Whilst there may be thoughts that my approach is over complicated perhaps that lies in the details but for me it is simply of statements which are posed as a series of open questions for response from those are who are in the know.
Whilst it may be felt that my posts are outside of the remit of this forum, where do you suggest I find out the information that I need if this is not the appropriate forum for gaining information on No Dig?
The reason for the chipped bark on top of the compost and then sprinkling with lime was that the manure was very fresh and still steaming. Way too much ammonia which I thought needed a barrier between the manure and the lime, hence the lime and bark chippings.
Slug pellets are used to protect what crops I have and have been used what you may seem excessively but not everything can be controlled by organic methods. I have heard this from organic gardeners who grow commercially that outside of the workplace they use a mix and match method and try to remain as organic as possibly when growing for themselves. Whilst you and others may not agree with this method there is more than one way to skin a mongoose. What does it matter what you do as long as the results are consistent, whilst doing the minimum damage to the environment.
My approach is to use the minimum amount of chemicals if at all and to be as organic as I possibly can in the real world. I have no control over what others do at the plots next to mine which in turn may cause problems on my plot. Whilst I am in transition what choice do I have?
Sometimes it needs a scorched earth principle to counteract these problems. Simple questions are all well and good but growing is a complex matter.
As for the mystery of composting, I thought it was standard practice to build up a compost heap in layers, so I fail to see why anyone else is mystified. Am I doing it wrong? What else am I hear for but advise and experience which I can use to formulate my own method and adaptation of methods and principles used by others. One size does not fit all and any plan or policy on growing should be adaptable. Using the KiSS principle of course. Oh Keep it Simple Stupid, which is how I approach my posts, by supplying all the information in what I have done or plan to do, so that hopefully those who consider themselves to be more expert can offer their advice which I can then take on-board, I fail to see what the problem or the issues are? Are we not all here to gain more knowledge and information.
And finally the mystery of digging, it is for the first and last time before moving over to no digging. As I have limited income, I can not go out and buy lorry loads of manure or compost/top soil as unfortunately I am not Middle Class which is what is perceived of the many people who grow whether that is organically or not by the majority of society. Nor am I currently employed, yes one of the great unwashed. So for clarity let me explain lest there should be any confusion.
The soil on my allotment site suffers from water logging, the level in relation to the paths or from front to back of my plot does not help in the matter. In order to finally kill off the couch grass, I will dig it all over for the first and final time. Then top it with bark chip, manure and finally top dress it with compost from my newly made bins in spring. This then gives me a medium to grow in. Resolving a number of problems killing off the couch grass, raising the soil level and aerating the soil so those wonderful little beasties can get to doing there work faster. Has the confusion arisen because this is a No Dig site and I am digging? Oh dear, sorry for the confusion, my allotment plot is in transition to No Dig.
So what is the problem, am I not here for advise or are you all from the “We know best school of thought”?
P.S there are 3 ways to skin a mongoose.
Unfortunately it seems I do not fit in to your square holes as I am round peg.