solid software. I use Apple’s Final Cut Pro
Main Tripod: K & F Concept Tripod: https://amzn.to/2L3HKmw I have tried all so many tripods some way way more expensive. This one is great, lightweight… but opens tall enough to still get me in the shot and I am 6” 4”!
Second Tripod (for GoPro Hero 7) Joby GorillaPod SLR-Zoom: https://amzn.to/2L5vRMS This is the idea tripod when in allotment as you can stick it anywhere and record great shots
Light: Neewer 176 LED 5600K: https://amzn.to/2B5Dy0U I use this all the time now great for dull days (we get lots of those).
DISCLAIMER: My recommendations description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
#allotment #gardening #gardeninguk Gardening is HELL!
Tags
no dig, no dig allotment, how to no dig gardening, what is no dig gardening, organic, organic food, organic garden, organic allotment, organic foods, what is organic, new allotment, how to grow, Organic Veg Tastes FOUL!,
Below are some of the products and equipment I use on the garden. Theses are all Amazon affiliate links.
Flexi Spray Sprinkler Gun https://amzn.to/2C6dbfX
Hozelock Ultra Flex Hose, 30 m https://amzn.to/3gTL7er
Heavy Duty 30 Litre Potato Pots https://amzn.to/3hdu0oe
Wooden Garden Stool https://amzn.to/3h9O1fl
Secateurs Fiskars PowerGear X Pruner https://amzn.to/2DWj4gl
Fiskars Scissors https://amzn.to/2Wxiaxc
Burgon & Ball GKN/NAVY Memory Foam Garden Kneeler https://amzn.to/3hbkZMk
Wolf-Garten Hoe https://amzn.to/3jcSH65
Wolf-Garten Brush https://amzn.to/30o312f
Wolf-Garten Handle https://amzn.to/3hhr221
Camera Equipment I Use.
I have loads of kit but for 99% of filming now below is what I use.
GoPro Hero 8 https://amzn.to/30srvHG
GoPro Media Mod https://gopro.com/en/gb/shop/mounts-accessories/media-mod/AJFMD-001.html
Rode Wireless Go Mic https://amzn.to/30mCoed
GoPro Clamp https://amzn.to/3haGLjh
Lume Cube Light 2.0 https://amzn.to/3jjQJAA
46 Comments
Great vids 2018 mate can’t wait to see what 2019 brings pal👌 happy new year anyway
Love your videos. Unfortunately some of us have to deal with the invasive roots from plants like bamboo and bittersweet which means no dig is not an option.
I live in Phoenix and we grow year round here. I recently bought a second 6×24 foot plot in my community garden and I’m going to try switch over to no dig! It seems to good to be true. 😊
Thank you for the great videos, always lots of laughs. Cheers! Happy New Year. My best to you and your family!
I went to spend a day with him the man is full of knowledge your channel is also getting there lol thanks for your time and interest 🐞🐦👍👍👍
Yeah I agree you have a chance darling I wish I knew about him long time ago and I had to allotment and I used to do with buying weed like the law since I watched him I know what to do first thing I do my garden clean still waiting for new allotment to take a few years yet I’m gonna practice on my Garden at the back of the book to his books and glasses is only about 12 miles away from where I live I’m going to see him in March in Keynsham just a few miles from Bath
Came across Charles Dowding around 2 & half years ago, just after I'd taken on my first plot. I've now got 3 full size plots which are all no dig. Some people love the old traditional methods of which turning the soil is one of them, even though the science proves otherwise. If you haven't already, have a look at soil microbiologist Dr Elaine Ingham. She's the opposite of all the agrochemical companies would have you believe.
Fantastic video – my greenhouse and polytunnel are now no dig and I am on installing the first two no dig raised beds 🙂 only thing for me is I have marestail so I dig to remove as much of the root as possible – I also like Charles Dowding’s videos on mutlisown seed which I will be trying in 2019 🙂
No dig is fantastic. However I've had to adopt a strict "one dig" policy on my first plot because it was riddled with couch grass so I'm pulling out all those roots then covering in organic matter… it's the only thing that works 🙁
Once I've done the first dig (couch grass removal) the beds don't get dug again and they're doing fantastic!
The second plot doesn't have couch grass so that's just getting covered and I'm off!
Hi Tony i think i have said to you before, i don't have a garden or plot i'm a waist high raised bed person, and before the season starts in march i need to get my beds sorted with new boards, so it's out with the soil/compost in a wheel barrow or two, make up the beds and back in with the stuff after a good sift, blimey that soil is nice after a good sift, alot to do in a little time.
Have a great new year to you and your family.
Barry (Wirral, ENG)
I have raised beds no dig loaded the base with sticks, grass leaves and topped with compost manure and my chilli that you sent are up!
I agree that Charles Dowding is fantastic and no dig is the way to go. I just wish there was an inexpensive solution for these dadgum deer. Deer are hell, imo. 😉 Happy New Year! P.S. Beechgrove Garden did a comparison this past year and, aside from all other benefits, their no dig plots were also more productive than the dig plots.
