No-Till Food Gardening

It may seem counterintuitive to reap the benefits of a garden without digging into the soil, but recent scientific studies have shown that no-till gardening makes the most sense. Master Gardeners are joining in the effort promoting minimal soil disturbance for nurturing the underground ecosystem of macro- and microorganisms. When new planting areas are created in difficult locations, however, a one-time tilling may be the best way to begin.

One-Time Tilling

A one-time tilling of a new bed breaks up compacted soil or sticky clay and incorporates large amounts of organic matter.
A one-time tilling removes massive and invasive roots.
A one-time tilling loosens soil for removing large, thick, invasive weeds in a new food garden when other organic methods are ineffective.
A one-time tilling offers a quick change in soil acidity (i.e., incorporating limestone or sulfur), a rare need, however, for most gardeners.
A one-time shallow tilling creates small soil particles for broadcasting seeds in a new bed.

No-Till Advantages

Reduced physical effort is an attraction for gardeners, but a no-till approach offers far more to the vast web of life beneath the soil that is easily destroyed when that environment is severely altered. A no-till approach results in an improved method of growing food.

No-till preserves the natural web of soil life that includes earthworms, fungi, bacteria, and a myriad of other macro- and microorganisms.
No-till prevents dormant weed seeds from being pulled up to the soil surface.
No-till reduces frequent stirring or cultivation that compacts and breaks down soil structure.
Untilled soil preserves a structure of soil aggregates that allow for higher water infiltration and greater soil water storage capacity.
Untilled soil builds up a system of pores that moves water up, down, and sideways resulting in more efficient use of water.
Undug soil is better able to retain humus, leading to improved plant nutrition, disease resistance, soil aeration, and water-holding capability.
Undug soil retains, not releases, carbon dioxide in the ground in the form of compost decomposed from previous crops.
Untilled soil holds layers of compost and fertilizers on top of the soil where nutrients can be lightly worked in when planting and transplanting.
Untilled soil keeps dead roots in the soil after crops are harvested, increasing carbon content as food for microorganisms, resulting in a healthier soil life.

Additional Information

April 2022