How to Create a No-Dig Vegetable Garden: A Simple yet Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

A no-dig vegetable garden is an excellent way to improve soil health and grow a thriving, abundant harvest — all without the laborious task of tilling. This straightforward, low-maintenance method creates a fertile, thriving garden by suppressing the growth of existing weeds or grass. By adding a humble layer of cardboard followed by rich, organic matter like organic finished mushroom compost, the weeds beneath naturally break down, enriching the soil and the earth below. Over time, the cardboard decomposes, connecting your new vegetable garden to the land beneath, allowing you to grow in harmony with nature.

It’s an ideal way to grow healthy food, support the environment, and make gardening more accessible to everyone — whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener.

What is a No-Dig Garden?

A no-dig garden is exactly as it sounds: you don’t dig or till the soil. Instead, you build up layers of organic materials like compost and mulch for the walkways. These layers gradually decompose, improving soil structure, boosting nutrient levels, and creating a rich growing environment for your vegetables. It’s an effortless way to grow your own produce while enhancing the health of your garden and supporting the local ecosystem.

Why Choose No-Dig?

The benefits of no-dig gardening are numerous:

• Improves Soil Health: By leaving the soil undisturbed, you preserve its natural structure, encouraging healthy soil organisms like earthworms and beneficial microbes. Over time, this results in rich, fertile soil that's perfect for growing.

• Less Weeding: The layers of mulch and compost act as a barrier to weeds, reducing the need for constant weeding.

• Water Efficiency: The organic layers help retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

• Supports Pollinators: Planting a variety of vegetables and flowers in your no-dig garden provides a valuable habitat for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• Sustainable: Using organic materials like mushroom compost and organic, non-GMO seeds contributes to environmental health, promotes biodiversity, and can improve our overall health and well-being.

  
  

Step 1: Choose Your Garden Location

Select a sunny spot for your vegetable garden — most crops need 6-8 hours of sunlight a day to thrive. The area should be relatively flat and well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can harm your plants. If the soil is compacted or poor, a no-dig garden is a perfect solution to improve it without the hassle of tilling.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

You’ll need a few key materials to create your no-dig garden:

• Organic Mushroom Compost: Ideal for the base layer, this is rich in nutrients and essential trace minerals, improving soil structure and providing a steady supply of food for your plants. Look for local suppliers — it’s often sold in large bags or by the dump truck.

• Cardboard: This acts as a weed barrier, preventing weeds from growing through the layers of compost and mulch. You can also use garden fabric, but if you do, make sure to keep it on top of the weeds long enough to kill them. Remove the fabric before adding compost, as garden fabric is plastic and won’t decompose as quickly as cardboard.

• Organic, Non-GMO Seeds: Choose organic, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. Organic seeds come from plants grown according to organic farming standards. Non-GMO seeds preserve the plant’s natural genetics, while heirloom seeds are open-pollinated and passed down through generations.

• Mulch: Organic, composted wood chips/mulch for the pathways help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

• Worm Castings: These nutrient-rich, dark, crumbly by-products produced by earthworms (also called vermicompost) are considered one of the best organic fertilizers due to their ability to improve soil health and boost plant growth. They contain beneficial nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

  
  

Step 3: Prepare the Ground

If the area is especially weedy, lay down thick layers of cardboard directly on the soil to create an effective weed barrier. Overlap the edges of the cardboard to ensure no weeds can sneak through.

Step 4: Shaping Your Garden Beds

Tailoring a 5x20-Foot Garden Bed to Your Space

When I first set up my garden, I chose 5x20-foot garden beds running north to south to maximize sunlight exposure. This orientation allows me to place taller plants at the back and shorter ones at the front, ensuring that each plant gets the light it needs. I also use taller plants strategically to provide shade to those more sensitive to heat or strong sunlight.

A 5x20-foot garden bed offers 100 square feet of planting space (5 feet x 20 feet = 100 square feet). This amount of space is perfect for growing a wide variety of plants. Here’s how to make the most of this expansive area while tailoring the dimensions to suit your specific garden space and needs:

Bed Dimensions and Layout

• Size: At 100 square feet, this bed can comfortably fit a variety of crops, from vegetables to flowers, giving each plant ample room to thrive. If you have limited space or want to make the bed more accessible, you could tailor the length or width to better fit your area.

