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Overview
A no-dig garden is a great way to grow a vegie patch. It removes the need for backbreaking ground work and it can be constructed over grass, existing beds, concrete or paving. A no-dig garden involves layering various organic materials – woodchips, straw, grass clippings, dried leaves, aged manure and compost – into an existing bed or raised garden bed. As the materials break down, they transform into a nutrient-rich mix for your plants to grow.
Steps
Prepare your chosen location
Choose a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight and level, if required. If constructing over existing lawn or dirt patch, line the base of your bed with a thick layer of cardboard or newspaper and wet down.
Lay foundation of woodchips
Spread a 10cm layer of wood chips over the newspaper and top with a handful of blood and bone. Water well.
Add grass clippings
Spread a 10cm thick layer of grass clippings or green waste over the wood chips. Wet down.
Layer mulch and organic fertiliser
Add 10cm layer of straw and sprinkle blood and bone over the top. Water well.
Place manure over the layers
Spread a 5–10cm layer of bagged manure over the top.
Continue the layering process, this time with green waste
Add 10cm layer of green waste and sprinkle blood and bone over the top. Water well.
Now include compost
Repeat steps 3 to 7 until near full
Plant seedlings
Dig a hole in the compost, fill with compost, plant seedling, backfill and water in well. Mulch around the seedlings with pea straw.
As time passes, the layers will break down and the height of the bed will drop. Simply top up by alternating layers of straw, compost and manure to keep the garden growing for seasons to come.
Want a temporary gardening option instead?
If you’re not completely set on having a vegie patch, test out your green thumb with our D.I.Y. portable garden bed.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
More D.I.Y. Advice
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.