DigWinstanley
We are back to the original differences of opinion on this. I really can’t understand how the second statement is logical after the first.
Yes, no dig is a much more sympathetic and easier method of growing produce. It is less intensive and in the long run requires less input of time and money, and the results are fantastic.
not everyone has the time and resources to even contemplate switching
If we are dealing with like for like, say a weed free plot in good order, then it is no more resource/cost intensive to put minimal amounts of compost on the surface rather than digging it in. Charles prefers to use more than the minimum so that he can double crop but he and others in this thread and the ‘Cost of no-dig’ thread have discussed success with minimum inputs of compost/muck/resources. As for time, not digging takes no time at all while digging, particularly if turning in the compost placed on the surface, is time consuming.
If we assume a very weedy plot then digging is one way to get it up to a weed free standard, but this is often very time consuming and hard work, and often not successful as it is difficult to remove all weed roots. There are no-dig alternatives and they can be immediate and expensive (15cm or more of compost), almost immediate and less expensive using mypex/plastic mulch and planting through holes, or cheap/free using cardboard as a mulch which, at this time of year, will get rid of annuals and weaken perennials. Charles has examples of these three methods at Homeacres but it the immediate and expensive method that people latch on to, ignoring the other cheaper/free possibilities.
Now is a good time to transfer to no-dig as there are several months before the main planting season, a good time for covering the weeds using the method most appropriate to one’s financial situation.
My main point is that moving to no-dig can be expensive but it NEED NOT BE and the general consensus is that no-dig is time saving . I know that Steph converted her plot to no-dig as a total unit, but Charles at Homeacres has developed extra areas over several years. Plots can be converted gradually.
I think that saying that no-dig is ‘very very expensive’ or that ‘not everyone has the time and resources to even contemplate switching’ is misleading and such perpetuated myths do no-dig no favours.