• Width (5 feet): The 5-foot width is manageable, allowing you to reach the middle without stepping on the soil. However, if you’re working in a narrow garden space, consider adjusting the width. A 3–4-foot width can work well for smaller plots or areas where you need access from only one side.

• Length (20 feet): If your space allows, the 20-foot length is great for longer rows or sections of different crops. However, if you have a more compact garden, you can shorten the bed to 10–12 feet to create a more accessible plot that still gives you plenty of room to grow. Dividing a long bed into sections also helps with crop rotation and managing different plant types.

  
  

Planting Ideas for a 5x20 Bed

A 5x20-foot bed offers flexibility for a range of plants. Here’s how to organize it:

• Rows for Vegetables:

  • 5-6 rows for shorter crops like lettuce, spinach, and herbs.

  • 3-4 rows for medium-sized plants like carrots, radishes, or beets.

  • Taller plants like tomatoes, peppers, or beans can be planted at the ends or edges, where they won’t overshadow smaller plants.

  
  

• Crop Rotation: With this size, crop rotation is easy. Divide the bed into sections and rotate your crops every season to maintain soil health and reduce the risk of pests or diseases.

  
  

• Vertical Growing: Consider using trellises or cages for plants like peas, beans, and cucumbers. This will help maximize space by growing crops vertically, freeing up the bed for other plants.

  
  

Step 5: Build Your Layers

Now it’s time to start layering your materials. Here’s the ideal process for building a healthy, thriving no-dig garden:

1. Weed Barrier: Lay down your cardboard on the soil. This will prevent any weeds from coming through the layers and keep the surface clear.

2. Organic Mushroom Compost: Spread a 10-inch layer of organic mushroom compost over the cardboard. This will provide essential nutrients and create a rich base for your plants to grow in.

3. Mulch: Finish by mulching your pathways with a 4-inch layer of mulch. This will help keep the soil moist, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature throughout the growing season.

   
   

Step 6: Grow Seedlings (or Purchase Organic Seedlings)

Prepare Your Containers: You can grow seedlings in a variety of containers:

• Seed trays or flats: These shallow trays with many small cells are ideal for growing multiple seedlings in a small space.

• Individual pots (like peat): These are biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground, reducing transplant shock.

Step 7: Plant Your Veggies

Once your layers are in place, you’re ready to plant. For seedlings, simply dig a small hole in the compost and place the plant in, firming the soil gently around the roots. For seeds, press them into the compost or make small furrows to plant them.

Opt for organic, non-GMO seeds. These seeds are naturally adapted to your local environment, and they support biodiversity by preserving natural plant varieties. Non-GMO plants are also less likely to be affected by pests and diseases, making them a great choice for sustainable gardening.

Step 8: Companion Planting

Companion planting is a fantastic way to optimize your no-dig garden by strategically pairing plants that benefit each other. Certain plants grow better together by enhancing each other’s growth, improving pest control, and even enriching the soil. For example, planting basil alongside tomatoes can improve flavor and help repel pests like aphids and mosquitoes. Marigolds are great companions for almost any vegetable, as their strong scent deters harmful insects. Beans, peas, and other legumes are excellent choices as well, since they fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for other crops like carrots, lettuce, and spinach. By incorporating companion plants, you create a more harmonious and resilient garden ecosystem, which ultimately leads to healthier plants and a more abundant harvest. Plus, it’s a simple way to add diversity to your garden while reducing the need for pesticides.

