Double Digging
| Published: 29th April 2007 18:29 |
Double Digging
Double digging is a process which requires great effort and preparation and, because of its labour-intensiveness, has lost its attraction to many gardeners...
Double dig, photo: Marton Viragh
- It is, however, a very valuable exercise in restoring good structure and better drainage to areas of heavy soils which may have become compacted over time from excessive ‘panning'. Panning may be caused by continuous walking over wet soil, by successive single digging to the same depth and by the tines of a rotovator ‘polishing' the soil beneath the surface.
- Compacted soil presents a difficult medium for plants to survive, as drainage is poor and, as a result, roots often become waterlogged and unable to develop, resulting in rotting and wilting of plants. It is essential, therefore, to cultivate deeply and break up this compaction. Digging is best commenced in late autumn and early winter, most suitably in fairly dry conditions, to avoid further compaction of the soil. This is not always possible, given the wet winters which we often experience! Use a plank to spread the load if conditions are continuously wet.
- Start by digging the affected plot down the middle and allow space to transport wheelbarrows full of soil. Take out trenches approximately 2ft (60cm), marking them with sticks and a garden line to ensure that the edges of the trenches are straight. Cut out squares the width of the spade to avoid undue stress on the back.
- Dig the first trench to a spade's depth (a ‘spit'). Loosen up the soil at the bottom of a trench with a garden fork or, in extreme circumstances with a pick-axe. The soil should be broken up to another spit. Break up the soil thoroughly and incorporate organic matter such as manure or well-rotted compost from the heap.
- Dig a further trench, always working backwards in order to avoid stepping on previously dug soil. Fill the trench with soil excavated from the new trench, repeating the process for further trenches until the final trench.
- As mentioned, double digging is an intensive process and it is essential to pace the work. Properly carried out, double digging should not be massively strenuous, so it is essential to take regular breaks, doing a little at a time, maybe as little as half an hour initially, ensuring that the length of the trenches is manageable.
- It may seem strange but double digging can be very satisfying and rewarding. Step back and admire the efforts and ensure that you have regular tea breaks!
Organic materials which may be added to soil in trenches:
Chipped bark *** slow to break down and during the process depletes soil of nitrogen. Not a very good soil conditioner
Composted bark **** moderately rich in nutrients. Moderate soil conditioner
Farmyard manure ***** rich in nutrients but often contains weed seed
garden compost ***** excellent nutrient value and good soil conditioner
leafmould ***** good nutrient value and excellent soil conditioner
seaweed **** rich in minerals and good soil conditioner but not always easily available.
(Martin Horne)
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