By Angie Scheu | A Simply Living Member Perspective
Every Memorial Day weekend in Central Ohio, our family dives into a tradition we affectionately refer to as “Family Gardening Weekend.” It’s our annual ritual to reconnect with the land—and with each other—through planting, prepping, and getting our hands a little dirty.
This year’s cooler weather made the work far more enjoyable than in years past. We took full advantage of it—prepping garden beds, filling containers with pollinator-friendly flowers, and starting new layers of mulch and compost using no-till gardening techniques. We did not finish our work on all 19 beds this weekend – but, we will continue gradually throughout the Summer.
Why We Choose No-Till Gardening
Our family began exploring no-till gardening to reduce labor and minimize weeds—but over time, it’s become a central part of our commitment to sustainability. This method avoids disrupting the soil with tillers or deep digging. Instead, you layer organic matter—like compost, straw, leaves, or mulch—on top of the soil to build fertility from the ground up.
It’s a gentle, regenerative approach that protects soil structure and the living organisms within it—worms, microbes, fungi, and more. And the results? Happier plants, healthier soil, and more time enjoying the garden rather than managing it.
Signs of Unhealthy (Dead) Soil
Before switching to no-till, we realized some of our beds were struggling. The plants were failing to thrive in those areas. Here are a few signs your soil might need some help:
• Dry, cracked, or compacted soil
• Lack of worms, insects, or microbial life
• No earthy smell—or a foul, sour odor
• Plants that are stunted, yellowing, or underperforming
Since adopting no-till methods, we are starting to see steady improvement: richer soil, thriving veggies, and fewer weeds year after year.
Native Plants and Wildlife Harmony
One of our favorite ongoing projects is expanding our native plant beds. Now in year two of trial and error, it’s been a learning journey—but a rewarding one. Our property is a Certified Wildlife Habitat, and we’ve come to expect regular visits from our “wild neighbors.”
They love our natives—sometimes a little too much! While we occasionally wish they’d leave a few blooms for us, we take it as a sign that we’re doing something right. Our philosophy: more diverse and abundant food sources lead to less competition and better plant survival over time.
From pollinators to songbirds, the garden is full of life—and we’re happy to feed them.
How to Start a No-Till Garden
Want to try no-till in your own backyard? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Clear the area of large weeds or debris. You can start right over existing grass.
2. Add a base layer of cardboard or newspaper to block weeds. Be sure to remove tape or any other plastic materials from the cardboard if you’re using it.
3. Layer organic materials—compost, mulch, straw, leaves. (We love adding a little Zoo Brew for an extra nutrient boost!)
4. Plant directly into the new top layer of soil.
5. Keep layering mulch throughout the season to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
This method is similar to nature’s nutrient cycling and builds up your soil—slow, steady, and full of life.
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From our family garden to yours—may your Summer be filled with growth, discovery, and a few visits from the bees, birds, and butterflies. Whether you’re starting small or rethinking your whole yard, remember: you’re not just growing plants. You’re growing connection, resilience, and care for the world we share.
Our community benefits from sharing our knowledge! Are you a Simply Living Member who would like to share your perspective for an upcoming article? Submit your ideas to angie@simplyliving.org!
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