DIGGING

When you first start developing a new garden whether from a newly built house or a previously owned one where the existing garden needs to be enhanced then it is almost inevitable that at some point you will need to do some kind of digging to prepare the soil for planting. This may be for shrubs, trees, herbaceous plants or a vegetable garden.  Below we try to explain the different types and terms referring to basic soil cultivation or digging. 

Single Digging

This is usually done in spring or summer. Usually a shallow trench is removed at the start and the soil taken to the spot where digging will end.  The spade is inserted into the soil, lifted out when full and inverted ahead of the work. The gardener then works along the row, taking out the soil, or SPIT, and turning it into the trench, making another trench in the process.  This is continued until the whole area has been turned over and the soil that was removed at the start is placed in the final trench and the area tidied up. 

Double Digging

This procedure should be done in autumn when the surface should be left rough so that the frost can act on it to break down any clay material.

This is also known as bastard trenching, using this method each layer of soil remains in its original layer.  Effectively the top spit finishes on top and the second spit beneath it.

The gardener starts by taking out a trench 2 ft. wide, removing the soil to the end of the plot.  Then getting inside the trench the gardener forks over the second or lower spit, adding organic matter if required.  Turning the next top spit on top of this and forking over the subsoil as before until all the area is completed. Finally, the first spit removed is placed in the last trench.  

True Trenching

In this technique the soil is taken out three spits deep, the first and second spits being reversed. It is sometimes used for Sweet Peas but this method is only for the committed digger! 

Ridging

This technique should be adopted in autumn and is useful if you have very heavy soils in your garden.  The gardener starts off as if double digging by taking out a 2 ft. trench and marks out a strip 2 ft wide running the length of the plot.  This leaves three spade widths of soil (8 in. each) which are placed in the centre of the trench, one after the other, leaving a ridge.  This is continued in this way until the plot is finished. 

• The secret to digging is to plan your work carefully.
• Do not try to lift too heavy a spadeful
• You will find it easier and less exhausting to work lifting smaller loads
• You will be surprised just how much more you can achieve.
• Do not try to dig over large areas without regular breaks.
• Work so that you keep your back straight when lifting, using your feet to move is preferable so you avoid twisting your spine.
• Always play it safe, there is always another day to finish off. 
• And of course Good Luck !