Digging
Techniques

     Special digging techniques can help better loosen and improve the soil.  Double-digging is performed only one time in the life of a garden.  Single-digging can be repeated.  Although these techniques are optional and require more initial time and labor, they can prove well worth the effort in the long run.

• also known as "French intensive" or "deep bed" method.
• performed only one time.
• loosens soil to depth of about 2 feet.
• requires shovel and garden fork.

1. Spread desired amendments/fertilizers over proposed planting area.
2. Using shovel, mark area into rows as wide as the shovel.
3. Beginning with first row, sink shovel blade fully into ground & lift out soil.
4. Carry soil over beyond last row or pile in wheelbarrow.
5. Repeat process down to end of first row, creating a trench.
6. Remaining in first row trench, dig garden fork down into subsoil as far as it will go.
Do not lift out soil. Lever and twist up fork to loosen soil. Continue forking process all the way down first row trench.
7. Moving to second row, repeat shoveling process, except place shoveled soil over into first row trench without turning it over. Repeat process until first row trench has been filled in and second row trench has been created.
8. Repeat forking process for second row trench to loosen subsoil.
9. Continue the same shoveling and forking processes for remaining rows.
10. For last row, place soil removed from first row to fill in trench.
11. Rake the top of entire surface smooth, breaking up large clods.

• loosens soil to depth of about 1 foot.
• less labor and faster than double-digging.
• ideal for soil that is naturally loose, well drained, and/or previously cultivated.
• requires garden shovel.

1. Follow processes for double-digging except omit forking the subsoil.
2. Rake the top of entire surface smooth, breaking up large clods.