A to Z Comprehensive Companion Planting Chart

Name of Plant	✅ Plant With	❌ Don’t Plant With	Growing Tips / Region Notes	Reasoning / Notes Continued
Alfalfa	Clover, Ryegrass, Beans, Peas	None (great as a cover crop)	Nitrogen fixer. Best in Zones 3-9. Improves soil fertility and supports weed control.	Alfalfa enriches the soil with nitrogen, benefiting other plants. It's great as a cover crop, improving soil health.
Apple	Pear, Cherries, Plums, Berries, Garlic, Dandelion	Walnuts, Junipers, Potatoes	Best in well-drained soil and full sun. Needs good pollination. Best in Zones 3-8.	Apple trees benefit from pollination by nearby plants like cherries and pears but should be kept away from walnut trees due to their allelopathic properties.
Apricot	Cherries, Plums, Pears, Nectarines	Walnuts, Potatoes, Tomatoes	Full sun, well-drained soil, best in Zones 4-7. Requires good air circulation.	Apricots grow best with other stone fruits. Avoid planting with walnuts and tomatoes, as they can interfere with apricot growth.
Arugula	Peas, Radishes, Beets, Cabbage	Mint, Strawberries, Fennel	Prefers cool weather and moist conditions. Space 4-6 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-7.	Arugula thrives with cool-weather crops like peas and radishes but should be kept away from mint and strawberries, which can inhibit growth.
Asparagus	Parsley, Basil, Tomatoes, Peppers, Strawberries, Marigolds	Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Potatoes	Perennial. Needs full sun and deep, well-drained soil. Space 18-24 inches apart.	Asparagus benefits from being near herbs like basil and parsley, but should be avoided near root crops like onions and carrots.
Basil	Oregano, Tomatoes, Peppers, Marigolds, Lavender	Mint, Parsley, Cabbage	Prefers full sun in cooler climates or partial shade in hotter climates. Best in Zones 4-9.	Basil is a great companion for tomatoes and peppers. Avoid mint and parsley, as they can hinder basil's growth.
Beans (Bush Beans)	Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chinese Cabbage, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Strawberries, Swiss Chard	Onions, Garlic, Cabbage, Fennel	Nitrogen fixer. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Space 6-8 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-9.	Beans improve soil fertility and grow well with corn and cucumbers. Avoid planting near onions and garlic, which inhibit bean growth.
Beans (Pole Beans)	Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chinese Cabbage, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Strawberries, Swiss Chard	Onions, Garlic, Cabbage Family (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), Fennel, and Beets	Nitrogen Fixation: Pole beans, like other legumes, have a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, which live in their roots and fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, benefiting future crops and surrounding plants.
Beets	Bush Beans, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Onions	Beans, Parsley, Spinach	Prefers loose, fertile soil. Best in cool weather (Zones 3-7). Space 3-4 inches apart.	Beets grow well with cabbage and onions. Avoid beans and parsley, which can inhibit beet development.
Bitter Gourd (Karela)	Beans, Corn, Okra, Tomatoes, Marigolds	Potatoes, Peppers, Cabbage	Needs warm temperatures and full sun. Best in Zones 5-9. Space 18-24 inches apart.	Bitter gourd benefits from the company of beans, corn, and marigolds, which help deter pests. Avoid planting near potatoes and peppers.
Blackberries	Raspberries, Strawberries, Gooseberries, Mint	Potatoes, Tomatoes	Best in well-drained, acidic soil. Needs full sun. Space 3 feet apart. Best in Zones 3-7.	Blackberries grow well with other berries but should be kept away from potatoes and tomatoes, which attract pests.
