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  • From: "Lawrence F. London, Jr." <lfl@intrex.net>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [permaculture] Global Food Supply Near the Breaking Point
  • Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 14:31:19 -0400

Charles de Matas wrote:

Any idea why the indifference to double digging? I am giving it a try, to help with my compacted soil. I double dug a small area some months ago and am now waiting for some rain to plant in it. It may not necessarily be more labour intensive than non-digging methods. It can be done on a small scale in zone 1 near the house. If it produces more yield per sq. m. and reduces need for water it may actually save labour (at least that's the theory).

Double digging a garden plot may be the best way to improve soil without using
any power equipment. Alan Chadwick and John Jeavons developed the method
and popularized it through lectures, workshops and publications. This method
began being widely used during the 1960's-1980's as many companies marketed
imported English-style garden tools that worked best when using this
gardening method.
The basic array included short D-handled tools such as a digging spade
(straight point),
a digging fork and a spade fork. You could do it all with these three tools.
A rake,
garden spade, pitchfork or compost fork and manure fork or potato digger were
also used.

A few references:

Jeavon's sites:
http://www.growbiointensive.org/biointensive/GROW-BIOINTENSIVE.html
http://www.bountifulgardens.org/
Alan Chadwick lectures
http://www.ibiblio.org/ecolandtech/orgfarm/permaculture/Alan.Chadwick/
Gardening Hand Tool SOurcelist
http://market-farming.com/gardening-hand-tools.faq







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