When starting out in gardening, it's essential to master the basic techniques for properly preparing your soil. Digging is one of the first crucial steps. But how to dig a garden effectively, without tiring yourself out, and most importantly without getting discouraged? Digging simply means turning over the soil to aerate it, facilitate water penetration and prepare the ground for sowing or planting. In this article, you'll discover how to dig your garden soil properly, with the right tools and techniques, even if the soil is hard or full of roots. Let's explore everything you need to know about digging.
What exactly is digging?
Digging is a fundamental gardening technique that involves turning over the soil with a spade, a simple tool shaped like a flat shovel. The idea is to lift and turn the soil to work it deeply.
But why dig?
- To aerate the soil: Turning the soil makes it lighter. Air circulates better, helping beneficial microorganisms to thrive.
- To facilitate root growth: Well-dug soil allows roots to establish themselves more easily, spread out and thus nourish plants more effectively.
- To mix in organic matter: If you add compost, manure or natural fertilisers, digging helps incorporate them properly into the soil where plants need them.
Oli's tip: Digging isn't always necessary. Some methods, like mulching or surface composting, improve the soil without turning it over. These techniques preserve soil life, including earthworms and microorganisms. You can also turn the soil gently with a digging fork or a broadfork, without disturbing the soil layers.
When should you dig?
- In autumn, to prepare the soil during winter dormancy. Leave the clods as they are: frost will do the rest by naturally breaking up the soil.
- In early spring, just before sowing or planting. This is perfect for waking up the soil and making it ready for the first crops.
How to dig?
Equipment needed for digging
- A spade
- Gardening gloves
- A good pair of wellies or gardening shoes
- (Optional) Wheelbarrow for removing weeds or stones
Good to know: There are several types of spades. Classic straight-edged ones, toothed ones (digging forks) or ergonomic ones with straight or T-shaped handles. To choose the right one, consider your plot size, soil type and especially your comfort: a lightweight spade suited to your height will make the job much easier.
Simple steps for proper digging
- Prepare the area: Before starting to dig, take a few minutes to clear the surface. Remove large stones, branches and visible weeds. This will prevent damaging your spade and make the work easier.
- Insert the spade vertically: Hold the spade straight, blade pointing downward. Aim for a strip of soil about 20-30cm wide.
- Step on it: Press down on the edge of the spade with your foot to sink it into the soil. If the ground is very hard, you can use your body weight to anchor it properly.
- Lift and turn the clod: Once the spade is well embedded, use your arms and back (without straining!) to lift the clod. Simply turn it over by flipping it sideways, as if placing it upside down.
- Repeat row by row: Continue moving forward in straight lines, repeating the same motion. You can work row by row, or in squares if the space is small.
- Break up large clods: Once the area is dug, break up large clods with the back of the spade or a tool like a cultivator or rake. The soil should be loose, without large chunks, ready for plants or seeds.
Tips for easier digging
Avoid digging right after rain or when the soil is too wet: the earth may compact and become difficult to work.
To protect your back, remember to bend your knees, switch sides regularly (right hand then left hand) and take breaks.
If your soil is clayey and heavy, don't hesitate to mix in some compost to lighten it and improve drainage.
What to do after digging?
Once digging is complete, you have two options depending on the season.
- In autumn, it's often recommended to let the soil rest: clods will naturally break down through frost and rain, making the soil easier to work in spring.
- In spring or summer, you can directly prepare the ground for sowing or planting by refining the soil with a rake.
- Don't forget to add mulch to protect the soil or a natural amendment (like compost) to improve the earth, according to your future crops' needs.
Comments