I bought a rotavator & a tiller, strimmer both petrol and electric!! Now got rid of everything at a substantial loss because I am no dig convert!! Charles Dowding follower……
Hi Tony, very inspirational video. I’ve got 6 main beds in my allotment and have just converted the first bed to no dig. Seems a bit mad but I like a bit of digging but what I don’t like is weeding. I’ll try to convert a second bed as no dig in the next few weeks and I’d like to see how they go on this season. Hopefully if it works for me then I’ll go completely no dig next year. Take care. Nick
That's why I gave it up
Happy new year Tony. How would you tackle couch grass for no dig beds?
What you need to do when cultivating a neglected plot is fork it and very carefully remove every bit of creeping buttercup, every bindweed root, every deep rooted dock and dandy lion, all the creeping thistle and couch grass. Then go from there.
Charles Dowding ROCKS you are right sir
Moved house spring 2018 now have a large garden, dug half the beds then learnt about no dig via Dowding and will now practise mostly no dig. My main weed is creeping buttercup I do remove by hand (finger depth) after being covered then layer the compost so far so good. Great channel Tony I have learnt a lot from yourself also.. Happy new year, to a plentiful 2019.
I've not noticed that fabulous wall before. That must be a great windbreak as well as just looking amazing. As you know turning the soil will just bring up the weed seeds to the light and encourage them to grow. It's such a discouragement for anyone, let alone newbies. I was sure one of your tips was going to be to get a puffer gilet! Happy 2019! 😀
How large are you square blocks? Can you get into the centre without standing on them?
Yes!! Agreed & also love Charles Dowding! So much knowledge available through his videos. Your allotment look great Tony…happy new year!🎉
Got my 4th set of allotments (house moves!) in May, and am doing a combination of CD and Ruth Stout for this one. Always expensive setting up a new plot, but hoping the backbreaking effort should be a lot less this time. Got my sheds, polytunnel, and first 10 6 x 6 raised beds in. Busy doing paths and then onto the spud beds (Ruth Stout method) before finishing the rest of the raised beds.
I took on mine January 2018. Kept digging to keep it to get it sorted and then keep it clear but you are right, the buggers keep coming back! I thought I was going to have to give it up this year as I developed tendinitis in my forearms until I started learning about no-dig. I've built the raised beds now, just need to fill.
You are right, compost can be expensive to buy in but there are definitely cheaper ways of doing it. I collected about a 1000 litres by picking up all the green stuff people had thrown out over their back fence which backs on to the local woodland. There is a huge supply there! Public service and saving money! I also collected a couple of thousand litres of leaves too to use as mulch on the walkways.
We have a local equestrian centre and they are more than happy for people to come up and take their muck away. Not nice in the car but you can rent a trailer for £15-20 a day and do a couple of trips in a day in order to stockpile enough to keep you going for a while. Was going to do that but found a lady who will deliver a truckload for £35. She just wants rid of it!
I've also just found a really cheap way of getting hold of woodchip which is to ask around the local landscape businesses and tree surgeons. There is a guy near me who sells a cubic metre (1000 litres) for £25 if I pick it up. That will be alright in the car!
Hi Tony! I love your gardening channel too! I haven’t heard about no dig gardening, so I’m going to check out Charles’ channel and see what it’s all about.
Hi Tony, Yes like you say it makes sense to take the hard work out of gardening, I just could not do it, Take care and all the very best wishes for you and your family for 2019/
Hi Tony, I've been no dig for the last year still not weed free but I think it's a vast improvement on gigging every spring .
I think your videos are great and so refreshing to watch,I've got three of Charles Dowding's books ,he has such a knowledge on this subject ,How can you not try it .By the way Happy New Year.
Just got a new allotment today. Been to look around and it’s covered in couch grass and docks not to mention thistle. Will no dig work with those kinds of weeds or should I remove them and then go no dig.
One way or another the weeds need removing even without turning. Like idea of pickets around each allotment…have not seen that before.
Tony I agree with you 100% on no-dig gardening. I talked with customers all the time about no-till gardening and it is one of the most counterintuitive areas of gardening for them to pick up.
Well i tried it and put 12 inches of compose on top and our weeds in texas.are.so aggressive they came up anyway…so it doesnt woek every place
Texas…nope
i’ve long thought that gardening was heaven; you have to work on that too. so when i saw your title i had to see what was wrong. i had my first garden in 1959…
I'm in the states. Discouraged by "regular" gardening, I gave it up at the new house. Nothing. Then I watched Dowding and a few others and went wait just a minute. Half my backyard is now no-dig. LOVE IT! January and I am just putting out my winter sowing milk jugs to have my plants ready for spring. No dig changed my life as a gardener. Love your enthusiasm and look forward to the next video!