Blueberries	Cranberries, Azaleas, Evergreens, Strawberries, Raspberries	Junipers, Potatoes, Peppers	Acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5). Best in cool climates. Space at least 3 feet apart.	Blueberries thrive with other acid-loving plants like cranberries and raspberries. Avoid junipers and potatoes, which can harm them.
Borage	Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Strawberries, Beans, Squash, Peppers, Chives, and Brassicas like Cabbage and Kale	Fennel, Carrots	Borage is also great for enriching the soil with minerals and attracting pollinators like bees, which benefits nearly all nearby crops	Vibrant blue flowers and health benefits. Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it has anti-inflammatory properties that can support skin health.
Broccoli	Beets, Chamomile, Celery, Cucumbers, Dill, Garlic, Hyssop, Mint, Nasturtium, Onions, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Swiss Chard	Strawberries, Tomatoes	Prefers cool weather. Needs fertile soil and consistent watering. Space 12-18 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-7.	Broccoli benefits from herbs like dill and chamomile but should not be planted near strawberries or tomatoes, as they compete for nutrients.
Brussels Sprouts	Beets, Celery, Cucumbers, Dill, Garlic, Hyssop, Lettuce, Mint, Nasturtium, Onions, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Swiss Chard	Beans, Cabbage Family (cauliflower, kale, broccoli), Strawberries, Tomatoes.
Cabbage	Beets, Celery, Cucumber, Dill, Garlic, Hyssop, Lettuce, Mint, Nasturtium, Onions, Potatoes, Sage, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Thyme	Beans, Peppers, Strawberries	Best in cool, fertile soil. Needs good air circulation. Space 12-18 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-7.	Cabbage grows well with onions and lettuce but should not be planted near beans or peppers, which can stunt its growth.
	✅	❌
Carrots	Beans, Chives, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Rosemary, Sage, Tomatoes, Onions, Leeks	Dill, Parsley, Potatoes, Tomatoes	Prefers loose, sandy soil. Plant in cool weather. Space 2-3 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-7.	Carrots benefit from being near peas and lettuce. Avoid planting near dill, parsley, and potatoes, as they can hinder carrot growth.
Cauliflower	Beets, Beans, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumber, Dill, Garlic, Hyssop, Lettuce, Mint, Nasturtium, Onions, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Thyme	Peas, Tomatoes, Strawberries	Needs cool weather and fertile, well-drained soil. Space 12-18 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-7.	Cauliflower pairs well with beans and onions but should avoid peas and tomatoes due to competing needs.
Celery	Beans, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives, Chinese Cabbage, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Nasturtium, Spinach, Tomatoes	Carrots, Parsley	Needs cool temperatures and moist, rich soil. Best in Zones 4-8. Space 10-12 inches apart.	Celery grows well with leeks and cabbage. Avoid planting near carrots and parsley, as they may inhibit growth.
Chard (Swiss)	Beans, Peas, Cabbage, Onions, Lettuce, Beets	Potatoes, Carrots, Cabbage	Prefers cool weather and fertile soil. Can handle light frost. Best in Zones 3-7. Space 12-18 inches apart.	Swiss chard grows well with beans, peas, and lettuce but should be kept away from potatoes and carrots.
Cilantro	Basil, Peppers, Tomatoes, Chives, Dill	Fennel, Parsley	Needs cool, moist soil. Best in spring/fall. Space 4-6 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-7.	Cilantro thrives with peppers and tomatoes but should be kept away from fennel and parsley.
Corn	Beans, Cucumbers, Melons, Parsley, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Squash, Tomatoes	Cucumbers, Potatoes, Carrots	Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Best in Zones 3-8. Space 12-18 inches apart.	Corn benefits from growing with beans and squash, as part of the "Three Sisters" planting method. Avoid cucumbers, which compete for space and nutrients.
