As a city dweller, I’m always looking for ways to make gardening easier (and more compact). I just don’t have space for the grand garden I often dream of. Still, I love to experiment with new methods that might save me time while offering a glimpse of that lifestyle, even if it’s just contained to one simple garden bed.
So when I started noticing everyone raving about the “no-dig” cardboard gardening method on TikTok, I had some questions: Is cardboard good for plants? Does it really require less work? How do you even go about setting up a cardboard garden bed? I spoke to expert Teri Valenzuela, natural science manager at Sunday, for more insight on the trend.
What Is a “No-Dig” Garden?
As the name implies, a “no-dig” garden doesn’t require any digging — instead, gardeners create a bed on top of the soil that’s already there.
“A no-dig garden uses layers of cardboard, compost and sometimes mulch over existing ground instead of digging into the soil. The compost and mulch help to break down the cardboard, plants can grow in the soil medium and the cardboard can stop existing weeds from growing,” says Valenzuela.
Digging into soil can disturb it, according to Valenzuela, which would make it more likely for weeds to grow. That’s where the cardboard comes into play, acting as a “weed barrier.”
Experts’ Take on the Trend
While using cardboard at the base of a garden bed is a convenient way to avoid digging and weed growth, experts warn that it isn’t going to completely eliminate all gardening-related work.
“It’s definitely okay to test this out in a small area,” says Valenzuela. “But while this method promises less work and labor, all gardening is a labor of love. Weeds don’t just come from below ground — their seeds move by wind, wildlife and other means, so you’ll always require a little tilling of soil and weeding in your soil beds.”
So don’t think of this method as an “easy way out,” but more of a chance to get into gardening without starting from scratch completely. The cardboard will act as your gardening assistant, helping prevent weed growth as much as possible.
How to Set up a “No-Dig” Garden
Setting up a no-dig garden is pretty simple. To help you get started, save any cardboard boxes or packaging you come across until you build up enough to cover the area you want for your garden.
“Start by laying cardboard over the area, overlapping the edges to block light and growing opportunities. Wet the cardboard to stay in place and add 4-6 inches of compost or garden soil. Then, plant directly into that top layer,” says Valenzuela.
Once you’ve planted your seeds, you’ll have to care for them as you would in a more traditional garden. Still, you won’t have to spend hours digging into soil. Plus, you’ll save time in the future since you won’t have to weed as much. Make sure to use quality soil and mix in sand or other materials to help with drainage.
The Bottom Line
While gardening with cardboard might seem unusual, it actually decomposes over time, adding nutrients to the soil while blocking weed growth. For beginner gardeners who are working with a contained space, the no-dig method is a great way to get started without having to dedicate tons of time and land. Still, experts warn that success is contingent on a number of factors.
“It really depends on your planting area, growing conditions and the quality of your ‘ingredients’ like plants and soil media,” says Valenzuela.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