Use baking soda to kill a lot of weeds baking soda not baking powder get it off eBay the weeds will not come back
I kinda done no dig.. kinda cos I got a big truck full of wood chips for my chicken run and paths and then had loads left so put some around the fruit bushes raspberries and a big section of ground with the rhubarb and hardly any weeds came up all year they only came up on the parts that hardly had anywoodchip 🙂 it was great. I'm getting more soon and I'm thinking of using that along with horse manure and cardboard… I might separate it a bit like yours too into sections. It would help loads with having a family to look after, last year I remember digging having to come home make dinner then go back down and dig some more.
Hello Tony, you're correct but watch the nature, nature brings back the healing through weeds and cover the ground. look at your place weeds pops out and try to cover the ground. the best practice is keep cover the ground with hay, grass clippings or any sort of a materials so that the living organisms can remain to support your plants growth. for any reason do not tilt the ground as if you tilt, the living organisms will expose to light and die. living organism's habitat is dark moist soil and they are processing your ground to be the best habitat for your plants. by tilting, you destroy it. in order to retain the moisture on your ground keep it covered with organic material like leaves, hay, wood chips, grass clippings, pine needles or any other available material. by watering on it or rainfall will turn it to compost tea and energize your ground. This will helps you to have a quick and large size crop. good luck and god bless you!
Hello Tony, we've had our very first Allotment for several months now and have watched all of Charles Dowding's videos. 2019 is a fresh start for us and No Dig is the only way to go. Very excited and can't wait for it all to kick off. I am enjoying your channel very much too.😊
Tony, I love your enthusiasm mate. I live here in the Midwest USA (North of Detroit, MI), and enjoy logging in every day to see 1 or 2 of your videos, then find myself backtracking to see your older ones. Keep it up man, you are an inspiration! Thanks
Thanks Tony, will have a good read about the no dig method.Ok went and looked, saw the 3 min explaination, can you believe, unknowns to myself i was actually doing this in most of my allotment, now i will stick to it. I have one section that has a goid few weeds on the new section i obtained to add to mine, so i may have to tackle that part. But cardboard for it then and cow manure and no dig then. Thanks so much Tony.
My garden is waterlogged and I am going to take all the soil that I can away this year as it’s clay will be putting chipping down and then raised bed s on top the water is ankle deep I was so disheartened but determined to grow my veg in the back garden this year instead of pots in the greenhouse that will give me more space in my greenhouse to do more seeds
Hi Tony. Been enjoying your videos and your enthusiasm. We have just got an allotment and have made four raised beds for no dig but have five beds we can’t convert to raised no dig due to cost. I was going to dig the remaining beds for spuds and brassicas and after seeing this video I may just leave them. They have a few weeds on them which I will hoe and rake over and will just make a hole to plant the spuds and brassicas. What are your thoughts on this. Do I need to do anything else?
Thank you! I covered my front yard with cardboard then composted manure, shredded leaves with mowed grass, probably 1,000 lb organic garden soil, worm castings etc, etc.
First year pitiful, 2nd year a little better than pitiful…by this time I was very discourged. 3rd year a little bit better. This year soil is awesome! Almost no weeds as you said. Lots of fruit trees, vines, tomatoes, peppers, brussel sprouts, strawberries, herbs on and on! At 71 I can't do traditonal gardening. This no dig, organic, cottage method is fantastic!
Love, love, love your videos!!! Recently found your channel.
Best wishes from southern Indiana USA
We started a no dig policy in our new allotment 20 months ago & from the start it's been absolutely brilliant!!
I first heard about it on the programme, Beechgrove and have never looked back. The weeds are not the big bullies that they once were and the neighbouring allotments members thought we were mad 🤪 but now others are taking to the same no dig method. Weeds are tiny,if at all & easy to control.
We now do it in our small front garden, which is very clay based. It was hard work at first as we had to take a lot of the soil out of the Borders, break it up and mix it in with good quality compost and we have put it back and again no weeds, so it was worth the back braking start to it all.
PS… love your Youtube videos 👍
Hi, I discovered no dig by accident, I have a darling rescue whippet that digs anything if it’s planted in the ground, so I made one and two scaffolding plank high raised beds and she doesn’t bother with anything at all. I have very wet heavy clay, that dries out like cement, as I’ve got older I find digging getting increasingly harder. I grow my potatoes in buckets placed on the raked earth which I think definitely helps with the drying out, roots if need be can get down to the ground for water. For those people that seem to find no dig offence, well let them enjoy the digging.
Bit late to the party, just starting no dig this year!
I first started watching Charles Downing’s Channel before I came here, and I’ve started doing the No Dig method even in my Polly Tunnel, and no I’m doing all this Wae’ aye man’ with this strange accent, just kidding, but anyway do you have any tips on my Cauliflower, I tried growing them in with some other Brassicas, and they were just all Leafy and no head, so I put another load in with my Swedes which weren’t going that well, and then the Swede started growing and Muscling them out of the way, maybe I just have bad luck with Cauliflower.
I have covered the area that i will be having raised beds. Won't be till next year cant afford it now.
Im growing in buckets right now.
I Really am Super excited that next year i will have some raised beds.