Cucumber	Beans, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Corn, Kale, Kohlrabi, Marigold, Nasturtium, Oregano, Peas, Radishes, Sunflowers, Tansy, Tomatoes	Potatoes, Sage, Aromatic herbs	Needs warm temperatures and consistent moisture. Best in Zones 3-9. Space 18 inches apart.	Cucumbers benefit from the "Three Sisters" method and from growing with radishes and nasturtiums. Avoid planting with potatoes and sage.
Dandelion	None (wild-growing)	None	Great for soil health and detoxifying. Can grow in poor, compacted soil. Best in Zones 2-9.	Dandelions help to improve soil quality and bring up nutrients, but they can be invasive if not controlled.
Dill	Cabbage, Carrots, Lettuce, Spinach, Cucumbers	Fennel, Cilantro	Prefers cool, moist weather and light, well-drained soil. Best in spring/fall. Best in Zones 3-8.	Dill helps cabbage and carrots grow but should not be planted near fennel or cilantro, which can inhibit its growth.
Eggplant	Beans, Peppers, Tomatoes, Marigolds, Basil	Potatoes, Carrots, Fennel	Needs warm weather and well-drained soil. Best in Zones 4-9. Space 18-24 inches apart.	Eggplant grows well with peppers, tomatoes, and marigolds but should be avoided near potatoes and carrots.
Fennel	Fennel is best planted alone, but can be plated with Coriander, Dill, Onions, Marigolds	Beans, Carrots, Peas, Tomatoes
Garlic	Roses, Carrots, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Chives	Beans, Peas, Onions	Plant in fall for spring harvest. Needs well-drained, loamy soil. Best in Zones 3-8.	Garlic is excellent for pest control and works well near carrots, tomatoes, and roses. Avoid planting with beans, peas, and onions.
	✅	❌
Kale	Beets, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumbers, Dill, Garlic, Hyssop, Lettuce, Mint, Nasturtium, Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Swiss Chard.	Beans, Strawberries	Prefers cool weather and rich, fertile soil. Best in Zones 3-7. Space 12-18 inches apart.	Kale grows well with cabbage and peas. Avoid planting near beans and strawberries.
Kohlrabi	Beets, Cabbage, Celery, Cucumbers, Dill, Garlic, Hyssop, Lettuce, Mint, Nasturtium, Onions, Potatoes, Radishes, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Swiss Chard.	Beans, Strawberries	Needs well-drained soil and cool temperatures. Best in Zones 3-7. Space 12 inches apart.	Kohlrabi benefits from the company of cabbage and radishes. Avoid planting with beans and strawberries.
Lettuce	Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Chives, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Onions, Radishes, Strawberries.	Brassicas, Peas, Tomatoes	Prefers cool conditions and fertile soil. Plant in early spring or fall. Best in Zones 3-7.	Lettuce grows well with beets and radishes but should be kept away from peas and tomatoes, which can stunt its growth.
Marigold	Almost all vegetables, Tomatoes, Beans	None (generally companion-friendly)	Good for pest control and attracting beneficial insects. Prefers full sun. Best in Zones 4-9.	Marigolds are known for deterring pests and improving soil health. They make excellent companions for most plants.
Mint	Tomatoes, Carrots, Cabbage, Peppers	Basil, Fennel, Parsley	Invasive—grow in pots to control spread. Prefers moist, rich soil and partial shade. Best in Zones 3-9.	Mint is a natural pest repellent, but it can quickly take over the garden, so growing in pots is recommended. Avoid planting near basil and fennel.
Napa Cabbage	Garlic, Onions, Peas, Carrots	Strawberries, Potatoes	Prefers cool weather and fertile, well-drained soil. Best in Zones 3-7. Space 12 inches apart.	Napa cabbage grows well with peas and onions. Avoid planting near strawberries and potatoes.
Okra	Beans, Corn, Peppers, Tomatoes	Potatoes, Carrots	Thrives in warm weather and full sun. Best in Zones 8-10. Space 18 inches apart.	Okra grows well with beans and corn. Avoid planting near potatoes and carrots, which can stunt its growth.

