Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening: Double Digging a French Intensive Raised Bed

The traditional raised bed vegetable garden does not need an expensive wooden frame, and is the most "green", sustainable, and ...

This article is a summary of a YouTube video "Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening: Double Digging a French Intensive Raised Bed" by Blossom Flower Delivery

Key insights about video Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening: Double Digging a French Intensive Raised Bed

🌱 Double digging is the most productive way of growing vegetables because it allows plant roots to grow straight down and plants can be grown much closer together.

🌱 Double digging requires some work in the first year, but it becomes less work in subsequent years because it makes weeding easier.

🌱 The three tools needed for double digging are a square D handled solid forged garden spade, a matching garden fork, and a leveling rake.

🌱 Incorporating compost into the soil helps keep it loose and provides nutrients and humic acid.

🌱 Watering the soil deeply a few days before double digging can help soften it up, especially if you're breaking virgin ground.

🌱 When double digging, it's recommended to stand on a digging board to spread your weight and avoid compacting the soil.

🌱 Beds should be about 42 inches wide for easy access to the middle without stepping on the soil.

🌱 As you dig trenches, the soil tends to accumulate more on one end, so you may need to redistribute it along the bed.

🌱 Double digging raises the level of the soil, making it rich and easy for plants to grow deep roots, resulting in healthier plants.

Timestamped Summary

02:08 Lorraine explains that double digging is the most productive way to prepare the soil for a raised bed. She mentions that it requires some effort, but becomes easier after the first year.

03:32 Lorraine demonstrates how to double dig a bed. She starts by using a spade to remove a layer of soil and then uses a spading fork to loosen and aerate the soil even further. She incorporates compost into the soil as well.

06:09 Lorraine explains that she likes her beds to be about 42 inches wide so she can easily reach into the middle without stepping on the bed.

07:08 Lorraine notes that there is usually more soil at one end of the bed compared to the other because you don't want the soil to fall back into the trench you just dug.

08:03 Lorraine shows how the bed is now about 12 inches higher than the path because of the incorporation of air and compost. She explains that this will create a rich and easy-growing environment for plants.

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Q&A

What is double digging?

Double digging is a method of preparing soil for a raised bed garden. It involves digging a trench and loosening the soil to create a deep and fertile bed for plants.

Why is double digging productive?

Double digging is considered the most productive per square foot way of growing vegetables because it allows plants to be grown closer together. The plant roots can grow straight down instead of hitting a hard pan and spreading out sideways.

What tools are needed for double digging?

The basic tools needed for double digging are a square D-handled garden spade, a matching garden fork, and a leveling rake. A garden cart can also be handy, but not necessary.

Is double digging a lot of work?

Double digging can be a fair bit of work the first year, but it becomes less work in subsequent years. It helps to have compost readily available and makes weeding easier.

How wide should a double dug bed be?

The width of a double dug bed depends on personal preference and height. A bed around 42 inches wide allows for easy access to the middle without having to step on the bed.

How do you incorporate compost into double digging?

Compost can be incorporated into the double dug bed by adding it during the second digging with the garden fork. The organic matter from the compost helps keep the soil loose, provides nutrients, and improves soil health.

What are the benefits of double digging?

Double digging improves soil structure, allows for closer spacing of plants, promotes deep root growth, increases soil fertility, and makes weeding easier. It creates a productive and healthy environment for growing vegetables.