No-Dig Garden Bed Setup
Establish a productive growing bed without turning the soil. Layers of compost and mulch build fertility from the top down, preserving soil biology and structure. Suitable for new gardens, converting lawn, or revitalising tired beds.
Version History
Version 1.0 Current
Effective: 2026-03-27Initial version
Procedure Details
Wear gloves when handling compost or manure. If using aged manure, ensure it has been composted for at least 6 months to avoid pathogen risk.
You will need (per square metre):
- Cardboard or thick newspaper (enough to cover area with 15cm overlap)
- 10-15cm of quality compost
- 5-10cm of straw, sugar cane mulch, or wood chip mulch
- Water source
- Optional: aged manure, worm castings, rock dust
Best started 2-4 weeks before planting. Can plant immediately into compost layer.
Procedure Steps (Version 1.0)
Choose your site. Mark out the bed dimensions — 1.2m wide is ideal for access from both sides. Any length works.
Mow or slash existing vegetation as low as possible. Leave all clippings in place — they add nitrogen.
If amending poor soil: scatter a thin layer of aged manure, worm castings, or rock dust directly on the ground.
Lay cardboard or thick newspaper over the entire bed area. Overlap edges by at least 15cm — any gap will allow weeds through.
Wet the cardboard thoroughly until it lies flat and is completely saturated.
Add 10-15cm of quality compost on top of the cardboard. This is your primary growing layer.
Water the compost layer well. It should be moist like a wrung-out sponge throughout.
Add 5-10cm of straw or mulch on top. Pull mulch back from the centre to create planting pockets when ready to plant.
Record the date, bed dimensions, materials used, and approximate layer depths.
You can plant seedlings immediately into the compost layer. For seeds, wait 2-3 weeks for the bed to settle. Top up compost between seasons — never dig.