CONTINUED

Name of Plant	✅ Plant With	❌ Don’t Plant With	Growing Tips / Region Notes	Reasoning / Notes Continued
Onions	Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chamomile, Carrots, Chinese Cabbage, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Peppers, Strawberries, Summer Savory, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes	Beans, Peas	Needs well-drained soil and full sun. Best in Zones 3-9. Space 4-6 inches apart.	Onions help deter pests and grow well with carrots, lettuce, and beets. Avoid beans and peas, as they inhibit onion growth.
Oregano	Basi, Tomatoes, Peppers, Marigolds	None	Prefers well-drained, dry soil and full sun. Space 12-18 inches apart. Best in Zones 4-9.	Oregano attracts beneficial insects and complements tomatoes and peppers. It’s easy to grow and very versatile.
Parsley	Asparagus, Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Corn, Peppers, Tomatoes.	Fennel, Dill	Thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart. Best in Zones 4-9.	Parsley is a great companion for peppers and tomatoes but should be kept away from fennel and dill, as they inhibit its growth.
Peas	Beans, Carrots, Chives, Corn, Cucumbers, Mint, Radishes, Turnips	Onions, Garlic	Prefers cool weather and loamy soil. Plant in early spring in Zones 3-7. Space 2-4 inches apart.	Peas are great for fixing nitrogen in the soil and work well with carrots and cabbage. Avoid planting near onions and garlic.
Peppers	Basil, Carrots, Eggplants, Onions, Tomatoes	Beans, Fennel	Needs warm weather, well-drained soil, and full sun. Best in Zones 4-9. Space 18-24 inches apart.	Peppers thrive with basil and onions but should not be planted near beans and fennel, as they inhibit pepper growth.
Potatoes	Beans, Cabbage, Corn, Horseradish	Tomatoes, Carrots	Prefers loose, well-drained soil and cool weather. Space 12 inches apart. Best in Zones 3-9.	Potatoes grow well with beans and cabbage but should be kept away from tomatoes and carrots, which can cause pest and disease issues.
	✅	❌
Radishes	Peas, Lettuce, Beans, Carrots	None	Prefers cool conditions and light, fertile soil. Plant in spring/fall in Zones 3-7.	Radishes grow well with peas and lettuce but are not particularly picky about companions. They can help break up soil for other crops.
Raspberries	Strawberries, Blueberries, Gooseberries	Potatoes, Tomatoes	Requires well-drained, acidic soil and full sun. Best in cool climates. Space at least 3 feet apart.	Raspberries thrive with strawberries and blueberries, as all share similar soil needs. Avoid potatoes and tomatoes due to pest issues.
Rhubarb	Onions, Garlic, Cabbage, Kale	Potatoes, Beans	Prefers cool climates and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Best in Zones 3-7. Space 3-4 feet apart.	Rhubarb benefits from being near onions and garlic, which deter pests. Avoid planting with potatoes and beans, as they can stunt rhubarb’s growth.
Rosemary	Sage, Carrots, Beans	Cucumbers, Mint	Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Best in Zones 7-10. Space 18-24 inches apart.	Rosemary pairs well with carrots and beans and repels pests. Avoid planting near cucumbers and mint, which can stunt its growth.
Sage	Rosemary, Cabbage, Carrots	Cucumbers, Rue	Thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and full sun. Best in Zones 5-9. Space 18 inches apart.	Sage is great with cabbage and carrots and has pest-repellent qualities. Avoid planting with cucumbers and rue.
Spinach	Peas, Beans, Radishes, Strawberries	Potatoes	Prefers cool weather and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall. Best in Zones 3-9. Space 4-6 inches apart.	Spinach thrives with peas and beans and can be interplanted with radishes. Avoid potatoes, which can compete for nutrients.
Squash	Corn, Beans, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers	Potatoes, Fennel	Needs warm weather and full sun. Best in Zones 4-9. Space 24-36 inches apart. Provide ample room for spreading vines.	Squash benefits from the "Three Sisters" planting method (corn and beans). Avoid potatoes and fennel, which can inhibit growth.
Strawberries	Beans, Borage, Lettuce, Spinach	Cabbage, Broccoli, Potatoes	Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun. Best in Zones 3-8. Space 12-18 inches apart. Protect from frost and birds.	Strawberries grow well with beans and lettuce but should be kept away from cabbage and broccoli, which can compete for space and nutrients.
	✅	❌
Sunflowers	Corn, Cucumbers, Squash, Beans	Potatoes, Fennel	Thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Best in Zones 3-9. Space 12-18 inches apart. Can provide shade for tender crops.	Sunflowers are great companions for corn and beans. Avoid planting with potatoes and fennel.
Sweet Potatoes	Beans, Corn, Marigolds	Potatoes	Prefers sandy, well-drained soil and warm temperatures. Best in Zones 8-11. Space 12-18 inches apart. Provide trellising for vines.	Sweet potatoes grow well with beans and marigolds but should not be planted with potatoes, which compete for space.
Thyme	Rosemary, Sage, Strawberries, Cabbage	Cucumbers	Thrives in dry, well-drained soil and full sun. Best in Zones 5-9. Space 6-12 inches apart. Can deter cabbage moths.	Thyme works well with rosemary, sage, and strawberries. Avoid planting near cucumbers, as it can inhibit their growth.
Tomatoes	Asparagus, Basil, Basil, Borage, Carrots, Celery, Chives, Cucumbers, Mint, Onions, Parsley, Peppers, Marigold	Potatoes, Corn, Fennel	Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Best in Zones 4-9. Space 18-24 inches apart. Stake or cage for support.	Tomatoes benefit from basil and marigolds, which help deter pests. Avoid planting near potatoes, corn, and fennel, as these can lead to pest issues.
Turnips	Peas, Lettuce, Radishes, Spinach	Potatoes, Cabbage	Prefers cool weather and moist, fertile soil. Best in Zones 3-8. Space 2-4 inches apart. Harvest when roots are 2-3 inches in diameter.	Turnips grow well with peas and lettuce. Avoid planting with potatoes and cabbage, which can compete for space and nutrients.
Watermelon	Corn, Beans, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers	Potatoes	Needs warm temperatures and sandy, well-drained soil. Best in Zones 5-10. Space 36 inches apart for vining varieties. Requires consistent watering.	Watermelon benefits from being planted with beans and sunflowers. Avoid planting with potatoes, which can stunt its growth.
Zucchini	Corn, Beans, Nasturtiums, Sunflowers	Potatoes, Fennel	Thrives in warm weather and full sun. Best in Zones 4-9. Space 18-24 inches apart. Harvest frequently to encourage production.	Zucchini grows well with beans and sunflowers. Avoid planting with potatoes and fennel, which can inhibit zucchini growth.

