Lasagna Gardening: Your How Too Guide
Lasagna gardening, also known as sheet composting, is a great way to create a garden bed without the need for tilling or digging. This method involves layering organic materials on top of one another, creating a nutrient-rich soil that’s perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a lasagna garden from start to finish.
What is lasagna gardening?
Lasagna gardening, also known as sheet composting, is a method of creating a garden bed by layering organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and newspaper. The layers break down over time, creating a nutrient-rich soil that’s ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
It’s called “lasagna” gardening because the layers are built up similar to how you would layer the ingredients in a lasagna dish. This method is great for those who want to create a garden bed without the need for tilling or digging.
Materials Needed
- Cardboard or newspaper
- Compost
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Manure (optional)
- Mulch
- Organic fertilizer
- Water
Step-by-Step Guide
Choose a location for your lasagna garden. Look for an area with full or partial sun and good drainage.
Clear the area of any grass or weeds. If you have a large area, you may want to use a lawnmower or weed eater to clear the area quickly.
Lay down a layer of cardboard or newspaper over the entire area. This will smother any remaining grass or weeds and create a barrier between the soil and the organic materials.
Add a layer of compost on top of the cardboard or newspaper. This will be the base layer of your lasagna garden.
Add a layer of grass clippings on top of the compost. This will help to add nitrogen to the soil.
Add a layer of leaves on top of the grass clippings. This will help to add carbon to the soil.
If desired, add a layer of manure on top of the leaves. This will help to add additional nutrients to the soil.
Repeat steps 5-7 until you have created a lasagna garden that is at least 2 feet deep.
Top off the lasagna garden with a layer of mulch. This will help to retain moisture in the soil.
Add organic fertilizer to the top of the mulch. This will help to provide additional nutrients to the soil.
Water the lasagna garden thoroughly. This will help to activate the decomposition process and get the organic materials breaking down.
Wait a few weeks before planting your seeds or seedlings. The organic materials will need time to break down and create a nutrient-rich soil.
Do I need to till the soil before making a lasagna garden?
No, tilling is not necessary when making a lasagna garden. The layers of organic materials will break down over time and create a nutrient-rich soil.
Can I use any type of organic materials in a lasagna garden?
Yes, you can use a wide variety of organic materials in a lasagna garden, including grass clippings, leaves, kitchen scraps, and even shredded paper.
How often should I water my lasagna garden?
Water your lasagna garden as needed, typically 1-2 times per week depending on weather conditions. Check the soil moisture level regularly and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
Lasagna gardening is an easy and effective way to create a garden bed that’s perfect for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. By layering organic materials on top of one another, you can create a nutrient-rich soil without the need for tilling or digging. Follow the steps outlined in this guide and you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and productive lasagna garden.
