The cultivation of fresh fruits and vegetables has officially taken root. As more households start harvesting home-grown produce, English gardener and pioneer of no-dig gardening, Charles Dowding, has announced the launch of the first-ever #NoDigDay.
takes place on Thursday, November 3, 2022, the one-day event will encourage others to grow healthy food more easily, help increase the wildlife beneath our feet and celebrate the benefits of gardening without excavation. To participate in #NoDigDay, all you have to do is put on your gardening gloves and don’t dig. You will also find many tips, tricks and achievements from the gardening community.
According to Charles, November is a great month to plan ahead for a record year of growing and harvesting. Temperature can change, but placing organic matter like compost around your edges will help improve the soil’s ability to hold carbon while providing a soft surface for seeding and planting in early spring.
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“We’re excited to launch this annual no-dig appreciation that will bring together a world of experiences to be shared with gardeners of all abilities to show just how easy it is to help yourself and the environment,” said Charles .
“One of the great benefits that newcomers will discover is that the process is not only easy to perform, but can also be done almost instantly. Once the weeds are suppressed and covered with a good mulch, you can sow your seeds or pop young plants straight in and then watch them grow.”
Charles Dowding
Jason Ingram
Gardening without excavation is simple: it is a cultivation method aimed at minimal disturbance of the soil. Instead of using a spade or fork, this healthy way of gardening is done with your hands – and results in more plant growth because the soil isn’t disturbed.
Charles adds, “We’re really excited for ‘No Digger’ to come together to unveil their own hacks and experiences and learn more about the many great benefits of no-dig growing. We hope you all have a very special #NoDigDay!”
Visit charlesdowding.co.uk for more information on how to enter.
10 Christmas plants for home and garden
Christmas star
This cheerful red flower is a beautiful Christmas plant that will brighten up the home in no time. They come from Mexico and are one of the most popular Christmas plants with over eight million sold each year. While they are often discarded when their color begins to fade, they can last year-round if you take good care of them.
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mistletoe
Perhaps the most iconic Christmas plant of all, mistletoe grows on a range of trees including willow, apple and oak. Its tradition dates back to the days of the Celtic Druids, where it was typically hung in homes and served as a token of love and friendship.
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holly
Holly is an evergreen plant that has been strongly associated with winter for centuries. From Christmas cards to decorations, the little green leaf and berry icon is everywhere during the festive season. Holly is not only a beautiful winter plant, but also provides shelter for birds and hedgehogs in the colder months.
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Christmas rose
This delightful white perennial has long-lasting snow-white flowers that many of us can find in our garden. While the heads resemble roses, this winter plant is not a member of the rose family. During the colder months, the Christmas rose brings color and beauty to a bleak outdoor landscape.
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cyclamen
This perennial flowering plant is widely loved for its beautiful bright pink heads. As these are winter plants, they bloom during the colder months, making them perfect for indoors during the Christmas season.
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amaryllis
Bathed in rich red, amaryllis plants produce gorgeous festive blooms. You can grow these at home, but they will take around three to five years to reach an impressive size. Its name means sparkle in Greek – and they’re sure to add a touch of Christmas loveliness to the home.
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ivy
Ivy is one of the plants used in Christmas decorations that only came to Europe after the arrival of Christianity. In addition to being a symbol of Christmas, it is also featured in the Christmas carol The Holly and the Ivy.
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cranberry plant
A holiday favorite for centuries, lingonberries are a key ingredient in sauces, refreshing drinks and puddings. This plant is also part of centuries-old traditions, which is why we often see it more often in early December.
BUY NOW, SUTTONS, £9.99
rosemary
Aromatic rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub best known for its sweet, resinous flavor. At Christmas time, rosemary plants are excellent alternatives to traditional trees. You can plant it in your garden in spring and then bring it inside during the festive season. You will love its fragrant smell in the house.
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Christmas cactus
Christmas cacti are blooming just in time for the holidays – and they look beautiful in any home. While traditionally bought in December, they are available year-round.
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