Kitchen Gardener Stephanie Hafferty On The Best Plants To Start With No-Dig

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Stephanie Hafferty is an Organic, No-Dig Kitchen Gardener who has been growing her own vegetables in this way for over 30 years.

As an established expert in the field, she has published several books including The Creative Kitchen and No Dig Organic Home and Garden – whilst also appearing on TV programmes such as BBC Gardeners’ World.

I spoke to Stephanie about her career and why she began practising no-dig gardening in the first place.

Imagery in this article has been provided with permission by Stephanie Hafferty.

How Did You First Get Into Gardening?

“I have always enjoyed being outside in the garden,” says Stephanie.

“When I was a very little child, I was forever ‘grubbing in the mud’, as my Mum put it, and I grew plants on my windowsill.

“I first got into growing edibles at around 17 years old, when I found an old-fashioned home-brew book in a charity shop and discovered that it was possible to grow things to make wine!”

What Does Gardening Mean To You?

“Gardening has certainly shaped my life and unexpectedly was the catalyst for a career change in my 40s,” she explains.

“I love being able to garden and recognise that I am really fortunate to have lived in rural areas for most of my adult life, with access to growing spaces.

“Gardening is not just my job, it’s a hobby, the source of much of the nutrition for my family and an endless learning journey. I grow to feed us and to create a self-sufficient lifestyle.

“I don’t want to be entirely self-sufficient, as a community is important and if we don’t support local businesses, we’ll lose them.

“Gardening has shaped my outlook on life by teaching me daily that there is always hope and the chance of new beginnings.”

When Did You First Start To Practise No-Dig Gardening?

“I first found out about no-dig gardening after attending permaculture and eco-festivals when my three children were small,” shares Stephanie.

“These were great events for a young family and always had inspirational gardens to explore.

“I started using no-dig methods on my allotment when I started working on a no-dig market garden about 15 years ago.

“I could see how well it worked, so I stopped digging altogether.”

What Are Some Good Plants To Start Out With?

“No-dig works with all plants, although you do need to dig a hole to plant a tree!

“I’d say just stop digging and give it a try. It is such a great way to grow.”

Do You Have Any Standout Moments?

“I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I have had in horticulture,” Stephanie shares. “It’s amazing to think that an old book about home brew could lead to a career in veg!

“Getting my first book published was a huge thrill, made even more special by it winning Practical Gardening Book of the Year at the Garden Media Guild Awards.

“Also, project managing and co-designing the RHS No-Dig Allotment Demonstration Garden at Hampton Court Garden Festival was a wonderful experience. Due to the covid lockdowns the garden, which was due to be at the show in July 2020, it actually featured in July 2021.

“This expanded my knowledge of garden design and meant that I was able to work with some amazing people. These wonderful shows that we all enjoy so much are mostly there due to the skill and expertise of the people behind the scenes, rather than the designers.”

What’s Next For You?

“I was recently appointed as one of the three Vice Chairs of the Garden Media Guild and am looking forward to working as part of the team.

“This year, I started hosting no-dig gardening courses at my home in Wales and I am adding new dates and courses, including Homesteading Skills and Wildlife Gardening, both in person in my garden and also online.

“Another project I am currently working on is helping to organise the Welsh Permaculture Gathering in September. This lovely event features a wide range of inspiring talks and workshops, great food and activities for children, on a beautiful organic dairy farm.”

What Advice Would You Give To Amateur Gardeners?

“My advice is to give it a go in whatever space you have, even if it is just a windowsill,” Stephanie says. “My first ‘garden’ consisted of potted plants on my windowsill.

“Try not to feel overwhelmed by the perfect gardens you see on social media. These are wonderful to look at, but in real life, most of us are juggling work, home life and gardens.

“Most of us have weedy areas, projects that aren’t quite finished yet or plants that have been munched to death by slugs.

“So, enjoy the perfect gardens for inspiration, but don’t let it stop you from enjoying your own garden.

“Finally, always keep learning. There is so much to enjoy and explore. The more I learn about gardening, the more I realise that there is so much more to learn.”