Double Digging Questions

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What is meant by the term double digging?

The top spit of soil is removed and then the next spit is turned over normally with the inclusion of organic matter or soil conditioner like lime which can break up clay soils. The top spit is then replaced. Another name that does not seem to be in common use for double digging is bastard trenching.

A spit is the soil to the depth of a spade.

How do you double dig?

Start by making a trench at one end of the plot to the depth of the spade or one spit. The soil removed should be taken to the other end of the plot,
Incorporate soil conditioning onto the bottom of the trench and then turn in.
Remove the next spit to make another trench, the soil being used to cover the last trench. Treat the bottom of the trench in the same way as above.
When the other end of the plot is reached and the bottom of the trench turned over the soil originally removed can now be put into the trench.

Why double dig?

Double digging gives the following advantages:

• The action can provide less water logging of soils

• Roots can grow deeper due to the soil no being compacted.

Web Resources

Try the Ohio State University website as it includes a step by step guide too

Book Resources

The RHS Essential Gardening Techniques, Editor - in - Chief .Christopher Brickett. ISBN 075370797, published 2002 pg36
It appears that a newer version is available from Amazon ISBN1552853853 Essential Gardening Techniques