Back to Eden Gardening
"Back to Eden gardening" is a no-till, organic gardening method that primarily relies on covering the soil with a thick layer of wood chips (or hay) as mulch, essentially mimicking nature by allowing the wood chips to decompose and enrich the soil over time, eliminating the need for tilling and significantly reducing weeding; it promotes a healthy soil ecosystem with minimal human intervention.
Key points about Back to Eden gardening:
No-till approach:
The core principle is to avoid disturbing the soil by tilling, instead relying on a thick layer of wood chips to suppress weeds and improve soil quality.Wood chip mulch:
The primary material used is a generous layer of fresh wood chips from tree trimmings, which break down naturally and add organic matter to the soil.Benefits:
Reduces watering needs, suppresses weeds, improves soil structure and fertility, attracts beneficial organisms, and is considered a regenerative gardening practice.Founder:
This method is largely associated with Paul Gautschi, who popularized the "Back to Eden"