Promises of less work with more garden productivity often raise my suspicions, perhaps sounding too good to be true—except when the subject is no-dig gardening. 



The no-dig method of caring for our vegetable beds, which today's guest, Charles Dowding, has popularized, is not just good for maximizing output while minimizing labor, but also of great benefit to the soil and the greater environment. I learned more about how to get started from Charles. 





Charles Dowding is often called the guru of no-dig gardening, which he practices today in his organic market garden in Somerset, in Southwest England. He began experimenting with no-dig in 1982 and, over the years since, in his many books and in person and online teaching, including his massive YouTube channel, Charles has brought countless people into the no-dig fold. 



His most recent book is “No Dig: Making and Managing a Vegetable Garden Without Tilling.”