New to no dig – tilth question

[LoDef]

firstly, thankyou for this incredible resource – it really lit a fire inside me!

I’ve taken on a fairly large plot and am aiming to have it all managed using no-dig principles.

I’ve chronicled my early progress here on my blog:

http://aseedyplot.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/progress-with-my-no-dig-beds.html

I remember reading a question on here which was about using well rotted manure and whether, due to the absence of compost, it could be planted directly into the first time around. Charles answered that this was the case and it should improve in year 2

I’ve dumped 4t onto my plot and created beds (see link for details) but my problem is that this manure has quite a coarse tilth. I noticed that the tilth of the soil in the demo pics and videos is quite fine and crumbly, whereas the manure I’m using is predictably variable in sizes, and variable in wetness too. It is certainly well rotted though as there isn’t really any perceptible smell.

So to my question: Will this need breaking down with rakes at point of planting, or will I use plugs and maybe just a little compost in each planting hole?

Thanks again

[charles]

Hi LoDef and thanks for your comments.
I don’t have time to check your blog now, just a quick reply on the lumps.
Yes, use a rake and/or manure fork to break them up, aim for pieces no larger than say a golf ball.
Ideally you want to do this when spreading the surface layer.
Another option is to buy some finer compost for the top inch/3cm.
Or as you say, use that/those beds for large plants such as courgette, or potatoes.

[LoDef]

Thanks so much. As I suspected really, and to be honest, most of the lumps are around this size having broken them down during the spreading process.

I’m very excited about this year!

[Author]

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