Containerwise x Charles Dowding

The Global Champion

of No-Dig Gardening.

The propagation trays Charles Dowding actually uses at Homeacres. Designed for no-dig growing, built to last 15+ years, and proven across four decades of serious horticulture.

About Charles

Pioneering Organic Grower, Author & Teacher

Charles Dowding is a pioneering British organic gardener, author, and teacher who has revolutionised home vegetable growing through his advocacy and practical perfection of the no-dig method. Starting his journey in 1982, he has over 40 years of experience dedicated to cultivating healthy, nutrient-rich food while significantly reducing garden labour.

Based in Somerset, Dowding runs a highly productive market garden at Homeacres, using his plot to conduct famous side-by-side trials that consistently prove the efficacy of no-dig over traditional digging. These are the trays he uses every single day.

Read more about Charles on our blog ›

The Charles Dowding Range

Tried, Tested, and Proven at Homeacres

Charles selected these trays because they match exactly how he grows – deep cells for strong root development, durable enough to wash and reuse season after season, and sized for the way real kitchen gardens actually work.

CD15

15-Cell Tray

A quarter of the CD60 footprint – perfect for windowsills, experimenting with small quantities, or topping up gaps in the garden.

CD30

30-Cell Tray

Half the footprint of the CD60. Ideal for smaller batches or where space is limited – same cell design, fewer plants per tray.

CD60

60-Cell Tray

Charles’s most-used tray. Tapered cells use less compost, drain efficiently, and make transplanting clean and easy with large push-out holes.

Base

Base Tray

Sits beneath CD15 or CD30 trays. Ridged base air-prunes roots and manages watering – use as a drip tray or bottom-watering system.

40+ Years of No-Dig

Charles has been refining his no-dig system since 1982. These trays are part of a methodology proven across decades of real market garden production.

Deep Cell Design

Deeper cells than standard trays mean more compost volume per seedling, stronger root development, and less transplant stress – exactly what no-dig growing demands.

Built to Last

UV-stabilised recyclable polypropylene, injection-moulded in the UK by Containerwise. Proven 15+ year lifespan – wash, reuse, and reduce plastic waste year after year.