Charles Dowding

No dig pioneer and gardener

Charles is a pioneer of no dig growing and lives on Homeacres farm in Somerset. He teaches extensively, publishes YouTube videos regularly and has published several books including No Dig, Salad Leaves for Every Season, and Compost.

Recent articles by Charles Dowding

Compost makes you happy: Charles Dowding with his compost heap

‘I didn’t harvest a single carrot. That was a sharp lesson’: Charles Dowding on his no-dig journey and how to compost well

No-dig expert, market gardener and author Charles Dowding talks about his new book, the books he reads, and what he’s up to nextShow more

Parsnip

No-dig expert Charles Dowding recommends the best winter vegetables to grow

Organic vegetable grower, Charles Dowding chooses his favourite vegetables to grow in the garden or allotment in winter and offers his advice for getting the most from your crop. Photography Andrew MontgomeryShow more

An illustration of the soil food chain from organic matter and bacteria to animals

What is soil? You may think you know, but there's a lot going on under your feet

Think of your garden soil as a living organism that needs gentle handling and you will reap the benefits in healthier plants, urges no-dig gardening expert Charles DowdingShow more

Charles Dowding © Jonathan Buckley

Wondering what no-dig gardening is? Let the expert explain

Generations of gardeners have been told that digging is the best way to prepare soil for planting – but that’s a myth, according to grower Charles Dowding, who practises no dig gardening. Charles explains what no dig is and how it worksShow more