Recycle, compost, and make high-quality soil all at once with this easy, no-dig technique.
Like thebeloved Italian pasta dishit’s named after, this technique involves adding layers in the right order.
Microorganisms then turn all that intorich soil over time.
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Your lasagna garden will beready for plantingabout 6 to 12 months after the last layer is added.
There’s no prep work required other than clearing thesoon-to-be garden plotof rocks and debris.
You don’t need to worry abouttilling or turning the soil.
However, it’s possible for you to begin sheet composting anytime you have the materials.
Add Layers of Organic Materials
Lasagna gardening is all about the layers.
The newspaper or cardboard will prevent light from reaching the vegetation underneath, stopping its growth.
Soak the paper layer thoroughly to jump-start decomposition and help it stay in place.
The smaller or more finely chopped the material is, the more quickly it will decompose.
How to Layer Compost Material
Add a 2-inch “green” layer on top of the brown.
As the materials decompose, they’ll shrink down quite a bit.
For afinished edge, ring your lasagna garden with stones or bricks.
Add sturdy boards around your layers if you want tocreate a raised bedin the space.
How Long Does Lasagna Gardening Take?
Exact timing depends on several factors, including the size of the composted debris, temperature, and moisture.
But the good news is all you have to do is sit back and wait.
A lasagna garden is ready to plant when the composted materials are no longer recognizable.
Now you canstart planting veggies, herbs, and flowers to your heart’s content.
