From weeds to vegetables easily and quickly

New edition! No Dig Gardening has been significantly revised and updated, with the new version going live in June 2025. I have gained further understandings since writing the original in 2018, and these seven years of new gardening experience are included in the course, with an abundance of recent photos from Homeacres.

We are offering a free upgrade to customers who purchased the original course.

We are also offering this course at half price for anyone who has already purchased No Dig Growing for Beginners. 

Please email Anna, anna@charlesdowding.co.uk

This course is perfect for those that are new to no dig, as well as being suitable for anyone who would like to consolidate their existing understanding of growing great vegetables using this method

It teaches the foundations of no dig principles alongside detailed, practical information on how to create and maintain a weed-free growing space, starting with the soil that you have.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence needed to produce wonderful, healthy harvests.

Course information

• 6 modules, 17 lessons (details below)
• Extended glossary
• Captioned photos throughout
• Exclusive videos
• Downloadable certificate on completion 
• Lifetime access 

*Please note: this course does not contain quizzes 

Offers and discounts

• Bundle of three full-length courses + free digital Sowing Calendar - £190 (full price £285)
• Pests and Diseases short course half price with the purchase of any full-length course/course bundle - £9.75 (full price £19.50)
• 60% off any online course for students in full-time education

Please contact Anna, anna@charlesdowding.co.uk, for discount requests/further info.

For information on all the online courses we offer, please see this page.

Gift vouchers are also available. 

Course content

Introduction and glossary

Module 1: No dig – what, why and how

In this module, I explain the main principles of no dig and describe the many advantages of using this method, including managing weeds through mulching and thus saving time by having fewer weeds. I answer common questions about starting no dig, ending with a video in which I demonstrate how to make a new, no dig bed.

Lesson 1 – What is no dig, how does it work? 
Lesson 2 – Nine advantages of no dig 
Lesson 3 – Even more no dig gains 
Lesson 4 – Start out no dig

Module 2: Grow easier

At Homeacres, almost all of the gardening work is done by hand, and in this module I share details of the tools I use. I go on to describe many common gardening myths, and how you can save time and effort through having this knowledge.

Lesson 5 – Tools, time, efficiency
Lesson 6 – Myths, illusions and delusions

Module 3: Managing weeds

In this module we look at mulches in more detail, and I give advice on which type(s) to use according to which weeds are present, also according to how much you wish to increase your harvests. I explain how to maintain a weed-free growing area, and include a lesson describing many common weeds, both perennial and annual, to help with identification.

Lesson 7 – Organic mulches
Lesson 8 – Non-organic mulches
Lesson 9 – Staying weed free
Lesson 10 – Weed descriptions

Module 4: Compost – using and making

Compost is an integral part of increasing and maintaining soil health and fertility, and in this module I describe the different types of compost available, and how it is used. I go on to explain the basic principles of making your own compost, including options for different types of heaps.

Lesson 11 – Using compost in no dig 
Lesson 12 – Making compost

Module 5: Laying out beds and paths 

In this module, I explain the importance of paths and how to set them up in a weed-free way. This includes advice on how to maintain their soil in a fertile state, because path soil is part of the growing space for plant roots. I then give my recommendations for the positioning and layout of beds, using areas of my own garden as examples.

Lesson 13 – Paths, why and how 
Lesson 14 – Bed orientation

Module 6: Nourishing soil

Vegetables thrive in no dig soil, and in this module I clarify the differences between soil and compost, giving details of ongoing trials I have running in my garden. Finally, I describe some of the unseen wonders of soil life that can be found in healthy, no dig soil.

Lesson 15 – Soil and compost, the differences
Lesson 16 – Learning about soil through trials
Lesson 17 – Soil biology details