New Garden: No-till? Double Dig? Something else?

6 years ago

We're new homeowners, and want to start a garden ASAP. Our most pressing reason is because we're going to be even more reliant upon creative ways to get food and save money during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have a 20'x45' spot in our yard that looks like it was used for a garden before. I've tried gardening in the past - and even did a pretty cool aquaponics system - but still would consider myself pretty ignorant.

The problem is that I hear so many varying opinions, and don't have time to take them all into account. No-till seems to be very popular - and I like the philosophy - but who has that much organic matter and mulch laying around? Double digging seems like a decent alternative, but also requires compost? We want to garden NOW (for the opening reasons given), but also have to do so with limited resources (like compost, etc.).

Thoughts? Encouragement?

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Comments (5)

Cheryl
6 years ago
Congrats on the new house. Personally, I would test soil then amend. I would think a toss up for growth if u r in a hurry. It’s an good adventure. I’m sure u r looking for a more professional answer. So happy for ur new home tho.🥰
callirhoe123
6 years ago
For this first year, buy some bagged compost and dig or till it in. Thereafter, keep adding organic matter in the form of grass clippings, fall leaves, compost etc and you soil will continue to improve each year.
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ginjj
6 years ago
Lucky you wanting to have a garden to enjoy! Gardening is a wonderful hobby. Start small this summer, learn what grows well in your area in winter and plant a few of those items in early fall. You will be learning all your life so take it slow, try things, learn from trying and read and ask questions as you go. Everyone has their opinions you'll have yours as well.

Most states have a program where volunteers they educate, then educate the public about all facets of gardening. This looks like the one in Virginia. Search around on the site, you should find information about what to plant now, how to plant etc.

Virginia Cooperative Extension
Ken "Fruity Paws" (N-Va 7a)
6 years ago
No til is good. Generally, turning soil brings up weed seeds and also disrupts the biome (worms, bacteria, fungi). I would dig a shovel into your soil and look at it. How deep is the top soil before you hit the common red clay of virginia? If you have a 3+ few inches of good soil, you can honestly get started straight away with plants. If you want root crops, you may need to dig in compost (or build a raised bed), but above ground production should be fine.
S B
6 years ago
For that size of garden buy your compost in bulk this first year. If you can find a local bulk supplier it's usually much less expensive than you might assume. I pay around $250 for 8cu.yd. (thats 144 bags worth) delivered which would cover the planting area of your garden (assuming you plan to have some paths) 3-4" deep which is plenty for the first year of no-till.

Cardboard to put down first should be easy to come by if you just moved and with everyone buying so much more online, my neighbors buried me in cardboard when I asked for donations.

I've done double digging and no-till and I will never double dig again (not just because I'm a lazy gardener)

Where are you located?