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.
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
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.
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.
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
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An Amazing, Confidence-Building Course for No Dig Beginners
I can't recommend this course highly enough. We are just starting our new allotment plot and building it entirely around the no dig method. Charles Dowding's online course has been absolutely amazing. It provides clear, step-by-step explanations for everything, which has been perfect for us. It has given us both the practical skills and, just as importantly, the confidence we needed to progress with our project. It's an invaluable resource for anyone looking to start their own no dig journey.
As a relatively newbie to the vegetable garden I found myself mega motivated to make the most of my small garden. Amazed at the wealth of knowledge laid down in this book and I for one will be glued to it. First job a small greenhouse, then we’re off!!
This is the 3rd time of buying Charles’ no dig calendar and, as always, I can’t wait for February to start sowing. That’s how good it is! The photos are so inspiring and the information gives you complete confidence to not only give it a go, but succeed! The layout means you’re unlikely to miss anything and I especially value the overview at the back which allows you to go straight to the vegetable you’re interested in and see which months you can sow and how many times during the year you can sow. In this way there is always something ready to plant. There is a wealth of other really useful information besides when to sow. I would highly recommend the calendar for anyone who wants to grow no dig veg on any scale.
An Amazing, Confidence-Building Course for No Dig Beginners
I can't recommend this course highly enough. We are just starting our new allotment plot and building it entirely around the no dig method. Charles Dowding's online course has been absolutely amazing. It provides clear, step-by-step explanations for everything, which has been perfect for us. It has given us both the practical skills and, just as importantly, the confidence we needed to progress with our project. It's an invaluable resource for anyone looking to start their own no dig journey.
No Dig Gardening - Online Course (2025)
Kevin F.
Great Winter Garden Bible
As a relatively newbie to the vegetable garden I found myself mega motivated to make the most of my small garden. Amazed at the wealth of knowledge laid down in this book and I for one will be glued to it. First job a small greenhouse, then we’re off!!
How to Grow Winter Vegetables: Planning and Planting for the Hungry Gap
Susan B.
Expertly written calendar
This is the 3rd time of buying Charles’ no dig calendar and, as always, I can’t wait for February to start sowing. That’s how good it is! The photos are so inspiring and the information gives you complete confidence to not only give it a go, but succeed! The layout means you’re unlikely to miss anything and I especially value the overview at the back which allows you to go straight to the vegetable you’re interested in and see which months you can sow and how many times during the year you can sow. In this way there is always something ready to plant. There is a wealth of other really useful information besides when to sow. I would highly recommend the calendar for anyone who wants to grow no dig veg on any scale.
Charles Dowding’s Calendar of Vegetable Sowing Dates 2026
Liz
Pretty and informative
Love all the information,dates and times already printed and the illustrations are lovely
Charles Dowding’s Calendar of Vegetable Sowing Dates 2026
Douglas B.
An excellent comprehensive guide
Having watched so many of the online videos and having tried many of them, it was very useful to have them tied together with Charles clear and instructive narrative. It builds on all of that content and makes learning and refining his techniques, so they are easier to remember and to become fluent in implementing these further. Highly recommended.
