Lise Beynon
I built a house in the middle of a field four years ago and had to start from scratch with my garden and veg patch. I rotavated once (because the ground had been compacted by construction vehicles) and then went straight to No Dig. I got my cardboard from our local bike shop and create most of my own compost by using horse muck and straw mix. If I am lucky, I get some leaf mould from a family member, which is greatly received. When I see a wood chipper in the village, I ask them to give me their wood chip, which they seem happy to do.
Two years ago, I also took on an allotment which used to be a chicken run - overrun with nettles, dock, etc. I went straight to No Dig and now coming up to my third year, it is all very manageable. I have very little fruit besides rhubarb, raspberries and strawberries, so this year I have taken on a ½ plot full of fruit trees and bushes, and asparagus which had been neglected. I am currently working on clearing and making paths, hoping to be ready for some decent pruning in the Spring.
