No-Dig Gardening Workshop

Growing Smarter: Trochu Arboretum Hosts Hands-On No-Dig Gardening Workshop

On May 4th, 2025, the Trochu Arboretum buzzed with energy as local gardening enthusiasts gathered for a hands-on workshop exploring the art and science of No-Dig Gardening. Held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the event offered participants a deep dive into sustainable techniques that are transforming the way we garden in Alberta’s Zone 3 climate. Read to the end for some helpful links!

Building Better Beds, Naturally

The No-Dig Gardening workshop centered around three innovative raised bed methods: Hügelkultur, Lasagna Gardening, and Keyhole Beds. Each technique is grounded in permaculture principles and emphasizes low-maintenance, water-wise gardening that nurtures soil health over time.

“No-dig gardening isn’t just about saving your back,” says Facility Manager Carole Anne Holmstrom,. “It’s about mimicking nature to create healthy ecosystems that feed us and the earth.”

Why No-Dig Works

Participants learned how layering organic materials—such as food scraps, shredded paper, leaves, and straw—creates thriving garden beds without the need for tilling or synthetic fertilizers. These “lasagna-style” layers break down over time, enriching the soil with essential nutrients and microbial life.

“Greens” for your garden:

Fruit & vegetable scraps
Grass clippings and garden trimmings
Coffee grounds, tea bags, and fresh leaves

“Browns” for healthy soil:

Shredded paper and cardboard (no glossy finishes)
Dry leaves and straw
Manure and peat moss

This balance of nitrogen-rich greens and carbon-heavy browns forms the foundation of fertile, moisture-retentive soil.

Learning by Doing

Under bright prairie skies, attendees rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty—constructing beds on-site using local materials. Gardeners of all experience levels walked away with the skills to:

Build raised beds with minimal effort
Conserve water and reduce weeding
Improve soil health year after year

Grow More, Work Less

In an era of rising food prices and increasing climate uncertainty, no-dig garden beds offer a resilient solution for backyard growers. These systems require less irrigation, suppress weeds naturally, and support beneficial soil life—all while producing impressive yields.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

Whether you’re starting a small backyard garden or growing food for a whole community, no-dig raised beds are adaptable, affordable, and regenerative.

Get started with these helpful links:

Stay tuned for more garden education events hosted at the Trochu Arboretum, where the spirit of sustainability and community continues to bloom.