A Green Solution for Waste Management
I’m excited to share my collaboration with a local small animal boarding business, Little Dolittle (based in Tibshelf, Derbyshire), and how it’s helping me achieve my no-dig goals.
Running an animal boarding business comes with the responsibility of managing significant amounts of waste, particularly used animal bedding. For James and Louise at Little Dolittle, disposing of this waste in an eco-friendly manner was a challenge they wanted to address. That’s where our partnership began!
We’ve come to a fab’ arrangement through our shared commitment to sustainability. Little Dolittle now provides me with their waste animal bedding, which I repurpose on my vegetable beds (lasagne gardening). This process involves layering organic materials, like animal bedding, to create rich, fertile soil perfect for no-dig gardening. I struggle to lay my hands on enough organic matter to no-dig effectively.
Lasagne gardening is great for building healthy soil without tilling or digging. It involves layering “green” and “brown” materials—such as kitchen scraps, garden waste, and, in our case, animal bedding—directly onto the garden bed. Over time, these layers break down, creating a nutrient-rich environment that supports the growth of strong, healthy plants.
The animal bedding from Little Dolittle is a fantastic addition to my lasagne beds, which I have started at home but plan to expand to the allotment. It’s rich in organic matter and adds essential nutrients to the soil. This improves soil structure, enhances water retention (which I find is a big issue with shop-bought compost), and encourages beneficial microorganisms to thrive. The result is vibrant, productive vegetable beds that require minimal maintenance.
This collaboration with Little Dolittle is a perfect example of how gardeners and local businesses can work together to create sustainable solutions. For James and Louise, it means an environmentally friendly way to manage their waste, and it means I get a steady supply of organic material that helps me grow healthy, organic vegetables!
Thanks so much, James and Louise!
Sarah 🌻
If you’d like to find out more about Little Dolittle’s boarding services, visit their website here.
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