Step 9: Water and Mulch

Water your newly planted garden well to settle the compost around the roots. Once watered, check the mulch layer to make sure it’s thick enough to protect the soil. Add more mulch if needed to maintain a 2-4 inch cover. The mulch will help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Step 10: Maintenance and Harvesting

Once your no-dig garden is established, it’s easy to maintain:

• Watering: Keep your garden watered, especially in dry spells. The layers will help conserve moisture, but during hot weather, you’ll still need to check in regularly.

• Feeding: If your plants need an extra boost, top-dress the garden with more organic compost or well-rotted manure.

• Weeding: Weeds should be minimal, but keep an eye out and pull out any that do appear.

• Harvesting: Harvest your crops regularly to encourage more growth. Fresh, home-grown vegetables are one of the greatest joys of gardening!

  
  

Environmental Benefits

By using organic mushroom compost and organic, non-GMO seeds, you’re not just growing food for yourself—you’re also contributing to soil health and supporting the environment. Organic gardening methods help preserve soil structure, prevent erosion, and reduce the need for harmful chemicals.

A no-dig garden also supports local wildlife, especially pollinators like bees. By planting a mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you create a habitat that provides food and shelter for these vital creatures. Bees, in particular, play a key role in pollinating crops, which is essential for food production.

r to make sure it’s thick enough to protect the soil. Add more mulch if needed to maintain a 2-4 inch cover. The mulch will help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Step 10: Maintenance and Harvesting

Once your no-dig garden is established, it’s easy to maintain:

• Watering: Keep your garden watered, especially in dry spells. The layers will help conserve moisture, but during hot weather, you’ll still need to check in regularly.

• Feeding: If your plants need an extra boost, top-dress the garden with more organic compost or well-rotted manure.

• Weeding: Weeds should be minimal, but keep an eye out and pull out any that do appear.

• Harvesting: Harvest your crops regularly to encourage more growth. Fresh, home-grown vegetables are one of the greatest joys of gardening!

  
  

Environmental Benefits

By using organic mushroom compost and organic, non-GMO seeds, you’re not just growing food for yourself—you’re also contributing to soil health and supporting the environment. Organic gardening methods help preserve soil structure, prevent erosion, and reduce the need for harmful chemicals.

A no-dig garden also supports local wildlife, especially pollinators like bees. By planting a mix of vegetables, herbs, and flowers, you create a habitat that provides food and shelter for these vital creatures. Bees, in particular, play a key role in pollinating crops, which is essential for food production.

By growing your own food with organic methods, you’re taking steps towards greater self-sufficiency, reducing your carbon footprint, and contributing to a healthier planet.

Final Thoughts

Creating a no-dig vegetable garden is an easy and rewarding way to grow healthy, home-grown produce. By using organic mushroom compost and organic, non-GMO seeds, you’re nurturing the soil, supporting pollinators, and building a more sustainable, self-sufficient way of life. Plus, you’ll spend far less time on laborious digging and tilling, and more time enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Start small, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have a thriving, low-maintenance garden that’s both productive and good for the environment.

Happy gardening!