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No-dig method with mature plants

rolanda.woorolanda.woo Posts: 94
in Problem solving
I'm about to use no-dig method to lay out my flower bed and veggie patch (a mini one). I have plenty of potted plants started from seeds but all matured to very tall in size now. These include a dahlia which has grown to 3 feet tall with plenty of flower stems.

I'm unsure how to cope with the roots depth when using cardboard + compost laying on top of the ground. Shall I plant these mature plants first and then lay cardboard (with holes made out to the shape of all roots)? How could I adjust the level when I lay compost on top in the end?

Can someone give some advice please? Would really appreciate it.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm not sure I really understand what you're asking. If you have plants ready to go in the ground, and the soil is suitable to plant into, you would just plant them.  :)
    You can then add compost at regular intervals to improve the soil structure - many people do that in autumn or winter when plants have died back a bit, as it makes it easier. 
    If the ground isn't ready for planting, you'll just have to keep the plants potted until it is. I wouldn't bother with cardboard, just add compost and well rotted manure to improve it. It'll be ready for planting by later this year or spring, depending on general conditions where you live. Potted plants can be planted at any time of year unless ground's frozen or waterlogged. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NewBoy2NewBoy2 Posts: 1,813
    https://charlesdowding.co.uk/contact-us/

    I have been ND for 3 years now and if I have a question I contact them as above and one of Charles team will get back to you in a few days.

    Good Luck
    Everyone is just trying to be Happy.....So lets help Them.
  • WibbleWibble Posts: 89
    If you have plants that have root balls larger than the depth of soil/compost on top of your cardboard, you will need to puncture the cardboard and dig through into the ground below. I have done this in my no dig beds- most of my planting went in to the new layer of soil, but I had just one or two larger mature plants I wanted to include. If you have a lot of plants too big for the ‘no dig layer’ then I would reconsider whether the method is actually the right one as you’ll have to dig to plant then anyway.
  • jonathan.colejonathan.cole Posts: 221
    I do cardboard, mulch and then chop a hole through the cardboard to plant in. Need to weed a bit around the gap where you planted, but easier than weeding the whole bed!
  • rolanda.woorolanda.woo Posts: 94
    Wibble said:
    If you have plants that have root balls larger than the depth of soil/compost on top of your cardboard, you will need to puncture the cardboard and dig through into the ground below. I have done this in my no dig beds- most of my planting went in to the new layer of soil, but I had just one or two larger mature plants I wanted to include. If you have a lot of plants too big for the ‘no dig layer’ then I would reconsider whether the method is actually the right one as you’ll have to dig to plant then anyway.
    Thank you, Wibble. You confirmed what I thought it has to be. I think I will water the cardboard beforehand, so it's easier to be punctured. Thanks again!
  • rolanda.woorolanda.woo Posts: 94
    jonathan.cole said:
    I do cardboard, mulch and then chop a hole through the cardboard to plant in. Need to weed a bit around the gap where you planted, but easier than weeding the whole bed!
    Thank you. It's encouraging to know someone has done this before. :smile:
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