Double digging: A labor-intensive method of soil preparation that involves digging two layers deep, typically to improve drainage and soil structure.
Imagine double digging as giving your garden bed a deep tissue massage. It’s a very thorough way of preparing the soil, especially if you have heavy clay or compacted soil. It involves digging down two spade depths, loosening the soil, and often adding amendments like compost to improve drainage and create a more hospitable environment for plant roots.
In your home garden, double digging can be beneficial if you have particularly poor soil conditions. It creates a deep, loose layer of soil that allows roots to penetrate more easily and access water and nutrients. However, it’s also a physically demanding task and might not be necessary for all garden beds. If you have reasonably good soil, less intensive methods like adding compost or using a broad fork might suffice. Double digging is a technique to consider if you’re starting a new garden bed in an area with challenging soil.
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