Sowing direct into no dig bed

[Stonyground]

Hi, I’ve prepared no dig beds on a new allotment plot over winter. The compost that I have used is fairly coarse – not whole stems, but certainly not the “fine tilth” of garden lore. Can I sow directly into this, or should I put something finer on top and sow into that? This is for seeds such as radish, carrots and turnips, rather than stuff that can be module grown.

Although I have been aware of Charles’s ideas for a few years, this is the first time that I have put them into action. As I said, it’s a new allotment plot that I took on last autumn. It’s quite heavy, and very stony, clay. I intended to use traditional dig methods, but first off the ground was bone dry and rock hard, and needed a kango to dig it, then it turned into mud blancmange when the rain finally came! So I’ve been encouraged into no dig by the circumstances. Quite willingly, I hasten to add.

[charles]

Stonyground that is a good plan to go no dig.
Without seeing your compost it’s hard to say. I expect that radish and turnips will do well but carrots will benefit from some finer compost, perhaps just to line the drill you draw.
All of these seeds, sow as shallow as possible. It’s a damp time of year so no worries about moisture, and they risk disappearing under lumps if sown deep.

[Stonyground]

Thanks Charles,

That’s a really good point about shallow sowing of the seed. Thinking about it, the soil had only just started to warm up, and only the top few mil will be at the right temp. Worth remembering at this time of year, even if you have that perfect tilth!

Cheers

Brian

[Author]

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