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You've probably heard the term "double digging" before. And if you heard it during a conversation among gardeners, the words were probably followed by a collective groan.
Double digging is so named because trenches are dug at double the depth of a common spade or shovel. Originated by the French in the late 19th century, this technique is one of the oldest --and best -- methods for creating raised beds with good drainage and well-aerated, healthy soil.
You'll need a heavy square-edged shovel and a strong spading fork for this project. Make sure the soil isn't too dry or too wet before you prepare to dig, then mark off the area to be worked.
For the first row, dig a trench one shovel length deep and two wide, placing the squares of turf in a wheelbarrow as you go. Use a spading fork to loosen the soil at the bottom of your first row, until the depth of the trench is about 12". Add about 1" of compost to the row.
Dig a second trench of the same size alongside the first. As you dig, flip the turf and topsoil into the first trench, grass-side down, if applicable. Again, loosen the soil at the bottom of the new trench and add a small layer of compost.
You can continue this dig-and-flip progression for the entire length of your planned garden bed. When you get to the last row, use the turf and topsoil dug up and set aside from the first row. Just be sure to add compost in each row to boost the soil's fertility and macrobiotic activity.
Thankfully, you won't need to repeat this technique every year, as your double-dug beds should last for a couple of growing seasons, at least...which is probably more than you can say for your aching back.
About Tamara Galbraith
I am an avid organic gardener and certified Master Gardener for Collin County, Texas (that's North Dallas).
Despite those lofty titles, I still manage to kill stuff on a regular basis. My gardening experiences are periodically chronicled on my blog at: http://can-u-dig-it.blogspot.com
For the first row, dig a trench one shovel length deep and two wide, placing the squares of turf in a wheelbarrow as you go. Use a spading fork to loosen the soil at the bottom of your first row, until the depth of the trench is about 12". Add about 1" of compost to the row.
